How long does it take to settle an auto accident case if you have been hurt in a crash in Texas? The truth is, it depends. Some cases resolve in a few months, while others drag on for a year or more. Generally, a quick settlement is more likely when liability is clear and injuries are minor. But serious injuries, disputed fault, or uncooperative insurers can make the process longer and more stressful.
One of the most effective ways to speed up the process and protect your legal rights is by working with a lawyer. At Moore Law Firm, our Texas auto accident lawyers can help ensure insurance providers take your claim seriously and that you do not get pressured into accepting a settlement that will not cover all the losses you incurred due to the crash.
There is No Set Timeline for Settling Car Accident Cases
Auto accident cases do not follow a script. Some are straightforward, others are messy. The uncertainty can feel overwhelming when you are hurt, and your bills are piling up. However, you should know that settling too soon can cost you in the long run. It is common for insurers to throw out early offers to minimize their payout.
They are hoping you’ll accept their offer before you understand the full impact of your injuries. Once you settle, however, you cannot go back. That’s why you should know what your case is worth and wait until you have the full picture. A seasoned Texas auto accident attorney can help you avoid this sneaky trap, estimate your future needs accurately, and build a solid compensation claim backed by medical evidence, documentation, and expert opinions.
Various Factors Impact How Long to Settle an Auto Accident Case in Texas
Several key factors influence the timeline of a car accident claim in Texas:
Seriousness and Nature of Your Injuries
Your case may settle quickly if you are just dealing with minor injuries. On the other hand, you should wait until you reach maximum medical improvement if you’ve had surgery or physical therapy or are facing long-term effects like nerve damage or chronic pain. This allows your attorney to calculate your future medical costs and losses more accurately.
Disputes About Who is At Fault
Texas follows the modified comparative fault rule. This means that you cannot recover compensation if you are found to be more than 50% responsible for the crash. If there is any disagreement about who caused the accident, expect delays. Insurers may try to blame you to avoid paying out. Your lawyer can prove liability using evidence like dashcam footage, police reports, and witness statements.
Insurance Company Delays
While Texas law requires insurers to act in good faith, many still don’t. The law provides that they must begin investigating a claim within 15 days and pay within 5 days after approving it. Unfortunately, delays still happen, and enforcement can be difficult without a lawyer. Insurance adjusters may go silent for weeks or drown you in unnecessary paperwork. Your Texas car accident attorney can deal with the insurer and keep the process moving.
Documentation and Proof of Injuries
It is not enough to say you are in pain. You need documentation, including medical records, test results, treatment plans, and expert opinions. It can take time to gather everything, especially from multiple providers. However, strong documentation usually makes the difference between a lowball offer and a fair settlement.
Complexity of Damages
If your injuries go beyond a broken bone or ER visit, figuring out the full financial impact takes more time. We are not just talking about current bills since some cases involve future surgeries, long-term physical therapy, or a permanent drop in income. Proving those long-term costs usually requires detailed medical records, expert reports, and even economic analysis. Your Texas car accident lawyer will know how to document the full picture so you don’t walk away with a settlement that only covers part of your damages.
Settlement vs. Lawsuit
Most car accident claims settle out of court. However, filing a lawsuit might be necessary if the insurer refuses to offer a fair amount. While litigation takes longer, it also tells the insurer that you are not backing down. In many cases, that pressure leads to a better offer before trial even starts.
Remember, insurers have teams of adjusters and attorneys working to protect company profits, not your health or financial future. Many injured Texans accept lowball offers because they don’t know what their case is worth or feel pressured to move quickly. With a lawyer handling your case, you increase your chances of securing maximum compensation for all your damages as efficiently and quickly as possible.
Get Legal Advice From Our Texas Auto Accident Attorneys Today
If you have sustained injuries in a car crash and want to understand more about your options and how long it takes to settle an auto accident case, our Texas car accident lawyers are here for you. At Moore Law Firm, we believe you deserve more than a fast check. You deserve a resolution that covers everything you have lost and everything you still need. Dial 504-840-5529 or reach us online to schedule your free consultation.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ):Â
What factors affect the timeline for settling a Texas auto accident case?
Factors include the seriousness of injuries, disputes over fault, insurance company delays, the need for comprehensive documentation, and the complexity of damages.
Why shouldn’t I settle my car accident case too soon?
Settling too soon can result in accepting a lowball offer that doesn’t fully cover your current and future losses, as insurers often try to minimize payouts early on.
How can a lawyer help speed up an auto accident settlement in Texas?
A lawyer can ensure insurance providers take your claim seriously, prevent you from being pressured into unfair settlements, prove liability, deal with insurer delays, and accurately document your damages.