If you or a loved one have been involved in a car accident, your road to recovery may include securing a settlement check to cover your damages. If you have medical bills, lost wages, or other damages, it is understandable to wonder how long it may take to get a settlement check from a car accident in Las Vegas.
If you were involved in a collision, a Las Vegas car accident lawyer can advise you of the different factors at play in your case.
How Long Do Personal Injury Lawsuits Take to Settle in Las Vegas, NV?
The settlement timeline in personal injury cases, including car accidents, can vary significantly from case to case. It can take months or even years to settle some car accident claims. Common factors that influence how long it may take to get a settlement check in Las Vegas include:
Car Accident Complexity
Not all car accident cases are the same. For example, some are simple fender benders with clear liability and simple damages. These cases tend to settle quickly. However, some car accidents are more complex and involve multiple vehicles or disputes over liability and damages. These cases may take months or years to settle if they ever do because they require more extensive investigations.
Investigations are required to establish fault and value damages for injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering, which can delay settlement.
Severity of Injuries
The nature and severity of your injuries will affect how long it takes to settle your car accident claim. Settlements are generally not reached until you achieve “maximum medical improvement,” which means your injuries have stabilized. This is because you cannot evaluate whether a settlement will cover all your damages until you know the full extent of your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
It is important to only agree to a settlement that will cover all your health-related costs, present and future. More serious injuries typically prolong the settlement process because they require longer recoveries.
Comparative Fault in Nevada
You may share some liability for your car accident. This can impact the settlement timeline because Nevada follows a “modified comparative fault” rule. This rule states that your compensation after a car accident will be reduced by your percentage of fault for the accident. Additionally, your compensation will be barred entirely if you are more than 50 percent liable.
Comparative fault may delay the settlement process if liability is unclear after your accident. Few parties will be willing to settle a case if they believe your compensation may be reduced or even barred by your own liability.
How Long After a Settlement Do I Get Paid in Nevada?
Settlements are finalized in settlement agreements. Once a settlement agreement is reached, your actual payout may take a few days or weeks to arrive.
Here is the general process of getting a settlement check:
- Sign a settlement agreement, which generally states that you agree to accept the settlement in exchange for not pursuing further legal action regarding your car accident.
- The at-fault driver’s insurance company processes the payment.
- A settlement check is mailed to you or your lawyer. Upon receiving it, certain liens or debts will need to be paid. These include liens placed by medical providers for unpaid medical care related to your accident and certain debts for unpaid taxes or child support.
- The remaining funds are disbursed to you.
A Las Vegas car accident lawyer can help you estimate how long it may take to settle your car accident claim and receive a settlement check.
A Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You Pursue a Settlement
Many factors influence how long it takes to settle a personal injury claim in Las Vegas. The complexity of your case, injuries, and liability are all important. While you may be anxious to receive a check, understanding these factors will help you set expectations as you potentially face medical bills and lost income.
If you or a loved one have been in a car accident, schedule a free consultation with a Las Vegas car accident lawyer who can evaluate your case and guide you through the settlement process.
Contact Our Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyers at De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers For Help Today
If you’ve been injured in Las Vegas, NV, and need legal help contact our Las Vegas personal injury attorneys at De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case evaluation today.
De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers – Las Vegas Office
1149 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV. 89104
(702) 222-9999
Open 24 hours
De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers – Summerlin Office
410 S Rampart Blvd, Ste 480 Las Vegas, NV. 89145
(702) 297-6373
Open 24 hours
De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers – Henderson Office
9555 S Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV. 89123
(702) 997-4264
Open 24 hours