After a serious accident, victims expect their insurance company or the at-fault driver’s insurer to step up quickly. But in 2025, California victims are reporting longer delays than ever when it comes to receiving settlements. These delays can push families into debt, delay medical treatment, and add unnecessary emotional stress. The question many are asking: are these delays just part of the process, or do they violate victims’ rights?

Why Insurance Settlements Are Delayed

Claim Investigations, Insurers often demand excessive paperwork, medical records, and witness statements before approving payments.
Lowball Negotiations, Companies intentionally stall, hoping victims will accept less money out of desperation.
Blaming the Victim, Adjusters argue that victims share fault, creating months of back-and-forth disputes.
Medical Review Delays, Insurance companies frequently “wait” for additional medical exams before making offers, dragging the process out.

The Human Impact in 2025

In Los Angeles, a car accident victim waited over 10 months for a settlement, forcing him to take out loans to cover medical bills. In San Diego, a mother injured in a rideshare crash said her insurer delayed her claim until she accepted an offer less than half her hospital costs. These stories highlight the devastating financial and emotional toll caused by delays.

Victims’ Rights Under California Law

California law requires insurers to act in good faith and process claims within a reasonable time. Unjustified settlement delays may qualify as “bad faith” practices, which can open insurers up to lawsuits. In 2025, courts in Sacramento and San Francisco have already penalized insurers for unfair delays, awarding victims additional damages beyond their original claims.

Why Delays Benefit Insurers

Delays increase the financial pressure on victims, making them more likely to accept unfair settlements. Insurers also profit from holding money longer, earning interest while victims struggle. In 2025, critics argue that these tactics show insurers care more about profit margins than the well-being of their customers.

What Victims Can Do

Keep detailed records of all communication with insurance companies. Document every delay, missed deadline, or lowball offer. If a claim is dragging on without justification, consult an attorney immediately. In many cases, simply having legal representation forces insurers to act more quickly.

Conclusion

Insurance settlement delays in 2025 are leaving California victims frustrated, broke, and emotionally drained. While insurers defend delays as “thorough investigations,” many of these tactics cross the line into bad faith practices. At Hillstone Law, we fight for accident victims facing insurance delays, holding companies accountable and ensuring they receive the compensation they are owed without unnecessary waiting games.