How Long Does It Take to Settle a Massachusetts Accident Claim?

Each car accident is different. Factors, such as, circumstances leading to the crash, at-fault drivers, number of vehicle occupants, and the extent of your accident-related injuries, as well as how much time has passed since the accident, can all play a part in your car accident claim in Massachusetts.

Because of these factors, there is no general rule for filing accident claims in Massachusetts. Your claim will be different from the claim that was filed before you and will be filed after you, so there is no definitive way of knowing how long it will take to settle your claim with the other driver and the insurance company.

However, the settlement of your claim will depend on factors, such as:

• The amount of time between your accident and the day you file your claim;
  The details of your claim;
• The extent and the severity of your injuries resulting from the car accident;
• The number of people involved in the accident. These include vehicle occupants and other people on the road, such as, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and so on;
• Whether you handle the claim on your own or seek advice from a Massachusetts personal injury attorney;
• If the other driver is willing to settle instead of going to court;
• If your case does go to court, the availability of the court to schedule a hearing and trial dates;
• How long the trial will take once you have a scheduled court date.

As you can see, there are quite a few things to consider.

It is also worth mentioning the 5 Common Myths about the personal injury claims process that can actually hurt your claim.

Five Common Myths That Can Hurt Your Claim

1. If you are reasonable with the insurance company and write a letter explaining what happened, you’ll get a fair settlement offer;
2. If the insurance company calls you up to request a recorded statement regarding your accident, you are obligated to comply or else they won’t settle your claim;
3. The other driver’s insurance company is supposed to cover all of your medical expenses related to the accident;
4. If not the other driver’s, there has to be some other insurance company that will cover your medical costs, lost wages from missing work, and compensation for your injuries;
5. Massachusetts juries are generous.

These beliefs are myths and can only hurt your claim if you rely on them.

To find out more about the car accident claims process in Massachusetts and which things to avoid so as not to hurt your claim, order your free copy of attorney Tom Kiley’s Massachusetts car accident book, “The 7 Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Massachusetts Accident Case.”

Free for Massachusetts residents only.

This free consumer guide reveals insider information that the insurance companies don’t want you to know, such as:

• How insurance companies settle claims (not always in your favor);
• How to get the best settlement your injuries require;
• How to decide if you need an attorney;
• Who will pay for your medical bills and lost wages;

If you have been injured in a car accident in Massachusetts, you cannot afford not to read this book and consult with a personal injury attorney. The best personal injury law firms offer FREE Consultations, so it doesn’t have to cost you a thing to get a professional advice about your case.

Call 1-800-410-2769 to schedule a FREE legal evaluation of your case.

The Kiley Law Group, a Massachusetts personal injury law firm based in Andover and Boston, Massachusetts, is proud to fight for injured victims in auto accidents and secure million-dollar settlements for our clients for over 30 years.

Five Myths About Massachusetts Accident Claims

Before pursuing an accident injury claim in Massachusetts on your own, it is worth remembering the five most common myths regarding accident injury claims in Massachusetts, which can only hurt your case.

Myth No. 1

Writing a letter to the insurance company ensures that you will receive a fair settlement proposal.

Well, not really. Unless you own an insurance company, rest assured that the insurance company does not work for you. Like any other business, the insurance company exists to make a profit. Your injury claim gets in the way of that, so their insurance adjusters and lawyers will do anything to make sure you receive the least possible settlement. Do not face them alone. If the insurance company has a lawyer, shouldn’t you as well?

Myth No. 2

You are obliged to give a recorded statement to the insurance company if it requests it, or they won’t settle with you.

Do not be bullied by the insurance company. You are only obliged to give them a recorded statement ONLY if you are under oath in a legally sanctioned interview. DO NOT give any statements until you talk to your lawyer.

Myth No. 3

The defendant’s insurance company is obligated to cover your medical bills.

The defendant’s insurance company is only obligated to pay your medical bills if:

1. They fall under the guidelines of a policy; or,
2. They are ordered to do so by a court of law.

Myth No. 4

There must be some insurance company that will pay your medical bills, lost wages and injuries if someone else caused your accident.

This depends on your and the defendant’s insurance. If you do not have the right coverage for your injuries, and the defendant is uninsured or under-insured, no one is automatically obligated to pay for your injury-related expenses.

Learn about the different types of auto insurance in Massachusetts.

Myth No. 5

Massachusetts juries are generous.

No jury is generous by nature, and insurance companies will spend big money to make sure their voice is heard. Lately, due to propaganda campaigns waged by insurance companies, few juries are naturally generous to accident injury victims, even if they happen to be children.

These myths should not stop you from seeking legal advice. Having an experienced personal injury attorney is your best chance of obtaining a fair settlement, so don’t be afraid to look for one. Personal injury lawyers in Massachusetts work for contingency fees, which means that if they don’t win your case, you don’t have to pay them anything. There are no upfront costs for you.

If you have any questions about how to successfully pursue an accident injury claim in Massachusetts, call 1-800-410-2769 for a Free Consultation with the experienced Massachusetts accident lawyers at Kiley Law Group, LLC.