If you’ve been injured in a car accident and filed a lawsuit, you may be wondering why the process is taking so long. The reality is that personal injury cases, especially those involving auto accidents, can take months or even years to resolve. Below, we break down the typical timeline, why delays happen, and how you can navigate life’s financial difficulties while waiting for your settlement.
The Auto Accident Lawsuit Process
A typical car accident lawsuit follows a structured process, including:
- Filing a Claim – After your accident, your attorney will file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company.
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering – Your legal team will gather medical records, police reports, witness statements, and any other relevant evidence for the case.
- Medical Treatment and Recovery – Your attorney will likely advise you to complete medical treatment before settling, as the full extent of your injuries needs to be known. Some injuries may not be immediately felt after an accident, which is why it is always important to get evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible. Additionally, following your attorney’s instructions and ensuring that follow-up medical appointments are made can be crucial to both your health, as well as the success of your case.
- Negotiations with Insurance Companies – Your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement. This part of the process can be lengthy and often take months.
- Filing a Lawsuit – If a fair settlement isn’t reached, your attorney may file a formal lawsuit, which begins the litigation process.
- Discovery Phase – Both sides exchange evidence and take depositions. This phase alone can take 6-12 months.
- Mediation or Settlement Discussions – Most cases settle before trial, but if negotiations fail, the case moves to trial.
- Trial (If Necessary) – If your case goes to trial, it may take a year or more before a final verdict is reached.
- Receiving Settlement Funds – If you win or settle, it can take upwards several months for the funds to be processed and disbursed.
Insurance Companies and Their Delay Tactics
One of the primary reasons car accident lawsuits take so long is that insurance companies will often move slowly during the process. These delays can be incredibly frustrating for plaintiffs, especially those facing financial hardship. As a result, some plaintiffs may feel pressured to accept a lower settlement out of desperation rather than waiting for a fair resolution.
These tactics are designed to save the insurance company money at your expense. The best defense against these strategies is to trust your attorney to fight for the best possible outcome.
It can be frustrating to wait months or years for a resolution, but your attorney is working in your best interest. They understand the tactics insurance companies use and will push for the fair compensation you deserve. Settling too soon can result in a payout that doesn’t fully cover your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. This can lead to further financial hardships in the future.
Have you been involved in an auto accident and need help with pre-settlement funding? Oasis is here to help!
How Long Does a Car Accident Lawsuit Take?
The length of a car accident lawsuit varies, but here are some general timeframes:
- Settlement Before Filing a Lawsuit – 3 to 6 months
- Lawsuit Filing to Settlement or Trial – 1 to 3 years
- Receiving Settlement Funds After Resolution – 4 to 8 weeks
How Pre-Settlement Funding with Oasis Financial Can Help
If you’re struggling financially while waiting for your settlement, pre-settlement funding (also sometimes incorrectly referred to as a lawsuit loan) from Oasis Financial can help provide relief. Pre-settlement funding allows plaintiffs to access a portion of their anticipated settlement before the case concludes. It can help cover expenses like:
- Medical bills
- Rent or mortgage payments
- Daily living costs
Pre-settlement funding can also prevent you from accepting a lowball offer due to financial pressure. With financial stability, your attorney can continue fighting for the maximum compensation you deserve. However, it’s important to first discuss with your attorney whether pre-settlement funding is right for you and your case. They can help you assess the pros and cons based on your specific situation and ensure it aligns with your legal strategy.
Pre-settlement funding is a non-recourse obligation. This means that the consumer is not responsible for repaying the funds if they don’t win the case or receive a settlement. There is no risk to you.
Oasis Financial is a trusted provider of pre-settlement funding, recognized for our straightforward and transparent process, quick approvals, clear terms without hidden fees, and dedication to supporting clients through the financial challenges of waiting for their settlements. With competitive rates and an uncomplicated process, we offer a dependable solution for those in need of financial assistance during a lawsuit.
By choosing Oasis Financial, you’re partnering with a trusted ally committed to guiding you through financial difficulties while your case progresses. For more information, visit our FAQ page and comprehensive guide to pre-settlement funding. If you’re ready to move forward or have questions, reach out to us today or start your online application for the financial help you need.
The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. No attorney-client or confidential relationship is or will be formed by use of the site. Readers of this website should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. No reader, user, or browser of this site should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this site without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction.
Oasis provides pre-settlement funding, also known as consumer litigation funding, to its customers through different products depending on their state of residence or cause of action. Many consumers will be provided pre-settlement funding in the form of a purchase agreement, which assigns a portion of the pending proceeds from their legal claim. Other consumers, such as those in SC and CO will be offered a funding in the form of a pre-settlement loan, sometimes referred to as a lawsuit loan. These transactions have important differences, therefore, consumers should carefully review and be aware of the type of transaction that is offered to them by any funding company.