How to Reduce Delays in Accident Settlements

After an accident, your top priority should be getting the care you need and securing the compensation you deserve. However, the settlement process can be frustratingly slow, with insurance companies often trying to minimize payouts and stretch the process out.

Delays in accident settlements can result from incomplete documentation, insurance negotiations, and legal hurdles. Staying organized and having the right experts on your side can help reduce these delays. This is why Phoenix car accident lawyers from Gage Mathers can be the key to speeding up the process.

Why the Wait?

Understanding why your claim is delayed can ease some of the frustration. Here are some common reasons:

• Incomplete documentation: Insurance companies require thorough documentation, and missing or incomplete information can delay the process. Every detail, from medical records to accident photos, plays a part in moving your claim forward.
• Liability disputes: Who is at fault in the accident often becomes a point of contention. If either party denies responsibility, proving liability can drag out negotiations and delay settlement.
• Severe or ongoing medical treatment: Determining the full extent of your injuries can take time, especially if you need multiple doctor evaluations or ongoing treatments. Determining the value of accident claims is necessary for the process to move forward, and if the injuries require long-term care, this can extend the timeline.
• Legal difficulties: If the case goes to court, delays may increase as the legal system adds additional layers to the process.

Speeding Up the Process

While some factors are out of your control, there are steps you can take to help move your claim along faster:

Gather Evidence Early

Documentation is key. As soon as possible after an accident, collect as much evidence as you can:

• Photos and videos of the scene
• Police reports and witness statements
• Medical records
• Correspondence with your insurance company

The more thorough your documentation, the less likely you’ll face delays for missing or incomplete evidence.

Seek Immediate Medical Treatment

Even if you don’t feel injured, it’s crucial to see a doctor right away. Adrenaline can mask symptoms, so injuries might not be immediately apparent. Delays in seeking medical care can create gaps in your medical records, which insurance companies may use to dispute your claim. Seeking treatment promptly strengthens your case.

Respond Quickly

One of the easiest ways to prevent delays is to respond quickly to any requests from your insurance provider, your lawyer, or other involved parties. Delays in submitting necessary information can cause unnecessary hold-ups in the settlement process.

Know the Statute of Limitations for Claims

It is essential to understand the statute of limitation for claims in your state. In Arizona, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, you could be barred from pursuing your claim. Stay mindful of the time frame to avoid complications later on.

Moving Forward With Expert Support

One of the best ways to reduce delays in your accident settlement is to have a skilled Phoenix car accident lawyer on your side. Experienced attorneys, like those at Gage Mathers, understand the complexities of the claims process and can help you gather necessary evidence, communicate effectively with insurance companies, and ensure everything is in order to prevent delays.

With the right help, you can avoid setbacks and secure the compensation you deserve without the added stress. If you’re looking to move your case forward, reach out to the expert team at Gage Mathers today for support and guidance!

About the Author

Joseph D'Aguanno

Guided by the belief that being a highly skilled specialist in a narrow field is better than being ordinary in everything, Joseph “JD” D’Aguanno leads Arizona’s best personal injury law firm in Phoenix, AZ. Having extensive cross-training in pre-litigation negotiations and trial lawyer skills, with decades of experience, JD strives to provide clients with the most valuable legal services a personal injury lawyer can provide. Under his direction, Gage Mathers Law Group is an award-winning personal injury law firm providing aggressive representation to victims of a car accident, medical malpractice, dog bite, motorcycle accident, and other injurious events. Gage Mathers is trusted by thousands of lawyers and clients throughout the country because of their reputation for getting clients the maximum compensation they deserve.

Years of experience: Over 24 years
Bar number: 020421
Location: Phoenix, AZ
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