How long does it take to settle a car accident case in Texas? It can take months or years to settle a car accident case in Texas, depending on the circumstances.
Your car accident lawyer in Corpus Christi can help you settle your case as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Factors That Can Determine How Long It Can Take to Settle an Auto Accident Case in Texas
Your personal injury lawyer in Corpus Christi can give you insights into how long it could take to settle your Texas auto accident case. They may account for any of the following factors as they estimate your case’s timeline:
- The severity of your injuries: In many instances, your attorney may advise you to wait until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) before you agree to a settlement. Otherwise, if you settle too soon, you could wind up receiving less money than what your case is worth and have to cover some or most of your long-term medical costs out of pocket.
- Liability: Texas is not a no-fault state for car accidents, and you could be held partly liable for your car crash and injuries. Your lawyer may commit substantial time and resources to gathering evidence that helps prove that another party should cover some or most of your accident losses.
- Insurance company tactics: Unfortunately, a liable party’s insurance company may do things to delay, deny, or lowball your claim. Such acts can prolong the process of settling your case.
- Litigation: If you file a lawsuit, it may take a year or longer before your case goes in front of a judge or jury. Court backlogs and the discovery process can extend the time frame for settling your case.
Carrigan & Anderson, PLLC has recovered millions of dollars for our clients, including those involved in auto accidents. We can explain the steps to take after a car accident in Texas. Plus, we can explore many legal avenues to help you settle your auto accident case in a minimal amount of time. Contact us today for more information.
We have offices in Houston, Corpus Christi, and Victoria; and will travel to any corner of Texas if we are capable of preventing an injustice.
A Look at the Timeline of How Long It Could Take You to Settle Your Texas Car Accident Case
You may wonder about what to do if your car insurance company is ignoring you and making it tough for you to resolve your case expeditiously. Having a car accident lawyer handle your case can help guide you through the process. Below are key milestones in this timeline:
Investigation
The investigation phase may begin shortly after you notify your auto insurance company about your accident. During this time, your lawyer may gather witness statements, accident scene photos and videos, police reports, and other evidence. On top of that, they may consider the case against you, since a liable party or their insurer may try to blame you for the accident.
Demand Letter and Evaluation
You may file a demand letter after your injuries stabilize. At this point, your attorney can file the letter to inform the at-fault party and their insurer about your compensatory damages. Overall, this stage could take one to two months, depending on the severity of your injuries.
Negotiation
When the parties involved in your case know what types of compensation you are requesting, settlement negotiations can get underway. Negotiations could last months, as your lawyer may go back and forth with a liable party or their insurer. Your attorney may advise you to decline any settlement offers unless you receive one that you feel is fair and reasonable.
If no settlement is reached, your lawyer may help you file a car accident lawsuit. Per Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003, you may have up to two years from the day of your car collision to sue a liable party. After your lawsuit is filed, it may take years to settle your case through negotiation or litigation.
What You Can Do to Speed Up the Process of Settling Your Car Accident Case in Texas
As you think about how long it could take you to settle your car accident case in Texas, it’s important to note that you decide whether to approve an offer. Your car accident attorney wants you to receive adequate compensation for your accident losses in a timely manner. They may offer tips to help you accelerate the process of settling your case, such as:
- Collect a wide range of evidence. If you have a large collection of relevant proof, it becomes exceedingly difficult to contest your case.
- Track your losses. Monitor your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses from your car accident. Share evidence detailing these losses with your attorney, and they can use them to strengthen your case.
- Stay off social media. What you post on Facebook, X, and other social media websites about your car accident settlement negotiations can hurt your case.
- Don’t communicate with any liable parties or their insurance companies. If you do, you could inadvertently say something that damages your case.
- Remain accessible to your attorney. If your lawyer receives a settlement offer from a liable party or their insurance company, you can review the proposal with them right away.
When it comes to how long a car accident case in Texas takes to settle, it pays to receive guidance and support from an attorney who knows the ins and outs of settlement negotiations. Your lawyer is committed to getting you compensation for your accident losses. They want to help you secure economic and non-economic damages without delay.
Representing the injured in all areas of Texas that extends back over 40 years
The Bottom Line on How Long it Can Take to Settle an Auto Collision Case in Texas
At Carrigan & Anderson, PLLC, we want you to have realistic expectations for settlement negotiations. Our team can discuss how long it can take for us to settle your car accident case in Texas.
Whatever your situation, we are here for you. Let us help you with your auto accident case. To get started, request a free case consultation.
At Carrigan & Anderson, PLLC we can talk to you about your options and rights.
