If you’ve recently been the victim of a car accident, you may have wondered, “How long does a car accident lawsuit take in NY?” 

While there is no specific time frame for all car accident lawsuits, as each suit can take differing amounts of time until you settle, it’s helpful to know the different factors that can play a role in determining how long a car accident lawsuit takes. 

Car Accident Settlement Process

How long does a car accident lawsuit take in NY? The process for a car accident settlement in New York usually takes at least a couple of weeks to a few months. Sometimes, it can drag out for up to a year and even more! 

Patience is crucial when trying to get compensation after a car accident. Your lawyer needs time to collect evidence and present your case. Some clients might want to rush through the process, but it’s not worth it. You might end up skipping crucial steps and missing essential pieces of evidence that can help your case. 

Your lawyer will want to follow up on witnesses and get their statements. Electronic evidence (such as video footage and images), police reports, your testimony, and medical bills are all crucial pieces of evidence that your lawyer will use to build your case. 

An experienced attorney will ensure your case is rock solid so they can get as much compensation as possible from the insurance company. In addition, having a solid case will ensure that you will have the best chance of winning if the case does need to go to trial. 

The Value of Your Claim

Insurance companies are usually more willing to pay out more minor claims without a lot of hassle. However, if you suffered extensive injuries and are eligible for higher compensation, you’ll have more difficulty getting your money. 

The goal of insurance companies isn’t to help you, despite what many believe. Instead, they aim to pay out as much as possible – it’s all about the business for them. By paying out less, they’ll earn more profits overall. That’s why they try to stall high-value cases and find loopholes to get out of paying you what you deserve. 

They’ll even hire lawyers to find ways to get out of their legal obligations. Going against an insurance company by yourself is like going against a monster. It’s complicated and very frustrating. That’s why it’s critical to get an expert lawyer on your side to help so you get the best results. 

Insurance Companies May Stall the Process

Many factors can cause a case to drag out. Some insurance companies are more stubborn than others and more focused on their own profits rather than the well-being of their customers. 

Some injuries are also harder to prove. For example, if you’ve been suffering from general pain after a car accident, your lawyer will want to find ways to prove the car accident was the cause. Insurance companies know that it’s harder to prove that injuries like whiplash and nerve pain are due to a specific car accident. 

For emotional damages, you’ll also want to get testimonies from professionals who confirm that your trauma, PTSD, and other emotional injuries are due to the car accident. 

Patience 

Insurance companies will take their time to conduct their own investigations. They may hire private investigators in addition to lawyers. If you hire your own attorney, they will know that you are serious and will be more willing to come to the negotiation table. 

At the same time, your experienced attorney will be conducting their own investigation. It’s important to realize that you can no longer reopen the case once you settle. Even if you later discover that you have additional medical bills, what’s done is done. Therefore, let your attorney take their time to figure out how much you deserve and ensure you get the full amount.

Insurance companies often use delays as a negotiation tactic. They hope you’ll settle for less because they know that many victims want the frustration to be over with. Many victims also want to get their money sooner rather than later, so they’ll accept a lower compensation amount if they can get it quicker. 

With patience, you’ll be able to negotiate a higher compensation amount and even bring your case to court if necessary. 

Conclusion

Insurance companies usually don’t want cases to end up in court because it costs them extra legal fees, and it’s a bigger hassle than they’re interested in. However, they frequently give in once they realize the case might go to court. Some cases will go to court, but you’ll be prepared. 

Hopefully, you now have an answer to the question, “How long does a car accident lawsuit take in NY?” It depends, so trust the process and have patience. 

Brandon J. Broderick, New York Car Accident Lawyers that Turn Setbacks into Comebacks

We get it. Car accidents can have an impact on your health, well-being, and finances which can cause worry, fear, and anxiety -- for you and your family. Wouldn’t it be a relief to know you could count on a trusted friend and advisor to passionately champion for you? Someone who’s got your best interests in mind? 

At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we believe in exceptional client care, empathy, and results. With our long track record of success, you can count on us to take the best strategy and work tirelessly for your quality of life. Our New York car accident attorneys have decades of experience representing victims in car accidents. We’ve helped people just like you move forward after sustaining an injury that was caused by another’s negligence. Contact us today for a free consultation.

New York locations across New York State and New York City, including Manhattan, Queens, The Bronx, and Brooklyn.