How Long Does It Take To Get Insurance Money After Car Accident?
In California, there are over 17 million registered automobiles from both the private and commercial sectors. With this overwhelming number of registered vehicles, it is no surprise that automobile accidents are common in this state.
Every year, thousands of car accidents occur on California roads. The Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) estimates about 161,131 traffic accidents occurred in California in 2021.
These accidents can lead to expensive property damage and costly medical treatments to help accident victims cope with their injuries. Therefore, a commonly asked question is how long does it take to get insurance money after car accident?
In this article, we will discuss the following:
- California insurance laws,
- what to do after getting in a car accident,
- the kind of compensation that is recovered,
- the average car settlement time,
- what happens after a claim is accepted, and
- how long it will take to recover insurance money after a car accident?
California Laws and Financial Responsibility Requirements
As mandated by state law, insurance is a requirement for drivers in the state of California.
California Insurance Code §11580.1b states that drivers must have a minimum of $15,000 in liability insurance for private passenger vehicles, $5,000 for property damage, and $30,000 for injury to more than one person.
Californians who meet the requirements can choose to acquire insurance via a program designed specifically for drivers with modest incomes.
The Department of Motor Vehicles will provide a certificate of self-insurance to drivers who pay a $35,000 deposit and choose not to have liability or medical insurance on their vehicles.
What to Do in the Event of a Car Accident in California
On California’s highways, streets, and roads, motor vehicle collisions can occur anytime. If you sustained injuries from an accident due to another party, you may wish to file a personal injury claim. In order to preserve the integrity of your claim, there are some steps you can take to elevate your chances of recovering a favorable financial compensation amount.
Here are some things you can do immediately after an auto accident:
- Contact the police – The police must be contacted immediately after the accident. An officer must be present at the accident scene to file a police report. Relay all pertinent information to the officer regarding accident details or how the accident happened. Be sure to collect the number of this report. Your auto accident lawyer may use this as evidence to strengthen your claim.
- Document the accident scene – Before leaving the scene, take as many photographs as possible from different angles. Include details such as signages or lack thereof, road conditions, or property damage.
- Seek medical care – Even if you think you may have only sustained minor injuries from the accident, it is crucial that a medical professional assess you following an accident. Some injuries may not outwardly present themselves. Internal injuries may cause severe health complications if left unchecked. Remember to keep your medical records, as these may be essential information to your case.
- Collect information – Remember to collect the information of the other driver, such as their full name, license, contact information, license plate number, and if possible, their insurance carrier. If there were any witnesses at the time of the incident, collect their information as well.
- Contact an auto accident lawyer – You must contact an experienced attorney to help guide you through the claims process to ensure you receive your accident settlement as soon as possible. Do not hesitate to contact Ayuda California today!
What Kind of Compensation is Recovered?
Not all car accidents are alike. The circumstances and manner of the accident are some factors that may dictate the recoverable compensation in these cases. Other factors such as property damage, may also affect the compensation of your accident claim.
Accident victims may be entitled to the following compensatory damages:
- Medical expenses
- Medical providers expenses
- Future medical payments
- Vehicle damage
- Repair shop expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Other financial losses occurred due to the accident
- And more
What is the Average Car Accident Settlement Time?
The time frame for a car accident case settlement will depend on certain details of your case. The settlement process may take 3-6 months to settle but may take longer if liability is disputed, or if the plaintiff’s (accident victim) extensive injuries may require more treatment. In the case where a plaintiff’s injuries are mild to moderate, the average car accident settlement time may take up to 6 months.
Severe accidents that lead to serious injuries or wrongful death cases may take longer to settle because of the added complexities of these types of claims.
However, rest assured that an experienced car accident lawyer will ensure that these complexities are handled in a timely and sufficient manner.
What Happens After the At-Fault Party Accepts the Claim?
Once the defendant (at-fault party) accepts liability for the accident, the plaintiff’s property damage and bodily injury are assessed.
The plaintiff’s car will be assessed by an auto body shop to determine the extent of repairs and calculate the amount needed to have the vehicle repaired. The same process of assessment takes place in the event of a total loss wherein the vehicle is unrepairable or the cost of repair amounts to more than the car is worth.
Once a plaintiff’s bodily injuries have been assessed, then the accident victim will start to receive treatment to medicate the damages to their body. This may take a few months to undergo, depending on the types of injuries the plaintiff has sustained and the treatment required to medicate these, such as physical therapy, surgery, and more. The amount of time and kind of treatment a plaintiff undergoes is also dependent on the insurance coverage the defendant has.
Once the plaintiff’s property damage has been assessed, and their treatment is over, a demand for recoverable damages is sent to the defendant regarding how much economic damages or non-economic damages are owed.
After a demand is sent, the defendant’s insurance company is given 30 days to review the demand and issue an offer.
How Long Does it Take to Get Insurance Money After Car Accident?
As with the settlement process, there are several factors that will determine how long it takes for the plaintiff to receive their insurance settlement check. Once the plaintiff signs the needed release forms, the process to recover compensation may begin.
In some cases, a plaintiff may opt to open a lien with their health insurance company to help cover the cost of treatments. At Ayuda California, we negotiate with medical providers and insurance adjusters to ensure our clients receive the maximum compensation possible.
Upon settlement of the lien amount, the client may receive their accident settlement check. This process may take up to a few months at a time.
Injured in a Car Accident? Contact Ayuda California Today!
Handling a case on your own while recovering from your injuries can be difficult without legal counsel by your side.
If you were injured in a car accident in California, your search for an experienced personal injury attorney ends here. At Ayuda California, we understand what you are going through. We ensure that you will receive the medical care and compensation you need. We can help you get insurance money after car accident.
Our English and Spanish-speaking team will handle all the complexities of your case, and deal with insurance company representatives, so you can focus solely on your recovery. Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation or call (844) 865-0721. We are available 24/7!
