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What Affects Your Settlement Timeframe in a Pedestrian Accident Case?

What Affects Your Settlement Timeframe in a Pedestrian Accident Case

Individuals involved in pedestrian accidents in Atlanta are usually eager to know how long compensation may take. This is because they need money to settle their bills as they continue with the healing process. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to know how long it takes, since pedestrian lawsuits differ from one case to another. In 2020, Georgia’s pedestrian fatality rate per 100,000 population was 2.61. This is according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The following are factors affecting settlement timeframes for victims of pedestrian accident cases.

Evidence Gathered and Presented

People facing legal issues require solid evidence to convince a judge to rule in their favor. This is usually the case when it comes to personal injury cases. Having a strong enhances the likelihood of getting a favorable settlement verdict in a pedestrian accident claim. On the other hand, if you have inconclusive or weak evidence, it may derail the settlement process as insurance firms are usually less willing to offer a fair settlement. Essential evidence needed in pedestrian accident cases in Georgia includes:

  • Eyewitness testimony
  • Police reports
  • Medical records and bills
  • Surveillance footage
  • Photos of the scene and damage to the car

Types of Injuries Sustained

Pedestrian accident victims with serious injuries are usually advised to wait until they undergo significant medical improvement. This can take a long time based on the severity of the injury. Although determining the healing time can be difficult or unclear, allowing yourself to heal before receiving the settlement ensures that the amount meets your medical expenses and losses. Moreover, one must fully recover to get the documentation and information needed to determine compensation.

Lawyer’s Skills and Experience

An experienced and well-informed Atlanta pedestrian accident attorney is usually conversant with the law and court procedures, which increases the likelihood of winning a case to get a fair settlement. They are also knowledgeable about typical settlement time frames, making them easily estimate the settlement timeframe for a particular case.

Experienced lawyers also have excellent negotiation skills and strategies for navigating court systems. This prevents insurance firms from delaying the settlement process and ensures their clients receive a fair settlement. Experience is also crucial when it comes to gathering sufficient evidence to support a claim.

Going on the Trail

A pedestrian accident case can be handled either inside or outside the court. Failure to agree may prompt the case to go to trial. Unfortunately, trial cases may take months or even years, depending on the court’s schedule and the case’s complexity. During this time, both parties are required to collect evidence, organize and file legal forms, and participate in pre-trial procedures.

 Moreover, the trial may last for several weeks or days, depending on the number of witnesses, the complexity of the case, and the evidence presented. The jury or judge usually issues their verdict after the trial. Both parties also have the right to appeal the court’s decision if they are not content. This typically extends the time for resolving the case.

Insurance Companies

The settlement timeframe for a pedestrian accident case also depends on whether the at-fault party’s insurance accepts liability. In most scenarios, the car driver that struck the victim usually has an insurance cover to compensate the victim. However, insurance firms usually don’t pay these damages automatically. Since insurance companies are profit-maximizing institutions, they prefer paying the amounts and claims stipulated according to customers’ policies. This gives them a solid foundation for disputing a claim whenever applicable, delaying the process.

Getting involved in a pedestrian accident can cause serious injuries and losses. Seeking legal help in Atlanta can aid you to get the compensation that can help you restore your life to normalcy.

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