Author: Jay Howard
The question of how long a settlement will take is almost always asked during a personal injury claim. However, every accident and claim is unique and requires thorough investigation. When you feel like your claim is moving too slow, it’s important to consider the many unavoidable circumstances that may affect how long the legal process takes.
If you feel frustrated or uneasy, talk with your personal injury claim attorney for details on why the process is extended. One of the primary responsibilities of an experienced personal injury lawyer is answering questions for clients. When they can look at the details of your specific case, you will better understand why your claim is taking longer than you expected.
What Determines How Long a Personal Injury Case Will Take?
From hospital fees to the cost of medication and pain relief, the damages you incur after an accident can be expensive. You may feel burdened by the pressures of these fees and want to know what is causing your claim to take longer than expected. Even though every claim is different, some common factors often affect the legal process:
- The severity of your injuries
- The amount of compensation you require
- If there are any legal issues or questions of fault
- Length of a thorough investigation
- How much evidence is necessary
If you have the ability, documenting the accident with pictures, videos, and witness accounts will significantly impact the speed of your claim. Unfortunately, many personal injury cases take longer when little information or evidence proves the other person’s liability. Having evidence of the other person’s fault can significantly increase the speed of a personal injury claim.
Georgia’s Statute of Limitations
In Georgia, the statute of limitations notes how long a person has to bring forth an account of damage. For a personal injury case involving injuries, the length of time a person has to file a claim is two years. However, if the accident caused someone to lose a spouse or domestic partner, an individual has four years to bring the accident forth in legal conflicts.
Taking into account the statute of limitations is crucial when filing your claim. If you try to file after two years, the court will almost always refuse to see your case and your right to recover compensation for the damages is lost.
When Should I Contact a Personal Injury Attorney?
The sooner you contact an attorney, the better. Not only will they have access to information and police reports, but they can also assist with medical treatment fees and collecting detailed evidence. There are many ways a lawyer can assist your claim, including:
- Conducting a fair and just investigation
- Answering questions relating to your claim
- Analyzing potential legal issues
- Discussing claims with insurance companies
- Reviewing legal documents
- Establishing the other individual’s negligence and liability
- Negotiating settlement offers
Talking with a reliable attorney can offer you knowledge and information specifically about your case. The filing process can be complex and requires considerable knowledge that most individuals are not familiar with. With the help of a lawyer you trust, you can feel confident and prepared for your case.
Trust an Experienced Tabbaa Law Lawyer with Your Personal Injury Claim
There are many ways a claim may take longer than you anticipate, but with the help of a dependable attorney, you’ll understand and have information about each step in the process. Our team at Tabbaa Law has years of experience advocating for the rights and interests of our clients. We tailor our practice to each individual and their needs, so we can proudly offer clients the resources and tools they need.
Call (770) 370-7881 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation today.
Personal Injury