After you reach a settlement in a car accident case many clients wonder how long it will take before they actually receive the money The process is not instant and several steps must be completed first
Settlement Does Not Mean Immediate Payment
Even after an agreement is reached the insurance company will not send a check right away Certain conditions must be met before funds are released
Signing a Release Agreement
Before payment is issued you must sign a release of liability form This document is typically signed by you your attorney the insurance company and the at fault party Once you sign it you waive your right to bring any further claims for the same injuries
The insurer cannot issue your check until this form is completed
The Check Goes to Your Attorney First
The insurance company usually sends the settlement check to your attorney not directly to you Your attorney deposits the check into a trust account then deducts legal fees and pays any required obligations such as medical liens The remaining balance is then sent to you
Liens and Obligations Must Be Resolved
Before you receive your funds outstanding liens and debts must be cleared These often include medical bills insurance reimbursements Medicare or Medi Cal payments and sometimes unpaid child support Depending on the size and complexity of these obligations they can cause delays in final payment
Timeline for Receiving Your Check
In straightforward cases once the release is signed and liens are resolved you may receive your check within a few weeks In many cases settlement checks are distributed within six weeks of signing the release If the case was litigated appealed or involves complex disputes the process can take longer
How Hillstone Law Assists
Hillstone Law helps clients at every step to speed up the process We review the release to ensure fairness work to negotiate or reduce liens manage communication with the insurer and push for timely payment If you are concerned about delays or want updates on your check we will provide clear answers and regular communication
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Disclaimer: The material provided in these blogs is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Reading these posts does not create, and is not intended to create, an attorney-client relationship with Hillstone Law. Our intent is to share knowledge, raise awareness, and provide helpful resources to the public; however, Hillstone Law makes no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided, and expressly disclaims liability for any actions taken in reliance on it. The photos used in these posts are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict actual clients, individuals, or incidents unless expressly stated. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, please contact Hillstone Law at (855) 691-1691. Our attorneys are available to answer your legal questions and help you understand your rights.
