Chain | Cohn | Clark Can Help You Receive Your Settlement Check

How Long Until I Receive My Car Accident Settlement?

Receiving your auto accident settlement can feel like an ongoing process with no end in sight, especially if you were hoping to receive a check immediately after signing your settlement agreement. 

Dealing with the insurance company was already a hassle, and this new wait may add to your worry. The truth is that it may take multiple weeks for your settlement to arrive at your lawyer’s office. This is because insurance companies take their time resolving cases. 

Three Months or More for a Settlement Check

Negotiations with insurance providers always predate the arrival of settlement checks. On average, the settlement process can take up to three months to finalize. Fortunately, California has strict deadlines that insurance companies must adhere to. 

Still, things may take even longer even if the involved insurance companies respond to claims on time and complete investigations. Reasons for extended return times on settlement checks may include:

• Uncertain point of maximum medical improvement
• The death of a loved one
• A liability dispute
• Multiple defendants
• Low-quality evidence or minimal proof of liability
• Catastrophic personal injuries
• Trouble determining damages

If your case goes all the way to trial, it may take up to a year for you to receive your fair financial compensation. Hiring an experienced lawyer from the Chain | Cohn | Clark team should expedite the process significantly. 

Our attorneys have the experience, knowledge, and skillset to cut the settlement payment process down by weeks or even months. And remember, settlement will never come until you sign an agreement or a judge reaches a verdict. 

30 Days to Mail Settlement Check 

Once your claim is settled, you should receive your settlement check within a month, although the wait time may be as short as one to two weeks. Unfortunately, there are instances when it may take longer to receive your check. This could be because the insurance company requires every involved party to sign a release. 

Other circumstances that may result in a stalled payment include medical bill issues, subrogation, and attorney expenses. Money may need to be moved around before reaching you.

Your Specific Case

Every case is unique. You may receive a rough estimate for when your settlement will come in, but that doesn’t mean it will prove correct. Still, you should receive your settlement check sooner in California than you would in most other states. 

The following factors will likely impact how long it will take you to receive your check:

• The number of releases the insurance adjuster needs you to sign.
• The length of time it takes each party to sign and return their releases.
• The length of time it takes an accountant to cut the check and put it in the mail.
• Whether your insurance company is using an out-of-state bank.
• Whether your settlement check has to pay off medical liens first.
• Whether you used an attorney to handle your claim and settlement payout.
  

Keep in mind your attorney will be able to offer a more accurate timeline after reviewing your case. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer will discuss the above factors with you. Law firms know how to handle injury claims, all while minimizing the amount of time and energy wasted. 

Our team at Chain | Cohn | Clark knows how to file claims and gather evidence to maximize your compensation. We can prevent you from making crucial mistakes that will elongate the time it takes to receive your settlement. 

As attorneys, we know how to expedite your accident claim and will do our best to get you a check within ten days.

Contact an Insurance Attorney Today

Were you recently in an accident and have settled the claim in or before going to court? If you work with us, we may be able to help you receive settlement sooner than you would on your own. 

Contact an attorney at Chain | Cohn | Clark to learn more about how we can help expedite this process. Our lawyers can help you get the compensation you deserve and won’t take a dime unless you settle or win your case. Call (661) 323-4000 or fill out our online contact form to schedule an appointment today.