Accidents happen every day in Miami and in most cases, they are entirely preventable. Car accidents, slip and falls, and other serious accidents are often caused by the negligence, or carelessness, of another person. If you have been in an accident that was the fault of someone else, you do have the right to file a legal claim for damages that will help cover your medical bills, lost wages, and more.
Injured individuals often hesitate to file a legal claim after an accident. They want to recover from their injuries and think they have enough to deal with. If you have been hurt, it is important that you do not think this way. You deserve compensation for your losses, and you may receive a settlement check within just a few weeks. Although no one can say with certainty how long your case will take, there are a few guidelines you can apply to your case.
Small Personal Injury Claims
If you sustained an injury that was serious but is not considered catastrophic, your insurance claim will likely settle very quickly. Insurance companies want to settle claims as quickly as possible and while they may investigate the accident, they will do so in a timely manner. Most cases that only require filing an insurance claim for a fairly small amount will typically settle within four to six weeks.
The Circumstances of Your Case
Your personal injury case will rest on which party was negligent and therefore, is now liable for paying damages. If the negligent party is arguing that you were at fault for the accident, that will complicate matters and may result in your case taking longer to settle. You may also need to use expert testimony, such as that from your doctor, which is important, but can also lengthen the time before a settlement is reached.
Your Own Recovery Time
You should never file a personal injury claim before you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI). This means you have reached the point in your recovery in which your injuries will not become any better, but they will also not become worse. If you file your claim before you reach MMI, you will likely lose out on some of the compensation you are entitled to. The longer it takes you to reach MMI, the longer it will take to reach a settlement.
You Suffered a Catastrophic Injury
Paralysis and amputation are just two types of catastrophic injuries that will affect you for the rest of your life. Claims involving catastrophic injuries generally take longer to settle due to the severity of the injury. Due to the large amounts sought in these claims, insurers may also try to act in bad faith and deny a claim, which will also make a case take longer.
Our Personal Injury Lawyer in Miami Can Advise on Your Case
It may take some time before you receive compensation through a personal injury claim, but this should never be a reason not to file. At Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP, our skilled Miami personal injury lawyers will help you through the process and ensure your claim is resolved as quickly as possible. Call us today at 305-371-2692 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.