How Long Does a Car Accident Settlement Take in St. Louis?

People in St. Louis frequently ask this question when they are confused and navigating the aftermath of an auto accident. The process can be complex, given several variables that may dictate the liability and how serious the injuries sustained are. At Burger Law, 500 N Broadway #1860, St. Louis, MO, we understand this can be a long and sometimes confusing process and are dedicated to providing personal attention and expert legal counsel every step of the way. Call us today at (314) 500-HURT or on Burger Law to learn more.

What’s the Process of a Car Accident Settlement?

The settlement process for a car accident typically involves the following steps:

1. Filing the Claim: Notifying the at-fault driver’s insurance company about the accident and the intent to seek compensation, it is also the means whereby essential evidence such as police reports, photographs, and witness statements will be collected. Missouri law requires you to notify the insurance company promptly to comply with the policy.
2. Investigation and determination of liability: Studies about the accident by an insurance company to identify a liable party and declare the damages. Evidence may include eyewitness accounts, traffic cameras, or forensic analysis of vehicle damage. Determining liability is often one of the most time-consuming steps.
3. Medical Treatment and Documentation: Completing all necessary medical treatments is important. Most insurers need extensive medical records to assess the claim. Include diagnosis, treatment plans, and medical bills in the documentation. In Missouri, accurate documentation can also impact the calculation of non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.
4. Negotiations: The parties negotiate a settlement amount based on the damages, medical expenses, lost wages, and possible future costs. This process could take several rounds of counteroffers and the presentation of additional evidence.
5. Settlement Agreement:Once the parties reach an agreement, both sign a settlement document to finalize the case. Ensure the terms are clear and inclusive, as this agreement is legally binding.
6. Receiving the Check: The insurance company processes the payment after the settlement agreement is signed. This may take some weeks, depending on how the company does its operations and the complexity of the case in hand.

Fair Claims Practices regulations of Missouri under RSMo §375.1000–375.1018, require an insurer to process claims expeditiously and in a fair manner. Each step in the settlement process must comply with these legal requirements.

“I’ve dedicated my entire life to helping our clients receive full compensation for their injuries.”

Gary Burger

Personal Injury Attorney

Factors That Determine How Long Car Accident Settlements Take

Several factors influence the timeline of car accident settlements. Here’s a breakdown:

Liability

Clear liability can speed up the process, as the insurance company is less likely to dispute the claim. if there is shared fault or conflicting accounts, it can delay the settlement while investigations continue. In complex cases, liability disputes may invoke Missouri’s comparative fault statutes under RSMo §537.765, which allocate damages based on fault percentages. For example, if both drivers are partially at fault, the compensation amount is reduced accordingly.

Severity of Injuries

Serious injuries, where treatments may be ongoing, or even time needed to await full recovery to ascertain that all medical expenses, as well as the long-term effects, are covered. Time for recovery will, of course, vary widely, depending on the nature of injuries that may range from minor whiplash to extensive surgeries. Insurers also investigate consistency between the injuries and the accident, which adds further time to their review processes.

Jurisdiction

Local laws and court schedules in St. Louis can affect the timeline. Missouri’s statutes regarding insurance claims and court processes may expedite or prolong the process. Insurers are also bound by Missouri’s “fair claims practices” regulations, as outlined  RSMo §375.1000–375.1018, which dictate timelines for responding to claims. In some cases, backlogged courts can extend resolution times if a settlement cannot be reached.

Accident Size

Complexity of the accident: More complex cases, like multi-vehicle accidents or ones involving commercial vehicles take a longer time to resolve due the lengthier investigation process and coordination with multiple insurance companies. Likewise, semi-truck or rideshare vehicle cases may involve federal regulations and requirements that need to be met in St. Louis.

Medical Treatment

Waiting for medical treatment to be completed is the best way to have an accurate valuation of medical expenses. Early settlement may lead to lower compensation, as future medical costs may not be included. Complete medical records help secure a higher settlement. Specialists, for example, orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists, may offer estimates regarding the cost of long-term care.

Insurance

The responsiveness and policies of the at-fault party’s insurance company can vary significantly. Some may want to settle as quickly as possible to minimize legal fees, while others will delay in hopes of pressuring claimants into accepting lower offers. While the Missouri Department of Insurance regulates these practices to ensure fair claims handling, there are still delays in contested cases.

For additional analysis, HG.org provides insights into how delays caused by liability disputes and incomplete medical documentation can impact settlement timelines. These considerations align with Missouri’s laws governing comparative fault and timely resolution of claims under RSMo §537.765.

Also, it’s of the essence to consider that Missouri law requires car accident claims to be filed within five years of the accident, as specified  under RSMo §516.120.

How Long Do You Have to Wait for a Check After Settling the Case?

Generally speaking, it may take from two to six weeks for one to receive the check after a settlement agreement is signed. This is due to the insurance company processing the payment, deducting attorney fees and expenses, and issuing the final amount. In some cases, delays may occur when there is a lien for unpaid medical bills and obligations against the settlement. Under Missouri Revised Statutes Chapter 513, courts in cases that require judicial approval will also take additional time for processing.

It is worth noting that the timeline will depend on the complexity of the settlement agreement. For example, cases involving structured settlements take longer to settle because they require the approval of multiple parties.

How Long Does a Car Accident Settlement Take With a Lawyer?

But a car accident lawyer can hasten the process significantly. Experienced lawyers know how to conduct negotiations with insurance companies, gather evidence, and correctly calculate damages. The lawyers communicate with the insurance companies and reduce the chances of unnecessary delays or errors. Although complex cases take time, an attorney ensures that every step is handled efficiently, minimizing wasted time.

An attorney will also be able to identify any potential roadblocks upfront, such as disputes over liability or medical expenses, and work ahead of time to resolve those issues and keep the case moving toward a resolution.

Get Help From a Car Accident Lawyer in St. Louis

A car accident claim can overwhelm and frustrate someone, especially when they are focused on recovery. At Burger Law, We will take the headache of court procedures so you can just get your life back into order. Let us take on the headache for you while you get your life back on track. Call us today at (314) 500-HURT or visit us at 500 N Broadway #1860, St. Louis, MO, for a free consultation.

Gary Burger

Founder | Injury Attorney
Gary Burger has dedicated his career to standing up against bullies. The founder and principal attorney of Burger Law | St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer has helped hundreds of Missouri and Illinois individuals and families recover th …
Years of experience: 30 years
Location: St. Louis, MO

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