How Long Will My Case Take?
One of the first questions a new client will ask when they come into our office is, “How long will my person injury case take?” The time is takes to process your case depends on your individual accident and the details surrounding it. These details include what type of accident it was, were there other parties involved, how severe the injuries were, the type of dispute resolution required, etc. To give you a better idea of timing, let’s discuss the factors more in-depth.
The Type of Accident
A single vehicle accident is one where there’s understandably just one vehicle, and for whatever reason it hits a tree, or a building, or a sign. Most often, if you are the driver of the vehicle there is not going to be much recovery that you are entitled to. There are certain circumstances where that’s not true, including cases that involve phantom vehicles and product liability cases. If it’s one of those circumstances, then it’s worth talking to an attorney to find out if you may have a case. If you are a passenger in the vehicle that was in a wreck, you sometimes have a case too. A fender bender is a low impact accident that happens when someone who’s not paying attention, or who is distracted runs into the vehicle in front of them. The important thing to remember with a fender bender is that if there is any damage to your vehicle there very likely is damage to you. Several days later you may discover symptoms of whiplash or an achy back as a result of the accident. There are often times when severe injuries can result from a minor accident. Unfortunately, more serious accidents do occur and the more damage done to the car, often means more damage to the body. Obviously a wreck with an 18-wheeler can be completely devastating considering the size and weight of these trucks. These cases can be very complex, and the scenes may need to be independently investigated to figure out the at-fault driver. Of course, it’s imperative that you seek medical attention right away in any wreck, and make sure that an accident report is done.
Parties Involved in the Accident
Depending on the location of the accident and specific circumstances regarding each party, every case will have its own unique timeline. When there is a crash involving two cars, liability is often straightforward. Generally, one driver or the other made a mistake, and each has its own insurance company. But truck accident cases are more complex. Accidents involving trucks will therefore take longer to complete. Many industries, including the transportation sector, require workers to be in or around moving vehicles constantly. This increases the risk of injury and death from motor vehicle accidents. Parties involved in an accident at their workplace may understand how it can complicate the time their case is handled.
The Extent of Your Injuries
The severity of your injuries suffered in a car accident can vary significantly. Our team of attorneys has successfully represented car wreck victims who suffered from severe injuries such as spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and even death, to less severe injuries such as minor cuts and bruising or whiplash. Based on the severity of your injury after your accident, the time needed to get your case running will vary. If it is a simple injury, it will move much quicker compared to an injury requiring extensive medical treatment. You want to be careful not to rush the case, so that you can ensure every aspect is handled carefully in order to get the biggest reward possible.
The Type of Dispute Resolution Required
Once our attorneys are able to go through all the necessary information regarding your case, they will then decipher which methods they feel will have the greatest impact on your settlement. While there are some methods that require less time, it can sometimes be necessary to keep your case open a little longer in order to make sure every expectation has been met. Our attorneys and case managers make it a top priority to keep our clients informed on where their case stands, and what steps they are taking to stay on top of everything.
If you have been injured in an accident, we encourage you to speak to an injury attorney right away. At Greene & Phillips, our team of experienced injury attorneys fight hard to get their clients every dollar they deserve. Our office is located at 51 North Florida Street in Mobile, Alabama. You can call us at (251) 478-1115, or come by anytime, you never need an appointment at Greene & Phillips.
