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If you live in California and have been injured in a car accident and wonder, ‘Why is my car accident settlement taking so long?’, here’s an updated answer that might bring some understanding of what’s behind your claim and, thus, some peace of mind to you. The most important thing you need to know is that there are essentially three issues that are in dispute when you start a car accident claim:
- Liability – who’s responsible for the accident? Are you at fault in any percentage?
- The severity of the injuries.
- How much are you owed for your damages – both economic and non-economic.
If you hire California car accident lawyers at Megeredchian Law. You can have an extra advantage. Not only because we fight aggressively so you obtain maximum compensation, but also because you have direct access to your attorney 24/7. You can be peace-minded that we’re doing our job and that you’ll receive news as soon as possible. Call (866) 359-0807 to have a free consultation.
Why is My Car Accident Settlement Taking So Long? 2025 Updates
Although we already shared some essential reasons why your case might be taking longer than expected, let’s dive a little bit deeper into those and other issues that might be affecting your case’s timeline in 2025.
Legal and Regulatory Changes in 2025
The 2025 legal and regulatory changes in California have introduced several factors that can affect the timeline of car accident settlements:
Increased Insurance Liability Limits
As of January 1, 2025, California’s minimum auto insurance liability limits have doubled:
- Bodily Injury Liability: Increased from $15,000 to $30,000 per person and from $30,000 to $60,000 per accident.
- Property Damage Liability: Increased from $5,000 to $15,000.
These higher limits mean that insurance companies may conduct more thorough investigations to avoid larger payouts, potentially extending the settlement process.
In exchange for these higher limits the insurance companies now have at least 30 days to review medical bills and records sent by your attorney, thus delaying the process even further
Mandatory Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Starting in 2025, California mandated that drivers carry uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage unless they opt out in writing. This change can add complexity to claims involving underinsured drivers, as insurers now have additional layers of coverage to consider.
Processing of Liens and Medical Bills
Before disbursing settlement funds, outstanding medical bills and liens (e.g., from Medi-Cal or Medicare) must be resolved. This process can take several weeks or even months, depending on the complexity and responsiveness of the involved parties.
Other Reasons Why Your Case Might Be Taking Longer Than Expected
The Particular Details of Your Accident
If your case involved multiple vehicles, liability lies on more than one person, and severe injuries were suffered by you and/or anyone else involved, it makes sense that your car accident settlement takes longer to resolve. Each case’s complexities require in-depth investigations, which might include accident reconstructions and testimonies from experts and witnesses.
All this can extend your claim’s timeline and, with it, its settlement.
Recovering From Your Injuries
If you’ve sustained serious injuries, it’s important that you reach what is called maximum medical improvement (MMI) before settling. This ensures all medical expenses, including future treatments, are accounted for. Waiting for MMI can delay the settlement process because it depends not only on your medical treatment but also on how your own body responds.
If you settle too early, you might risk missing out on compensation that you might need for future medical needs – compensation you’re entitled to!
Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance companies may employ delay tactics, such as requesting excessive documentation or offering low initial settlements, hoping claimants will accept less due to financial pressure. These practices can prolong negotiations.
That’s why it’s important that you have experienced personal injury lawyers by your side to recognize such stalling tactics, push for timely responses, and negotiate a stronger settlement.
Settlement Negotiations and Counteroffers
After you or your lawyer send a demand letter to the insurance provider, the company will typically reply with a counteroffer. This exchange of proposals often involves a series of negotiations that may span several weeks or even months, depending on the gap between both sides’ expectations.
Filing a Lawsuit
If settlement discussions break down and a just resolution can’t be achieved, your lawyer might proceed by initiating a lawsuit. Pursuing the case through the court system can considerably lengthen the process, as it involves formal steps like submitting legal documents, conducting discovery (collecting evidence), taking depositions, and possibly going to trial.
The good thing about this scenario is that filing a lawsuit can motivate insurance companies to propose a more acceptable settlement – but it may lengthen the process.
Your Settlement’s Amount – Especially If It’s High
When a claim involves a substantial payout, insurance companies tend to examine every aspect carefully before agreeing to settle. They can demand more detailed supporting documents, additional phases of negotiation, or even refuse to pay such high amounts.
These high-stakes cases typically require several layers of review, approval, and extended negotiation before reaching a final resolution.
How to Speed Up Your Car Accident Settlement in California
Several things in your power might speed up your car accident settlement process:
- Look for medical attention and complete treatment ASAP: Delays in treatment not only can extend the time you reach your maximum medical improvement (MMI) but also raise suspicions on insurance companies on the severity and emergency of your injuries.
- Hire a personal injury attorney to start your claim: Don’t risk starting your claim by yourself! Lawyers can efficiently gather evidence, handle communications with insurers, and negotiate on your behalf, often leading to quicker settlements.
- Keep comprehensive records: gather records of all medical treatments, expenses, accident reports, and communications. Organized documentation can reduce back-and-forth with insurers and support a faster resolution.
- Avoid providing recorded statements without legal advice: Insurance adjusters may request recorded statements that could be used to minimize your claim. Consult with your attorney before providing any statements to protect your interests.
- Be cautious with Social Media activity: Insurers may monitor your social media for evidence that contradicts your injury claims. Refrain from posting about your accident or recovery to prevent potential delays or reductions in your settlement.
In fact, be very careful about anything you post on social media, just like our Managing Attorney Alex Megeredchian clearly advises in this video:
Result-Driven California Car Accident Lawyers
When you claim compensation for a car accident, you want results. You’re anxious to receive good news. And while no serious lawyer can guarantee when your car accident settlement will end, Megeredchian Law can promise that your case is in good hands. We have the experience, the knowledge, and the resources to fight for every penny you deserve.
Also, when you call Megeredchian Law at (866) 359-0807, you will be speaking to an attorney directly – no call center, no robots. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to give you an answer. Call us today!