If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you might wonder, “Why is my settlement so slow?” You’re not alone. Most people in Missouri get frustrated when things drag out, and bills keep accumulating.
What Slows Down or Speeds Up Your Car Accident Claim
Regrettably, car accident settlements don’t follow a set schedule. There’s no template timeline. However, understanding the variables that can speed up—or slow down—your case can put you in control and alleviate unnecessary stress.
From the outset, having a seasoned personal injury attorney in Springfield can keep your case on track, empower you with knowledge, and safeguard your rights.
The #1 Factor in Missouri Car Accident Settlement Delays
Hands down, the most common reason for a delay is ongoing medical treatment. Insurance companies want to wait until you’re either fully healed or reach ‘maximum medical improvement’ (MMI) before they pay out. MMI is a medical term that means your condition has stabilized, and further significant improvement is unlikely. That’s when doctors can determine the full impact of your injuries.
Patience, coupled with a prudent legal approach, guides you toward a secure future. Rushing into a settlement could lead to underestimating future medical expenses, but a careful approach ensures your long-term safety.
How long does it typically take to resolve a car accident case in Missouri?
It varies. Some take a few months, and some take a year or more. The most significant variables are injury severity, ongoing treatment, disputes over liability, and how cooperative the insurance company is. Being represented by a Springfield personal injury attorney generally makes it move faster.
Disputed Liability in Missouri Car Accidents: How Fault Can Slow Down Your Claim
When it’s not clear whose fault the crash was, insurance companies will often dig in. They may claim you’re partially at fault or try to argue their driver wasn’t at fault at all. Missouri has a comparative fault system, which means how much you can recover will be cut by your percentage of fault.
Establishing fault is essential. We collect police reports, eyewitness accounts, and dashcam videos and even call in accident reconstruction specialists if necessary. That’s why having an experienced personal injury lawyer in Springfield can prevent your case from going into neutral.
Why Insurers Delay Missouri Car Accident Settlements
Let’s be real: insurance companies know you’re under pressure. Some use this against you. They may delay responses, make lowball offers, or drag out investigations, hoping you’ll settle out of frustration.
If they think you’re not working with a lawyer, they’re more likely to test your patience. But when they know you’re represented, they often shift gears. I’ve seen firsthand how a strong legal presence can expedite progress and ensure you’re treated fairly.
Multi-Vehicle Accidents
If your wreck involves two or more vehicles, things can quickly get muddled. Several drivers = several insurance policies, several injuries, and several versions of what occurred. Unraveling all that takes time—but it’s worth getting it right.
In such instances, I work with the various parties, manage cross-claims, and ensure your voice isn’t drowned out in the fray. With the proper team, even challenging scenarios can be dealt with efficiently.
What Happens if the At-Fault Driver is Uninsured or Underinsured
If the other driver is underinsured—or not insured at all—you might need to pursue a UM/UIM claim with your own insurance company. These types of cases are still worth pursuing, but they do create an additional level of complexity.
You’d expect your own insurance company to treat you fairly. But unfortunately, it doesn’t always happen. I assist clients in negotiating with their own insurance companies to receive what they are entitled to without undue stress.
Talking to Insurance Companies After a Missouri Car Accident
When you’ve been injured and are in the process of recovery, having to navigate through calls from insurance adjusters can be daunting. They may lead you with trap questions or cause you to provide damaging statements.
You don’t have to face it alone. I take care of all communication for my clients so that they can concentrate on healing. That way, nothing is said or disclosed that can ultimately harm you.
Do I need to speak with the other driver’s insurance company following a car accident?
It’s best not to—at least not without consulting with your attorney first. Whatever you say can be used to undermine your claim. For instance, admitting fault or downplaying your injuries could be used against you. I manage communication so you don’t risk saying the wrong thing and getting duped.
Handling Medical Liens and Subrogation
If your hospital, health insurance, or state program covers your medical bills, they will typically put a lien on your settlement. This is simply paying them back after your case is done.
I work to lower or negotiate those liens so that more of your settlement remains in your pocket. This is one of those behind-the-scenes activities that does make a big difference—and one more reason it’s worth having someone on your side.
How Strong Documentation Speeds Up Your Missouri Car Accident Claim
The stronger your documentation, the quicker your claim can be resolved. That means:
- Clear medical records
- Photos from the scene of the accident
- Repair bills
- Lost income statements
- Pain and suffering diaries
When we construct a well-organized, understandable case backed by hard evidence, insurance companies have less room to stall.
The Key to Building a Stronger Case for a Speedier Missouri Settlement
It begins with seeking assistance early. On day one, I assist clients:
- Keep evidence intact
- Acquire proper medical assessments.
- Prevent gaps in care.
- Document everything in real time.
Strong cases don’t merely achieve better outcomes—they achieve quicker ones. Insurers are more willing to settle when they notice you’re ready.
How a Lawyer Speeds Up Your Missouri Car Accident Claim
Delays are inevitable in some cases, but many aren’t. Here’s how I get your claim going:
- Respond to insurance companies in a timely fashion.
- Push back against delay strategies.
- Organize and keep all paperwork up to date and filed on time.
- Timing your settlement requests strategically
By being proactive, I’ve been able to get many of my clients in Missouri settled faster—without settling for less.
Critical Steps to Speed Up Your Missouri Car Accident Settlement
Here’s what you can do now to help your case go faster:
- Get medical attention and complete treatment.
- Don’t provide recorded statements to insurance companies without consulting with an attorney.
- Save all receipts, prescriptions, and documents.
- Reach out to a personal injury attorney early on.
The sooner we get engaged, the more we can do to safeguard your time and your results.
Is Litigation the Sole Means of Obtaining a Fair Missouri Car Accident Settlement?
Not always. Most of them settle short of trial. But occasionally, bringing a lawsuit is the best way to make an insurer pay attention. It doesn’t necessarily mean that you will end up in court—it does mean we’re prepared if we have to be.
I always discuss your choices, including how long it may take to go to court, so you can make the one that’s best for you.
The Use of Expert Witnesses in Complicated Claims
In serious personal injury or high-value claims, we tend to use expert witnesses. These might be:
- Medical experts
- Vocational experts
- Accident reconstructionists
- Life-care planners
Their advice gives your case extra weight and can persuade insurers to settle instead of taking the risk of trial.
Negotiating with Your Own Insurance Company: When Your UIM/UM Claim Gets Complicated
When you claim your own underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage, it gets complicated. Your company might dispute the worth of your claim or hang back on payment—just like any business.
I know how to negotiate with them, make them answerable, and make your policy pay for you, not against you.
Don’t Let Time Run Out on Your Claim
Missouri’s statute of limitations provides you with five years from the time of the accident to make a claim. It seems like a long time, but it will damage your case if you wait too long. Evidence erodes, memories become unclear, and documents are more challenging to find.
How long do I have to make a car accident claim in Missouri?
In Missouri, you have five years from the time of the accident to make a personal injury claim. That said, you should always begin as soon as possible to safeguard your case and accumulate good evidence.
When you’re dealing with a long recovery following a crash, you need answers and action. I’m here to help you every step of the way and advocate for the result you need.
Rah Law—your reliable Springfield Personal Injury Attorney.
