Car accident claim victims expect timely responses from their insurance providers. Unfortunately, delays in processing claims are all too common. These delays not only slow down your access to much-needed compensation but can also jeopardize your financial stability. Understanding why these delays occur is the first step in protecting your rights.
Common reasons for delays include
- Incomplete documentation or missing evidence
- Ongoing investigations into liability
- Delayed or incomplete medical records
- Insurance adjusters stalling or using bad faith tactics
Insurance companies often claim they need more time to evaluate the damages, even when all necessary information has already been submitted. Delays can be part of a broader strategy to frustrate claimants into accepting a lower settlement. You do not have to tolerate these tactics.
After a Car Accident, How Long Can You Claim?
Many clients ask, “After a car accident, how long can you claim?” In California, the statute of limitations allows you to file a personal injury claim within two years of the accident date. For claims involving property damage, the deadline extends to three years. While these timeframes appear generous, waiting too long can undermine your case.
Why acting quickly matters
- Witness memories fade over time
- Physical evidence may no longer be available
- Insurance companies may argue that delays indicate a lack of injury severity
Failing to act within the prescribed period can result in losing your right to pursue compensation entirely. An experienced Car Accident Claim Attorney in Los Angeles can help ensure you meet all deadlines and preserve the strength of your case.
How Long Does a Car Accident Claim Take?
Another frequently asked question is, “How long does a car accident claim take?” The answer depends on the complexity of the case and the cooperation of the insurance company.
General timelines
- Simple claims with minor injuries: 1 to 3 months
- Moderate injuries requiring ongoing treatment: 6 to 12 months
- Severe injuries or disputed liability: 1 year or more
Delays can result from slow responses from medical providers, the need for further investigation, or intentional stalling by insurers. A knowledgeable Claim Car Accident Attorney in Los Angeles can identify the reason for the delay and take corrective action to move the case forward.
Legal Options When Insurance Delays Your Claim
When your car accident claim appears stuck, it is essential to understand your legal rights. Insurance companies have a legal obligation to investigate and resolve claims in a timely and fair manner. Unreasonable delays may qualify as bad faith.
Your legal options include
- Hiring an attorney to follow up and pressure the insurer
- Filing a formal complaint with the California Department of Insurance
- Initiating a lawsuit for breach of contract or bad faith
Proving that an insurer acted in bad faith can result in additional compensation, including punitive damages. Consulting a Car Accident Claim Attorney in Los Angeles ensures that your rights are upheld and that insurers are held accountable.
When to Involve a Car Accident Claim Attorney
Not every car accident claim requires immediate legal intervention, but there are clear signs that indicate you need professional help.
Contact an attorney if
- You are receiving no updates or communication from your insurer
- You were offered a settlement far below your expenses
- The insurer disputes liability without clear justification
A skilled Car Accident Attorney in Los Angeles can evaluate the status of your claim, provide honest guidance, and take over communications with the insurance company. This helps alleviate stress from your shoulders, allowing you to focus on recovery.
What Sets LA Injury Lawyers Apart
At LA Injury Lawyers, every client deserves prompt, attentive, and strategic legal support. We do not treat your case as just another file. From the moment you contact our office, our attorneys work to ensure you understand your rights and options.
We have helped clients recover millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts across Los Angeles and beyond. Our success is rooted in:
- Direct attorney involvement in every case
- Strategic negotiation with insurers
- Readiness to litigate if settlement talks stall
Our attorneys are familiar with the insurance playbook and know how to counter it with evidence, effective legal strategies, and persistence.
Do Not Let Delays Cost You – Let Us Get Your Claim Moving
Waiting for an insurance company to respond can be more than frustrating. It can result in delayed treatment, unpaid bills, and increased stress. If your claim feels stuck, LA Injury Lawyers is here to help.
We offer free evaluations and operate on a contingency basis. That means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf. Our team has secured millions for our clients and has a reputation for handling delayed claims with precision and urgency.
Call us today at (818) 539-5390. You can also reach out to us via email at in**@*************rs.com to schedule your complimentary consultation. Your recovery should not wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in California?
California law gives you two years for injury claims and three years for property damage. Waiting too long can result in the loss of your legal rights.
What should I do if the insurance company is not responding?
Keep records of your communications and consult an attorney. Legal support often prompts insurers to take faster action.
Will a lawyer speed up the car accident claims process?
Yes. A lawyer can eliminate unnecessary delays, submit documentation promptly, and pressure insurers to respond without stalling.
Yes, but insurers may argue your injuries are less severe. A lawyer can help explain the delay and support your claim with evidence.
What if my insurance claim is denied after a delay?
A denial can be appealed or challenged. An attorney will review the reasons and recommend whether litigation is a suitable course of action.
