Dealing with a personal injury claim is a complex process, and it is a process that's best navigated with an attorney. However, the process itself can be somewhat unpredictable in terms of how long it takes to resolve and what it takes to get it to a resolution. If you were hurt in an accident, there are a few things that you need to know about the claim process and how long it may take.

It Depends On Your Injuries

One of the most important factors in how long your case will take to resolve is the nature of your injuries. If you suffered severe injuries with a lengthy recovery time or there are any questions about if you'll make a full recovery, either one could lead to delays in processing your case.

In order to settle your case for the most accurate and reasonable amount, most attorneys and courts look for maximum medical improvement. That means that, in order to adequately determine an award, your medical costs must be accurately estimated. This requires you to have reached a point where recovery has progressed as far as it can, which means maximum medical improvement.

Alternatively, if it is certain that you will make a full and complete recovery, maximum medical improvement isn't necessary. Your costs can be more accurately estimated because it will be easier to define the cost of your treatment until that defined recovery period is over. The more severe your injuries, the more likely that your case will require maximum medical improvement as compared to a full recovery estimation.

It Varies With The Insurance Companies Involved

When there are insurance companies involved as part of your case, that can also affect how long it takes for your case to be determined. There will naturally be some negotiation happening before the case is either settled or taken to court. The responsiveness and cooperation of the insurance companies will contribute to this.

If the insurance companies are willing to be cooperative and work with your attorney to settle your case quickly, you'll likely see resolution much faster than if they dispute the terms of the settlement or ultimately refuse to settle in mediation and demand a court hearing.

It Could Be Affected By The Court Schedule

In the event that your case goes to court, the court system itself can affect how long it takes to resolve. If the court dockets are particularly heavy where you live, that means a likely delay until your case is heard before the courts. As a result, you'll be waiting longer to resolve the case. There's no way to rush the hearing, so you're at the mercy of the court schedules to decide when your case will be heard.

For more information, contact a personal injury attorney near you.

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