Why Is My Car Accident Settlement Taking So Long? (2025)

Common Steps Involved in Processing a Settlement

Whether you are involved in a car, truck, or motorcycle accident, the basic steps of the settlement process will be relatively similar. First, you’ll need to file a claim. Starting a claim can be complicated, but a good attorney will take care of it on your behalf.

Next comes the negotiation process. Once all parties agree to the terms, you will be asked to sign a release form.

After you sign the release form, the payment processing period begins, which might take a few weeks. This is because money must be distributed to various parties, including your attorneys. You’ll receive the remaining balance after all other obligations have been settled.

Factors That Can Impact How Long Your Settlement Takes

Before starting the claims process, it’s important to familiarize yourself with all of the different factors involved in reaching a settlement, which include:

How Severe Your Injuries Are

If you suffered major injuries, it may take time for your attorney to gather supporting documentation and tally up the costs of your condition. Ongoing care, such as physical therapy, must be accounted for when negotiating a settlement. Otherwise, you may not receive enough money to cover all of your medical expenses.

Depending on the circumstances, your attorney may need to bring in medical experts to explain your injuries and how they have negatively impacted your quality of life. The severity of your injuries has the biggest impact on your total claim size. Therefore, your legal team has to carefully count the costs of what you went through.

The Size of the Claim

Average car accident settlement amounts reached $35.5K in 2022. Insurance companies may reference these figures when negotiating a settlement. If you ask for much more than the typical amount, reaching an agreement can be harder.

Remember, insurance companies want to settle for the lowest amount possible. On the other hand, your representation wants to make sure you receive a fair amount.

The Type of Crash

Certain types of accidents may be more fiercely litigated. For instance, if you are involved in a commercial truck accident, the company that owns the vehicle might work harder to minimize its liability. Decreasing its liability can help reduce insurance costs for the business and protect the company’s reputation.

Who Was Involved

Crashes are rarely cut and dry. More complex crashes may involve three or more vehicles. If some of the vehicles also had passengers who filed claims, the entire process could become more complicated and drawn out.

If the circumstances surrounding your crash are complicated, you may also experience delays during the settlement process. For example, if one of the vehicles had a mechanical failure, the insurance company may use this angle to reduce the driver’s liability and shift blame to the manufacturer.

How to Document Your Injuries and Expenses for a Faster Settlement

Properly documenting your injuries and related expenses is one of the best ways to avoid unnecessary delays in the settlement process. Start by keeping all medical records, including hospital visits, follow-up appointments, physical therapy sessions, and prescriptions. Each document serves as concrete evidence of the extent and costs of your injuries. If you skip this step or don’t have accurate records, it may slow down negotiations and reduce the overall compensation.

Besides medical documentation, include any receipts or records of other costs related to your accident. Expenses like transportation to medical appointments, home modifications due to injury, and even over-the-counter medications can add up significantly. By maintaining a comprehensive log, you make it easier for your attorney to calculate a fair settlement amount, allowing them to negotiate with clear, indisputable figures. This is just one of the many reasons it is worth it to get an attorney for a car accident.

Many accident victims overlook the importance of documenting lost wages. However, if your injuries have prevented you from working, include pay stubs, employer statements, or bank records showing missed income. Loss of future earning capacity can also be part of your claim if your injury has long-term effects on your ability to work. Accurate records of these financial impacts prevent delays and help ensure that your claim fully reflects your economic losses.

Why Is My Car Accident Settlement Taking So Long?

• The Complexity of Car Accident Cases Can Cause Delays: Car accident settlements aren’t always straightforward. Cases with severe injuries, extensive damages, or unclear liability can lead to longer processing times. For example, if your accident involves multiple vehicles or potential third parties (like a manufacturer for a defective part), each party’s liability must be assessed. This process alone can take weeks or months, especially if multiple insurers are involved, and can cost additional amounts, which is why it’s good to understand car accident lawyer fees.
• Insurance Companies Often Delay Intentionally: Insurance companies are often in no rush to settle, especially when larger sums are at stake. Adjusters may extend the timeline, seeking ways to minimize the payout, hoping you’ll accept a lower offer due to the delay. They might ask for extra documentation, question the extent of your injuries, or claim the accident wasn’t as severe. These tactics, while frustrating, are unfortunately common and can add to the overall settlement time.
• The Role of Legal and Medical Assessments: Many settlements are delayed due to ongoing medical treatment or the need for additional expert assessments. If your injuries require long-term care, such as physical therapy or multiple surgeries, your lawyer may recommend waiting until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement before finalizing the claim. This approach ensures you don’t settle for less than your case is worth but can understandably prolong the process.

Want to Expedite Your Settlement Process? Connect With an Experienced Lawyer

The best way to minimize the risk of delays in your settlement process is to seek experienced legal representation from day one. ConsumerShield can connect you with a reputable lawyer near you. Fill out our contact form to speak to a seasoned car accident attorney in your area.