How Long Does a Florida Car Accident Case Take to Settle?
A Florida car accident can leave you facing unexpected medical bills, lost income, and months of stress. Compensation is meant to help ease that financial burden—but navigating an insurance claim or lawsuit is rarely straightforward. Working with an experienced Florida car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights, protect your claim, and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Below is what you can expect during a Florida car accident case and the factors that can affect how long your settlement may take.
Steps in a Florida Car Accident Claim
1. File a PIP Insurance Claim
Because Florida is a no-fault state, your first step is filing a claim under your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. PIP generally covers:
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Up to 80% of medical expenses
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Up to 60% of lost wages
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Up to $10,000 in total benefits
Many injured victims quickly discover their PIP benefits aren’t nearly enough—especially when injuries are serious or long-term.
2. File a Claim Against the At-Fault Driver
If your injuries are severe or your damages exceed your PIP coverage, you may pursue a claim against the negligent driver’s insurance policy. This can help you recover:
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Medical expenses beyond PIP limits
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Future medical care
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Lost earning capacity
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Pain and suffering
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Property damage
If multiple drivers contributed to the crash, claims may be filed with each responsible party.
3. Work With a Florida Car Accident Lawyer
Insurance companies often delay, deny, or undervalue claims to protect their bottom line. An attorney can:
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Investigate the crash
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Gather evidence and consult experts
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Communicate with the insurance company on your behalf
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Prove liability
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Fight for maximum compensation
A skilled lawyer also protects you from adjuster tactics that could undermine your claim.
How Long Does a Florida Car Accident Case Take?
There is no one-size-fits-all timeline. Some cases resolve in a few weeks or months; others take a year or longer—especially if litigation becomes necessary.
General guidelines:
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Insurers typically have 30 days to accept or deny a claim.
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Once a settlement is agreed to, payment is usually due within 20 days.
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Lawsuits can take several months to two years, depending on complexity.
Each case is different, and several factors influence how long your claim may take.
What Affects the Timeline of a Settlement?
1. Severity of Your Injuries
More severe injuries require longer recovery periods. Lawyers typically wait until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) to calculate damages accurately. Serious injuries like:
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Traumatic brain injuries
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Spinal cord damage
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Multiple fractures
often involve extended treatment and higher medical costs, increasing claim value—but also extending the timeline.
2. Expert Witness Availability
Experts such as accident reconstructionists, medical specialists, or life-care planners may be needed to support your claim. Scheduling these experts can delay progress, especially in complex cases.
3. Liability Disputes
If fault is unclear, the insurance company may refuse to negotiate. Your attorney may need additional time to:
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Gather evidence
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Interview witnesses
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Obtain medical documentation
Clear liability generally results in faster settlements.
4. Insurance Company Delay Tactics
Insurers may:
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Take weeks to respond
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Make lowball offers
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Ask for unnecessary documentation
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Ignore calls or emails
A lawyer can push back on bad-faith delays and hold insurers accountable.
5. Number of Parties Involved
Crashes involving multiple vehicles or commercial defendants often take longer due to:
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More paperwork
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Multiple insurance policies
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Disputes between defendants
Each additional party can slow negotiations.
6. A Difficult or Uncooperative Defendant
If the at-fault driver denies responsibility or files motions to dismiss, your attorney may need to fight through court procedures before negotiations resume. This can add months to a case.
What Affects the Amount of Compensation?
Injury Severity
More serious injuries generally result in higher compensation because victims face:
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Extensive medical care
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Long-term pain
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Loss of earning capacity
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Permanent limitations
Life Disruptions
If your injuries make it difficult or impossible to work, care for your home, or enjoy daily activities, your settlement may increase.
Permanent Scarring or Disfigurement
Disfigurement often requires ongoing treatment and can cause emotional trauma, both of which may increase the value of your claim.
Witness Credibility
Strong, credible witnesses—especially medical experts—can significantly strengthen your claim and lead to higher compensation.
Statements After the Crash
Anything said to an insurance adjuster or the other driver can be used against you. Even innocent comments like “I feel fine” can damage your claim. It’s best to let your attorney handle communication.
Can You Sue Again After a Settlement?
No. Once you sign a settlement agreement, the case is closed permanently. This is why you should never sign anything without having a lawyer review it first. An attorney ensures the agreement fully covers your past and future losses.
Car Accident Claims Involving Minors
Children have the same right to compensation as adults, but their cases work differently:
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A parent or guardian files the claim.
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Settlements require court approval.
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Funds are often placed in a trust until the child turns 18.
Because children may suffer long-term consequences, these claims must be handled with particular care.
Does a Lawyer Take a Percentage of the Settlement?
Yes. Florida car accident lawyers typically work on a contingency fee—you pay nothing upfront and no fees unless compensation is recovered. The percentage varies by firm and case complexity. This fee covers:
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Legal work
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Court filings
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Investigations
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Expert consultations
A contingency arrangement allows injured victims to pursue justice without financial strain.
Get Help From a Florida Car Accident Lawyer
Trying to handle a claim alone often leads to delays, low settlement offers, or denied claims. Insurance companies tend to take cases more seriously when a lawyer is involved—and victims with legal representation generally recover more compensation.
If you or a loved one was injured in a Florida car accident, the Applebaum Accident Group is here to protect your rights, handle the insurance company, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Contact us(855-Call-Paul) today for a , no-obligation consultation.
