Call Us atThere are many types of behaviors that can lead to car accidents in Bothell, including driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol, speeding, distracted driving, and more. When someone’s negligent actions cause a car accident in which someone else suffers injuries and property damage, the injured party can seek compensation for the financial and psychological impacts of their losses through a personal injury claim. A dedicated car accident attorney can help navigate this complex process and advocate for the full value of your claim. The claims process generally lasts much longer than claimants and their lawyers would like it to. However, many important things must happen during this time. Here is a look at the length of a Bothell car accident case.
The Statute of Limitations and What It Means for Your Case
Every state sets a statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This legal deadline requires the claimant to file a lawsuit in court to pursue compensation through the legal system. In Washington, the statute of limitations is three years. According to RCW 4.16.080, actions for personal injury or injury to property must be commenced within three years from the date of the incident. This deadline applies to car accident cases and other personal injury matters, meaning you must file your claim within this period to preserve your right to seek damages.
The statute of limitations influences the duration of a Bothell car accident case, but filing the lawsuit marks only the beginning. After initiating the claim, both parties generally continue settlement negotiations while preparing for trial through depositions and evidence exchange. If they do not reach a settlement, the case may take several more months, or longer than a year, to proceed to court.
Reaching Maximum Medical Improvement
Claimants typically do not submit a personal injury claim to the at-fault party’s insurance provider until they reach maximum medical improvement—the stage when the injury has stabilized and a doctor determines that further treatment is unlikely to produce additional recovery. Reaching this point can take months or even years after a car accident in Bothell. This delay is one reason for Washington’s three-year statute of limitations, which not only prevents a case from dragging on indefinitely but also allows time to determine an accurate claim value.
Settlement Negotiations
The parties may reach a settlement at any point during the claims process, starting when the claimant sends a demand to the at-fault party’s insurer after reaching maximum medical improvement and continuing until a jury delivers a verdict at trial. Negotiations typically start after the demand is submitted but before a lawsuit is filed. If the insurer fails to present a reasonable offer, the claimant files a lawsuit, and negotiations proceed alongside trial preparation. Parties may still reach a settlement after the trial begins, provided the jury has not yet issued a verdict.
Contact Libbey Law to Learn More About the Length of a Bothell Car Accident Case
The claims process presents several challenges, and the length of a Bothell car accident case is often one of the most difficult. Delays can place financial strain on those awaiting compensation. The legal team at Libbey Law provides clear guidance, timely updates, and informed answers to help clients stay informed throughout their case. To learn more about the claims process, the factors that affect its duration, and how we work to keep your case moving forward, contact us for a free case evaluation.
