While most property damage claims are resolved within days or a week or two after a wreck, and most injury claims settled within weeks or a few months after you finish treatment, if there is a dispute, the process can take longer. The at-fault driver or her insurance company may delay payment while they investigate or fight liability (fault).
When it comes to recovering money for property damage, many people cannot afford to be without transportation for an extended time while the battle over fault continues. In such cases, if you have collision coverage on your own insurance policy, you may make the claim against your policy and pay a deductible — usually $500.00 or $1,000.00. You may receive your deductible back at a later date if your own insurer recovers money from the other driver or drivers.
Common disputes in injury cases that delay payment include who caused the accident and whether your injuries were pre-existing. You can sometimes speed up the process by providing as much information to the insurance company about fault and your current injuries early in the process. Be aware, however, that insurance companies may go on a fishing expedition into your medical history, looking for other things to blame your injuries on.