Why Is My Car Accident Claim Taking So Long?

Missouri law requires insurers to handle claims promptly, typically by conducting an investigation within 30 days. However, this only applies to the initial review, and many accident claims take much longer, leaving victims struggling with medical bills and financial uncertainty.

While some cases resolve quickly, others stretch out for months or years due to ongoing medical treatment, disputed liability, or insurance company tactics. Understanding what slows down the process can help you set realistic expectations and take steps to move things along.

Learn why your claim may be stalled and how skilled St. Louis car accident lawyers from Cofman Townsley can help you receive your payout as quickly as possible.

Common Factors That Delay Settlement

Several common issues can cause delays in settling a car accident claim:

Ongoing Medical Treatment

When car accident injuries require ongoing care, claims may be delayed until you reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). This means your condition has stabilized and won’t improve further.

While the wait can be frustrating, reaching MMI allows for a full assessment of your injuries, ensuring fair compensation for future medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Disputed Liability

Expect delays when the other driver and their insurance company dispute who was at fault. Insurers may claim their policyholder wasn’t responsible or argue that you share some blame under Missouri’s comparative fault system.

They may require additional evidence, like accident reconstruction reports or witness statements, before agreeing to a settlement.

Multiple Parties Involved

Accidents involving multiple vehicles often take longer to resolve. With several insurance companies involved, each may dispute liability or delay negotiations to minimize payouts. When one party refuses to cooperate, gathering evidence and settling can take longer.

Government Entity Involvement

Claims against government agencies, such as when a poorly maintained road contributed to the crash, take longer because they follow stricter procedures and deadlines. Victims often must file a Notice of Claim before pursuing a lawsuit.

These cases also involve additional paperwork and agency reviews, which can slow the process compared to standard insurance claims.

Hit-and-Run Investigations

When a driver leaves the scene, police must investigate, which can take time. If they cannot identify the person responsible, the claim might shift to uninsured motorist coverage. This adds another layer of review, as the insurance company verifies coverage and assesses damages, leading to further delays.

Underinsured Drivers

If the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance to cover your damages, you may need to turn to your own policy’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This often requires extra steps, including proving the other driver’s lack of coverage and negotiating with your own insurer.

In addition to these issues, insurance companies may intentionally slow down your claim to avoid paying you what you deserve.

Insurance Company Delay Tactics

Insurance companies often drag out the claims process to pressure accident victims into accepting lower settlements. Some common tactics include:

• Requesting Unnecessary Documentation: While insurers need evidence like medical records and police reports, they may ask for excessive documentation or request records in small portions over time. This tactic prolongs the process and frustrates claimants.
• Dragging Out Negotiations: Insurers may delay making a reasonable offer even when liability is clear. They might take weeks or months to respond to demands, hoping you’ll get desperate and settle for less.
• Disputing Causation: Insurers may argue that your injuries weren’t caused by the accident but were preexisting conditions. This can lead to lengthy medical record reviews and additional expert evaluations, delaying settlement.
• Lowball Settlement Offers: Some insurance adjusters make an initial low offer, hoping you’ll take it. They may stall negotiations to wear you down if you reject it.

Steps to Help Expedite Your Claim

While some delays are beyond your control, you can take steps to keep your case moving forward. Here’s what to do:

These steps will help you prepare for obstacles and have all the necessary documents ready. An attorney knows how to communicate with insurers so they take your case seriously and don’t use bad faith tactics to delay or undervalue your claim.

Get the Legal Help You Need to Move Forward

After a vehicle collision in Missouri, you shouldn’t have to wait for the financial recovery you deserve. At Cofman Townsley, we understand how frustrating delays can be and know what it takes to move your claim forward.

Our skilled attorneys can handle negotiations, challenge insurance company tactics, and gather evidence to build a strong case for maximum compensation.

Don’t let insurance delays keep you from the compensation you need. Contact Cofman Townsley today for a free consultation. We can review your claim, identify what’s causing delays, and take action to resolve your case as quickly as possible.