How Long Does a Car Accident Settlement Usually Take?

The timeline for settling a car accident case in Colorado can vary depending on several factors, but a general estimate can range from a few months to over a year. 

One of the most important factors in how long a car accident settlement takes is the time it takes to submit all medical documentations related to the incident. This could take some time because if there are not apparent injuries immediately following the accident, a serious injury could in fact appear six to 12 months later in some cases. Read below on why this happens.

Why do injuries from car accidents show up months later?

Injuries from car accidents can sometimes show up months later due to a variety of factors, including the nature of the injuries, how the body responds to trauma, and the body’s healing processes. We at Boesen Law always recommend giving it time before settling a car accident lawsuit, even if it takes time or you’re eager to get a check from an insurance company. 

The reason is because if you quickly accept a check from the insurance company for bodily injuries for $12,000, as an example, you could have underlying injuries that might not appear for months after you settle. Now you’re stuck with medical bills that would have been covered with maximizing your settlement from the insurance. For example, if you had a herniated disc, you could have possibly received $250,000 worth of compensation from the insurance company instead.  

Here are a few reasons why injuries can appear much later after an accident:

Delayed Onset of Symptoms

Certain injuries, particularly soft tissue injuries, muscle strains, or minor fractures, may not show immediate symptoms. The body’s adrenaline response after an accident can mask pain and discomfort for hours, days, or even weeks.

Inflammation and Swelling

Injuries such as whiplash or soft tissue damage often develop gradually as inflammation and swelling build up over time. The pain or discomfort may not peak until days or weeks after the accident, as the body begins to heal and inflammation reaches its highest levels.

Whiplash

Whiplash, a common car accident injury, can have delayed symptoms. It involves a sudden jerking motion of the neck that can strain muscles and ligaments. The full impact of the injury may not become apparent until some time has passed, leading to stiffness, pain, or restricted movement days or weeks after the accident.

Internal Injuries

Internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding, may not present obvious symptoms right away. These types of injuries can be dangerous if left untreated and might only become noticeable as complications arise later.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Emotional and psychological injuries, such as PTSD, can also manifest well after the accident. Anxiety, flashbacks, or other emotional issues may surface after the shock of the accident has worn off.

Spinal Injuries and Disc Issues

Back or spinal injuries can take time to fully manifest, especially if the accident caused a herniated disc or nerve damage. Pain may develop gradually as swelling around the nerves increases or as misaligned vertebrae place pressure on surrounding structures.

Body Compensation

Sometimes, the body compensates for injuries without showing immediate symptoms. As a result, misalignments or muscle imbalances might develop gradually, causing pain or mobility issues that appear much later.

For these reasons, it is essential for individuals involved in car accidents to seek medical attention even if they feel fine initially, and to monitor any developing symptoms over time. Talk with a car accident lawyer in Denver at Boesen Law so we can provide more insights if you were injured in a motor vehicle accident. 

You must submit medical documentation before the case can settle

To accurately assess the compensation you deserve as an accident victim, it’s essential that your attorney has access to all your relevant medical documentation. This is non-negotiable. Only after a Colorado personal injury law firm has reviewed your complete records, including medical bills and receipts for prescriptions and treatment, can they determine the appropriate compensation to pursue from the at-fault party.

Your medical records also serve as proof of the severity of your injuries. If you claim a serious injury but lack the documentation to support it, you may receive less compensation than you’re entitled to or risk being denied damages altogether.