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How long it takes to settle a car accident in South Carolina will depend on the circumstances of the incident. Some car accident cases settle within months, while others may take years to resolve. In complex cases involving multiple cars or disputes over liability, a resolution could take a year or more.
Let a South Carolina car accident lawyer handle your legal matters in the aftermath of your auto collision. Your attorney may encourage you to focus on your accident recovery as they build your case for compensation.
Generally, your attorney will engage in settlement negotiations with any parties that may be liable for your car accident and their insurance companies. If you don’t get a reasonable insurance settlement, your lawyer may advise you to sue and bring your case to trial.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Car Accident in South Carolina if Someone Else Is to Blame?
Your South Carolina personal injury lawyer can provide insights into how long it could take to settle your South Carolina car accident if another party is to blame. They can share details about the factors that could influence this timeline, such as:
- Medical treatment: Your attorney may advise you to reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) before you agree to a settlement. You can settle before you reach MMI, but at this level, you may have a good idea about how much compensation you will need to cover your current and future medical expenses from your accident injuries.
- Case complexity: It could take a long time to resolve your case if there is a dispute over fault or a lengthy investigation is needed to determine who may be liable for your accident.
- Filing a lawsuit: If you do not finalize a settlement, you may have to proceed with a lawsuit to secure compensation for your accident losses. At this point, it could take months or years before your case goes in front of a judge or jury.
In terms of what to do after a car accident that’s not your fault, your personal injury attorney wants you to take care of yourself. Meanwhile, they may negotiate a settlement with a liable party or their insurance company. At the same time, they may prepare your case for trial.
Steps to Settle a Car Accident in South Carolina
Don’t wait too long after your South Carolina auto accident to seek a settlement from any responsible parties. Work with a car accident attorney who has experience with the settlement process. Your lawyer can guide you through this process, which consists of these steps:
- Care for your injuries. Treat your whiplash, broken bones, and other accident injuries and track what you spend on medical care.
- Send a demand letter. Your lawyer can send a demand letter to the insurance company of anyone who may be liable for your accident. The insurer may respond to this letter weeks or months after they receive it.
- Negotiate a settlement. Your attorney can provide frequent updates about settlement negotiations. In some cases, months may pass before you get a settlement offer that you feel will give you sufficient compensation.
- Finalize your agreement. If you agree to a settlement, you will have to sign a release stating that you won’t sue for damages later. Once you do this, you may get a settlement check weeks later.
Your lawyer is familiar with the factors that can impact the average cost of a car accident and what your case may be worth. They can keep you updated as settlement negotiations progress. Any time they receive an offer, you can review the proposal with them before you decide on it.
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Tips to Help You Accelerate the South Carolina Car Accident Settlement Process
You play a role in determining how long it takes for you to settle your car accident case in South Carolina. With the right approach to your case, you could speed up the process of getting a fair settlement. Below are some of the things that you can do to accelerate this process:
- Get medical attention. Treat your accident injuries and track your medical costs. Your lawyer may use your medical records to highlight the severity of your injuries and explain to a liable party or your insurer why you deserve compensation for your injury-related expenses.
- Collect evidence. In addition to your medical records, you may use accident scene photos, witness statements, police reports, and other forms of evidence to bolster your case for compensation.
- Decline any lowball offers. Have your attorney review your accident losses so they can estimate your case’s value. If you get an offer worth less than what you’ve incurred in losses, you may want to reject it and continue to let your lawyer negotiate.
If you file a car accident lawsuit, your attorney can keep negotiating a settlement until your trial date, and they may be able to resolve your case outside of the courtroom. Ultimately, if your case reaches trial, your lawyer is ready to argue for damages on your behalf.
The Bottom Line on How Long It Can Take for You to Settle Your Auto Accident Case in SC
Unfortunately, it could take months or years before you settle your auto accident case in South Carolina. Thankfully, you don’t have to go through the settlement process by yourself. Car accident attorneys can answer any questions you have about how long it may take to settle your South Carolina car accident case and help you at each stage of the settlement process.
Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC has recovered over $100 million in compensation for our clients. If you want information about how long it could potentially take to settle your car accident case in South Carolina, we’re here for you.
Our goal is excellence in legal representation, and we are passionate about getting you the results that you want in your auto accident case. To learn more, schedule a free case review.
