If you have been injured in an accident caused by a negligent party, you may want to file a personal injury claim. After filing a claim, you will have to wait for the call of the insurer to offer compensation. Sometimes, delays in claims can happen for some reason. But, while some claim delays may be reasonable, insurance companies may try to purposely delay your claim, so you will settle for less than your claim’s true value. But, you don’t have to worry about this delay if you are working with an attorney from a reputable Atlanta law firm. A great lawyer can help you through the filing process to ensure you can compensation you deserve to get as quickly as possible. They will discuss with you the facts of your claim and the possible reasons your claim can be delayed. Below are factors that can cause a delay in your claim:

The Seriousness of Your Injuries

Some accident-related injuries can take a while to heal. Because treatment costs may continue to pile up, it’s best to negotiate for compensation after you reach maximum medical improvement. At this point, your treating physician may help you understand the possible cost of your future treatment. Your discussion should include the costs of diagnosis, treatment, and future medical expenses, so your attorney will know how much to negotiate for you. 

How Complex Negotiations Can Be

After you know your claim’s value, your lawyer may start negotiating with the at-fault party’s insurance provider. The insurer may not agree to your demand and may refuse to pay it. But, the company may also make a counteroffer that is less than what your attorney demands. The negotiation will go back and forth until both parties can reach an agreement, dragging the time it takes to settle your claim. 

Disputes Over Liability

If the other party does not accept fault, legal disputes may arise. Because of these disputes, investigations will be conducted, which can take time. An accident reconstruction specialist may have to be hired to determine how your accident happened and how is liable for your damages. In addition, the insurance company may assert that your symptoms were caused by your negligence of a pre-existing condition. Legal disputes may delay your claim while every side collects evidence to prove their version of events. 

Court Processes

When the insurance company denies liability and refuses to negotiate, you may not have another choice but to take your case to court. When this occurs, you may need to file a lawsuit. This includes the discovery process, which takes weeks or months to get through.