It is normal to want to settle your car accident case as quickly as possible. A settlement represents a fresh start with the money you need to finally move forward. Resolving your case, however, may require a complicated insurance process. In some cases, car accident victims have to give depositions. If you had to give a deposition, find out how long it might take for you to get your settlement check afterward.
Car Accident Timelines Vary
First, realize that car accident timelines vary significantly and that no two cases are exactly alike. Some claimants receive settlement checks within a few months of their accidents, while others must wait a year or longer. The exact timeline of your car accident settlement after a deposition will depend on factors such as the severity of your injuries, the length of your recovery time, whether there are complications such as liability disputes and if your case goes to trial.
Utah Is a No-Fault State
Although there is no solid answer to how long a car accident settlement will take, you can learn more about the length of the average settlement by understanding the laws in your state. Utah is a no-fault accident state, meaning drivers will rely on their own personal injury protection (PIP) insurance to pay for their medical expenses and lost wages. However, it may still be necessary to file a personal injury lawsuit against another driver if the victim’s injuries meet Utah’s threshold.
- Medical expenses that exceed $3,000
- A bone fracture
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Permanent disability or impairment
- Loss of limb (dismemberment)
- Death
With a PIP insurance claim, the injured driver does not have to prove fault. This can cut a substantial amount of time from the insurance claim process. Rather than having to gather evidence and establish a driver’s fault for a successful claim, a driver in Utah will only need to file a first-party claim through his or her personal injury protection insurance for benefits. Expect a longer settlement timeline, however, if you are filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
When Do Depositions Take Place?
A deposition is an interview process where both sides of the case ask witnesses questions under oath. It allows both sides of a case to gather more information about the accident. You would only need to give a deposition if your case is headed to court.
An injury deposition takes place before a car accident trial in Utah. The deposition occurs after someone has filed a lawsuit but before the court hearing. If you do have to give a deposition, both your attorney and the defense attorney may ask you questions for the record.
Many factors can influence how long it takes to get a settlement after a deposition in Utah. The main factor is whether the at-fault party decides to settle instead of continuing with a trial. In this case, you can expect a settlement check within just a few weeks after you and the at-fault party’s insurance company resolve your claim.
If the defense attorney still wishes to bring the car accident case to trial, however, you will have to wait for your court date, attend a hearing and wait for a jury to deliberate. A settlement check might not be available for some time after your deposition if this is the case.
Consult a Utah Personal Injury Attorney
While understanding the laws in Utah and what to expect from the typical car accident claim process can give you an idea of how long it will take to get a settlement check, consult with a car accident attorney for more accurate information tailored to your case. An attorney can estimate how long it will take to resolve your case, as well as speed up the legal process as much as possible on your behalf.