How Long Does it Take to Get a Personal Injury Settlement Check in Atlanta, GA?

Injuries from an accident of any kind can have serious consequences. You could face medical bills, lost pay, property repairs, and other losses from an accident caused by someone else. You should not be forced to pay these costs on your own. A personal injury settlement check in Atlanta, GA, is meant to address your financial losses as well as your pain and suffering from the accident. 

While you face costs that can seem overwhelming, you’ll want to know how long it takes to get a settlement check in a personal injury claim. In Atlanta, the time frame can vary depending on the type of accident, injuries involved, and complexity of the claim. Most personal injury claims start with an insurance claim and then proceed to a lawsuit if the insurer does not offer a fair settlement. At any step in the process, an Atlanta personal injury lawyer can help you understand what’s next and potentially get your settlement check sooner. 

What Is a Settlement for an Atlanta Personal Injury Claim? 

A settlement is an agreement between both sides to resolve a legal dispute. A settlement can happen before a lawsuit is filed, or while a case is proceeding. Depending on the situation, a settlement might happen quickly after an accident, or not until a case is about to go to trial. 

A personal injury settlement normally involves payment of a financial award to the accident victim. Through a settlement, the injured party will agree not to pursue any further action against the negligent party in exchange for payment of the settlement award. A settlement is a legal contract that prevents an accident victim from pursuing any future claims related to the incident. 

For this reason, it is critical not to rush into any agreement and consult a lawyer before settling your claim. An experienced Atlanta personal injury lawyer will look at the strength of your claim and evaluate the pros and cons of accepting a settlement offer. In some cases, it can be wise to turn down the first settlement offer and proceed with your claim. In other situations, a settlement will address your needs and goals without the need to go to trial. 

What Happens After I File a Personal Injury Claim in Atlanta, GA? 

After an accident, your personal injury lawyer will carefully collect the evidence supporting your claim and submit that to the insurer. The insurance company will usually share that information with their adjusters and lawyers and come back with either a denial of the claim or a settlement offer. An experienced personal injury attorney in Atlanta will know whether the offer is fair or whether to keep negotiating. 

Sometimes, the insurance company will not play fair, and your lawyer will recommend filing a lawsuit. After a personal injury lawsuit is filed, settlement negotiations with the defendant’s lawyer will take place as the case proceeds. An estimated 95% of all personal injury cases will settle without going to trial. With enough evidence to support your claim for damages, chances are you will receive a settlement offer from either the insurance company or a defendant’s attorney. 

How Long Does it Take to Get My Check After a Settlement? 

Your lawyer will typically receive a settlement check within 7-10 business days after the settlement agreement is signed. Delays or other factors can change the timeline somewhat, but you should expect a check shortly after the settlement is finalized. 

Factors potentially delaying a personal injury settlement check could include: 

  • Disputes regarding terms in the settlement paperwork;
  • Whether the case involves an estate or a child;
  • Payments owed to medical providers and lien holders; 
  • Clerical errors. 

When you are represented by an attorney, the check will go to the law firm’s trust account until the settlement funds are released. Your lawyer will have specific rules to follow when disbursing the funds to you. Unpaid medical bills, attorney’s fees, or liens against you would be paid from the settlement funds before you receive your check. 

Contact the Sandy Springs Personal Injury Lawyers at Guardian Accident & Injury Lawyers Today

If you were involved in an accident that was someone else’s fault, you could be entitled to financial compensation. Payment for your damages will often come in the form of a settlement. An Atlanta personal injury lawyer can guide you through the settlement process from the start of your claim to the day you receive your settlement check. 

For more information, please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Guardian Accident & Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today.

We proudly serve Sandy Springs in Fulton County and Clayton County, GA, and its surrounding areas:

Guardian Accident & Injury Lawyers – Sandy Springs
200 Sandy Springs Place NE, Atlanta, GA 30328
Open 24 Hours
(404) 255-9000