Getting involved in an Ohio car accident can be one of the most frightening experiences of your life. You may be left shaken with injuries and vehicle damage. However, after the dust has settled and you’ve filed a car accident claim, it’s crucial to know the timeline for settling your claim, so you can know how to plan your recovery and recuperation.
Filing your claim
Once you have filed a claim with the at-fault driver’s auto insurance company, an adjuster reviews and evaluates your damages so that they can begin making settlement offers. If you disagree with the numbers, you can dispute them by appealing the decision with a claims supervisor. However, if the next offer you receive is still unsatisfactory, the next step is to file a complaint with the Ohio Department of Insurance, which will determine the outcome.
Investigative process
Insurance companies typically investigate car accidents to ensure that they have all the facts clear. After you have filed your claim, this can take up to 30 days. The time the investigation takes determines how long you must wait before you receive your settlement. If there is any question about who was at fault, it can take longer; meanwhile, a quick investigation showing that the other driver was liable for a less complex accident can get you your settlement faster.
If the insurance company ultimately determines that your claim is worth less than what you believe or denies it altogether, you can take things further; you might have no choice but to file a personal injury claim directly against the other driver. If your injuries are severe and your damages are significant, this can be the best option for recovering a settlement.
All car accident cases are different. Despite the two-year statute of limitations for filing, some cases quickly settle while others may take a year or even longer.