If you or a loved one was hurt in a hit-and-run incident in Port Charlotte, you may be wondering how long your case will take to settle. However, without knowing the specific facts of your case, this might be challenging. An expert lawyer’s evaluation of your claim may help you determine how long it will take to resolve your case.
At FGB Law Firm, our experienced team of attorneys is available to discuss your hit and run accident claim in a free, preliminary evaluation. One of our lawyers may determine whether your case is eligible for financial compensation during this complimentary meeting. Although there are no guarantees in a hit-and-run accident claim, if you have a solid claim, we may be able to provide an estimate of how much you are entitled to be compensated.
The amount of time you have to wait depends on the circumstances surrounding your accident and how seriously injured you are. Keep reading to learn about several elements that might influence how long you must wait before your hit and run claim is settled. Keep in mind that hiring a skilled hit-and-run accident attorney may assist speed up the process considerably, rather than dealing with it on your own. Those who receive legal assistance in a hit-and-run accident suit usually get larger compensation settlements than those who represent themselves.
What Factors Determine the Timeline in a Hit and Run Accident Claim?
Although the specifics of your case may vary, there are three primary elements that influence how long you will have to wait before your hit-and-run accident claim is settled:
- Maximum Medical Improvement – If you or someone you care about was hurt in a hit-and-run incident, you’ll want to get as much healing as possible before deciding which insurance companies to pursue. This means waiting until your doctor certifies that your condition is stable and no longer expected to improve. If you opt to settle early, you may not receive the entire and complete compensation you require for future medical treatment. Keep in mind that once you decide to negotiate your hit-and-run accident claim, you will no longer be able to submit any additional claims for the same accident in the future, regardless of how your condition evolves.
- Factual and/or Legal Issues – If you don’t have strong proof of the hit-and-run accident, your claim may be delayed or denied by the insurance companies, which will extend the process. Insurers may try to argue that your injuries were not caused by what you claim, and you may be refused payment. This scenario plays out all too frequently in a hit-and-run accident claim, particularly when the at-fault driver cannot be found or identified. This is where a diligent lawyer from our firm can will protect your rights and seek the full amount of financial compensation you may require to make a complete recovery if your claim has merit.
- Large Amounts of Compensation – When significant compensation is on the line, insurance corporations will go to any length to avoid paying you the full amount of money that you are entitled to. Adjusters may appear nice and helpful, but they can try to use anything you say against your claim’s worth. Another advantage of hiring a competent attorney is that they will be able to assist you in navigating the insurance claims process and negotiate on your behalf with insurers.
Timelines In A Hit And Run Accident Claim
Once you and your lawyer have determined a reasonable and fair settlement amount, he or she may create a demand letter on your behalf and send it to the insurance companies involved. The insurance firm has the option of accepting your claim, making a counteroffer, or outright rejecting it.
If a settlement agreement is reached between the parties involved, Florida Statute 627.4265 states that the auto insurance company must pay the claim within 20 days. However, if it is a Personal Injury Protection (PIP) claim, the insurer is required to pay within 30 days, according to Florida Statute 627.736.
Everything is contingent on how swiftly you and your lawyer can get all of the paperwork to the insurance companies. An expert lawyer will be familiar with the necessary procedures and deadlines in order to preserve the value of your claim.
What If My Hit And Run Claim Goes to Trial?
While most hit-and-run accidents are resolved pre-court, there are times when the parties may not be able to agree on a settlement amount. If this is the case, you and your attorney may need to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver to seek full compensation for what you deserve.
Your case will head to mediation which is typically the first stage in a legal procedure. The two parties would meet with a mediator to try and negotiate their differences before going to court. The mediator is simply there to listen to both sides of the story and attempt on making both parties agree on a settlement.
Your claim for a hit-and-run accident might go to court if mediation fails to resolve the situation. It’s critical to stick to your story and only provide facts about what occurred. If you alter your story throughout the procedure, your claim will be less believable.
Although it’s not uncommon for minor hit-and-run claims to be settled within a month or two, complicated situations can drag on for months to years, depending on the circumstances. For example, if there is limited evidence available, or if your injuries have yet to mend, the procedure may lengthen.
Call A Legal Professional To Handle Your Hit And Run Accident Claim
We suggest consulting an experienced legal expert if you have been in a hit-and-run accident. You might be selling yourself short if you accept a fast settlement offer from the insurance company.
We never settle for less when we represent our clients’ interests at FGB Law Firm. We handle each case with urgency and care, regardless of its size or value, and we treat our clients with the respect they deserve.