Curious why your personal injury claim is taking so long?
You’re not the only one. Personal injury claims increased by 78% in 2024. The problem is – the majority of victims spend all their time waiting around for insurance companies to do their job.
But…
Insurance company delays aren’t accidental. They’re a tactic used to frustrate victims into settling for far less than they deserve.
Inside, you’ll learn:
- Why insurance companies love to play the waiting game
- The most common personal injury claim errors that cause delays
- How to speed up your settlement without making costly mistakes
- And when to seek professional help to get the compensation you deserve
Why Insurance Companies Love Playing the Waiting Game
Insurance companies have discovered one simple secret…
The longer they take, the more desperate you become. And desperate people take lowball offers.
You’re already facing medical bills, lost wages, and higher expenses. Each day that passes without a settlement adds more pressure. Insurance companies know it and use it against you.
But it’s not the only reason they delay your claim…
Insurance companies make money off your money.
While your settlement is in their account, it’s earning them interest. State Farm had $8.81 billion in claim reserves in 2024. That’s a potential return of $300 million a year just from your money.
On top of that, longer claims give insurance companies more time to identify ways to reduce your settlement.
You get a court date. Time passes. Finally, the day before the trial, the insurance company makes a slightly better offer.
Maybe it’s not enough. But after the time pressure you feel, that tiny increase looks too good.
Part of the reasons the insurance companies use delay tactics is that they often have to coordinate with several parties during the claim process, including process servers for law firms to serve legal documents such as notices of claim to the defendant insurance company and its representatives. This coordination can lead to additional delays, especially if multiple parties are involved or if there is any challenge to liability.
The Most Common Personal Injury Claim Errors That Cost You Time
Personal injury claim errors are more common than you might think. And most of them are 100% avoidable if you know what to look out for.
Not Seeking Immediate Medical Attention
This is the single most important mistake victims make…
You leave the accident feeling fine. The adrenaline is pumping and you don’t realize you’re hurt until later. So you skip the doctor and head home.
Don’t do it.
Insurance companies hate when you wait to seek medical treatment because it gives them the perfect argument for why your injuries weren’t caused by the accident.
If there’s no contemporaneous medical evidence they can argue you were injured somewhere else.
Even if you feel fine after an accident, see your doctor as soon as possible. That medical record could be worth thousands of dollars down the road.
Giving Recorded Statements Too Early
Here’s something you might not know…
Insurance adjusters are trained to trick you into saying something that hurts your case. It’s what they do.
They’ll call you after the accident to get you rattled and talking while you’re still emotional. They’ll pretend to care but everything you say is recorded and going straight to their lawyers.
The solution? Don’t give any recorded statements without speaking to a lawyer first.
Not Documenting Everything
Evidence of your claim disappears fast.
Skid marks fade. Surveillance videos get wiped. Witnesses forget what they saw.
You need to document as much as possible as soon as possible:
Photos of the accident, your injuries, and any property damage. Contact information for witnesses. Police report numbers and officer names. Copies of all medical records and bills related to your injuries.
The more evidence you have to prove your claim, the harder it is for an insurance company to dispute it.
Accepting the First Settlement Offer
Insurance companies count on you being impatient to make quick, low settlement offers.
They’ll come in with an offer you should never accept in the hopes that you’ll just want to get it over with.
The offer will always be far below what your claim is actually worth.
Only 95% of personal injury cases settle before trial. Insurance companies would rather pay you a few thousand than risk going to court where a jury might award far more.
Take your time. Know the true value of your claim before accepting a settlement.
How to Speed Up Your Settlement Without Making Costly Mistakes
You want to get your claim moving, right?
Here’s what actually works…
Stay Organized and Responsive
Insurance companies will ask for documents, medical records, and other information during the claims process.
The faster you can provide it, the quicker they’ll work on your claim.
Create a folder for all accident-related documents. File everything as soon as you get it. Respond promptly to requests. Be organized. Show the insurance company you mean business.
Follow All Medical Treatment
Doctors often recommend treatment like physical therapy, follow-up visits with specialists, or specific procedures for good reason.
Insurance companies will try to use anything they can to reduce your settlement. If you don’t take their doctor’s advice, they can argue your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim.
You need to document following all medical advice to the letter to get full compensation.
Don’t Post on Social Media
Insurance companies and their lawyers comb through your social media accounts looking for anything they can use against you.
That party photo at your cousin’s wedding could be twisted into arguing you’re not as hurt as you say.
Set your social media accounts to private. Don’t post anything that could come back to bite you later.
Be Patient But Persistent
Settlement negotiations take time. There’s a difference between normal processing and intentional delays.
Average personal injury cases can take anywhere from six months to several years depending on complexity and case type. Simple car accident claims often settle within 6-9 months after treatment is complete.
If your case has stalled for months with no progress, it might be time for a second opinion.
When Professional Help Can Make All the Difference
Sometimes, it’s better to leave it to the experts…
Insurance companies treat claimants represented by an attorney VERY differently than those who aren’t. They know experienced personal injury lawyers know their delay tactics and won’t tolerate them.
A good personal injury attorney can move your case forward, negotiate better settlements, handle all communication, and protect you from making expensive mistakes.
The best part?
The vast majority of personal injury attorneys work on contingency. That means you don’t pay unless you win.
Time Limits You Can’t Ignore
Here’s something super important that lots of people don’t realize…
Every state has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims. In most states, it’s 1-3 years from the date of the accident you have to file a lawsuit.
Insurance companies know this. One of their favorite delay tactics is to let the clock run out. If you miss the deadline, you lose the right to sue forever.
Stop Letting Insurance Companies Control Your Case
Personal injury claim errors and delays don’t have to control the outcome of your case.
Avoid common mistakes, stay organized, and know when to seek professional help to keep your case moving toward a fair settlement.
Remember – insurance companies profit from delays and lowball offers. Don’t let them wear you down.
Your injuries deserve proper compensation. And you deserve to get it without jumping through endless hoops.
Final Thoughts
Personal injury claim errors and delays don’t have to control your recovery.
Insurance companies profit from confusion and desperation. But now you know their tactics and how to fight back.
Stay organized. Document everything. And don’t let them wear you down with delay tactics.
Your case has value. And you deserve fair compensation without the runaround.