After you have been injured in an accident, one of the last things you want to deal with is the lengthy process often involved in personal injury cases. Many accident victims are anxious to know how long it may take for their personal injury case to work its way through the legal system and reach a final resolution.
One essential thing to remember is that all personal injury cases are different, and no one can set a definitive time limit on how long it takes to reach an outcome. However, as a general rule, most personal injury cases in Georgia average between 6 to18 months to be resolved.
What Factors Could Negatively Impact My Case?
One of the leading factors that could delay your case being concluded is your physical recovery after the accident. It is standard procedure to not reach a settlement until after an injury victim has had a medical prognosis from a healthcare professional, especially if their case involves a catastrophic injury.
Other determining factors may include:
- Differing opinions from both sides as to the total settlement value.
- Challenges to your case made by the insurance company or defendant’s attorneys.
- Difficulties with witnesses providing testimony
Will I Have to Go to Court to Settle My Case?
Contrary to popular belief, most personal injury cases are settled before they go to court. A settlement may be reached at any stage of the legal process and even after a trial has already begun. Hiring a personal injury attorney can help demonstrate to the opposing side that your case is strong and that you are prepared to move to litigation if necessary. When insurers realize that you have retained a personal injury lawyer to represent you, they may be more willing to offer you a more favorable settlement than if you had not retained legal counsel.
Should I Accept the Insurance Company’s Initial Offer?
Frequently after an accident has occurred, the at-fault driver’s insurance company will attempt to offer you a settlement. Although the amount they offer you may seem tempting, rarely is their initial offer in your best interests. You should never speak to the other driver’s insurance company. They may use deceitful tactics to try and get you to say that the accident was your fault.
After you have been injured in an accident, one of the best steps you can take is to hire a qualified personal injury attorney. Your attorney can deal with the insurance company to try and negotiate a settlement that is in your best interests.
What Type of Damages Can I Recover in a Personal Injury Case?
The damages that you are able to recover after being injured will depend on the unique circumstances that surround your case. However, there are some commonly awarded damages that apply to a majority of personal injury cases, which include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Contact our law firm by calling 706-420-2949 and ask to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.