Understanding the Timeline for Receiving a Settlement Check After a Car Accident
Pursuing a car accident settlement check can be a time-consuming process. Your claim could take months or even a year or more to settle.
Understandably, you might assume that the settlement check for a car accident is mailed immediately. However, that is not how things work.
If you have questions about the settlement check timeline in California, it’s best to contact an experienced car accident lawyer at Weinberg Law Offices.
Auto Accident Settlement Timeline in California
Unfortunately, the timeline to receive a settlement check after a car accident varies from case to case.
Insurance companies must adhere to strict guidelines and claims practices, so there is no benefit for them to delay sending the check.
However, certain things must happen before the insurance company sends your car accident settlement check. Here is a look at what happens once your case resolves.
You Must Sign a Release Form
To receive your insurance settlement check, you must complete a release form with your attorney, the insurance company, the liable party, and any other involved parties.
If you didn’t have a lawyer representing you throughout the claims process, you should have a car accident lawyer review the release of claims and determine whether the settlement is fair.
Some insurance companies deliberately make the release more convoluted than it needs to be. You should always review it with a lawyer to understand the settlement terms.
Once you sign the release, you cannot come back and ask for more money should you need additional treatment.
When resolving a car accident claim, the settlement check for a car accident typically arrives after signing the release of liability form. Normally, the insurance company issues the settlement payment, often directed to your personal injury lawyer. They deduct their fee, after which you receive the remaining settlement amount.
After signing a release for settlement, the processing time typically ranges from a few weeks to several months, depending on various factors. In straightforward cases where both parties agree, it may take up to six weeks for the settlement to be processed. However, if the case goes to trial or if an appeal is filed, the process can be significantly delayed.
The Car Accident Settlement Check Is Sent to Your Attorney
A settlement check, often associated with legal matters like personal injury cases, is a payment issued by the defendant’s insurance company to your attorney upon reaching a settlement. Your attorney deducts their fees, and the remaining balance is then sent to you as another check.
The car accident settlement check timeline in California differs if you have a car accident lawyer representing you.
The insurance company will send the settlement check to your lawyer, who deposits it in an escrow account first. They must handle any obligations and take their legal fees before releasing any money.
Paying Off Outstanding Liens
Before receiving your settlement check, the insurance company or your lawyer must first pay any outstanding liens.
Typical liens include unpaid medical bills and reimbursement owed to your health insurance company, Medicaid, or Medicare.
Many people do not realize that they must also address another financial obligation—outstanding child support. The insurance company must pay the required amount if you have unpaid child support obligations.
Receiving Your Settlement Check After a Car Accident
Once all legal obligations are resolved and your attorney takes their fees (if applicable), you should receive the settlement check for your car accident.
In a simple case with no liens or child support obligations, you might have your check within 7-10 days after the adjuster receives the signed release.
Insurance companies want to close their case files, so most claims adjusters are quick about sending a check.
Contact a Skilled Los Angeles Car Accident Attorney for a 100% Free Consultation Today
If you sustained injuries in a Los Angeles car accident caused by another party’s negligence, contact Weinberg Law Offices.
We have years of experience assisting injured victims in resolving their car accident claims as quickly as possible while protecting their rights.
No one wants to get through the entire settlement check process only to find out they were taken advantage of by the insurance company.
Schedule an initial consultation with our skilled team. We can help you through the complex legal process so you can resolve your case sooner than if you tried to handle it independently.
Disclaimer: This content should not be construed as legal advice.
As a personal injury attorney, my mantra is that there is no such thing as a “small case”. I will give 100% matter how big or small a case may be. I am fluent in English, Hebrew, and Spanish, languages which I use regularly in my practice.
Loading...