How Long Does it Take to Get a Personal Injury Settlement Check in Los Angeles County?
Personal injury victims may find themselves dealing with complicated legal claims and insurance settlements. One of their biggest questions is how they will pay their bills.
Most people hope to settle their cases quickly to recover compensation for their damages. However, many factors can impact how long it takes to receive a settlement check in Los Angeles County, CA.
An experienced Manhattan Beach personal injury attorney can review your situation and explain what to expect in your case.
An Overview of the California Personal Injury Settlement Process
A personal injury settlement is an agreement between the victim and the at-fault party or defendant. Defendants are often represented by their insurance company.
A settlement compensates the victim for damages they suffered in the accident. Those damages could include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. One of the biggest advantages of a settlement is that it prevents the case from going to trial, which can be time-consuming and stressful.
However, the first offer from an insurance company may not always be the best. Insurance companies are businesses, and their goal is to pay as little as possible.
An experienced personal injury attorney is critical in negotiating a fair settlement. They can navigate California’s personal injury laws, assess the true value of your claim, and fight for fair compensation, sometimes even increasing the settlement amount.
The Timeline for Settling Your Personal Injury Claim
The timeline your case follows will vary depending on its complexity and several other factors. Understanding these factors can help manage expectations and reduce anxiety during this waiting period.
Factors Influencing the Settlement Timeline
You may be wondering, “How long will the settlement process take?” There is no definite answer to this question.
However, some of the factors that can affect the timeline include:
- Determining Liability: The foundation of any personal injury claim is establishing who is at fault. In cases where liability is not clear-cut, the process can take longer. Insurance companies may offer lower settlements or require additional evidence, such as expert testimonies from doctors, to determine the extent of the defendant’s negligence.
- Calculating Pain and Suffering: Many personal injury claims involve pain and suffering in addition to medical bills and lost income. This includes physical pain and emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
- Reaching Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI): It’s generally advised not to settle a claim until you’ve reached MMI. This is the point where your condition has stabilized, and further treatment is unlikely to significantly improve your condition. Settling before reaching MMI could mean forfeiting your right to additional compensation if unforeseen complications arise later.
- High-Value Settlements: If your settlement amount is higher than average, you can expect a longer review process. Insurance companies are cautious when paying out large sums.
There may be more factors that influence how long it takes to get your settlement check. Stay in touch with your California personal injury attorney to receive updates on the progress of your case.
The Process of Receiving Your Settlement Check
Once you and the opposing party agree on a settlement amount, both parties sign a settlement agreement. As the victim, you also sign a release, which prevents you from pursuing further legal action for this incident.
Here’s what usually happens next:
- Your attorney forwards the signed release to the insurance company.
- The insurance company processes the release, closes your claim, and sends the settlement check to your attorney.
- Your attorney deposits the check into an escrow account. This step is crucial because there may be outstanding claims against your settlement, such as medical liens.
- Medical liens are paid from your settlement amount (if applicable).
- Your attorney’s fees are deducted.
- Finally, your attorney sends you the remaining amount as your final settlement check.
Your case may involve additional steps. It is important to ask questions so you understand what to expect.
An Experienced Attorney Can Help You Pursue a Fair Personal Injury Settlement in Los Angeles County, CA
The journey from a personal injury to receiving a settlement check can be long and complex. Even though you want to get your settlement check as fast as possible, you need to be sure the amount is fair.
Contact our Los Angeles County personal injury attorneys today to schedule your free consultation. We will review your case and explain your options. Let us help protect your rights to receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact the Personal Injury Lawyers at The Simon Law Group Today
For more information, please contact an experienced Torrance personal injury lawyer at The Simon Law Group to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have three convenient locations in California, including Torrance, Hermosa Beach, and Santa Ana, CA. We also have offices in Phoenix, AZ, and Austin, TX.
We proudly serve Los Angeles County and Orange County, CA, and its surrounding areas:
The Simon Law Group – Torrance, CA Office
2916 W 164th St Second Floor, Torrance, CA 90504
(424) 622-0812
The Simon Law Group – Hermosa Beach, CA Office
34 Hermosa Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
(424) 722-3209
The Simon Law Group – Santa Ana, CA Office
1327 N Broadway, Santa Ana, CA 92706
(714) 581-8546
