How Long Does it Take to Get a Car Accident Settlement Check? (2024)

Oct 17, 2023 | By Michael Zimmerman | Read Time: 3 minutes

How long does it take to get a settlement check from a car accident?It will typically take six weeks from the date you signed the settlement agreement to receive your car accident settlement check.

If you were involved in a car accident in Texas, you are probably anxiously awaiting your settlement money.

However, there are several factors that may vary the time frame in which you can expect to receive your settlement.

Below, the Waco, Texas car accident lawyers will go over those factors. If you have any questions, contact us online or call 254-271-2540 today.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Settlement Check from a Car Accident?

Generally, the time it will take to receive money in hand depends on which avenue you chose to arrive at your settlement.

Perhaps due to little or no injuries, you negotiated and agreed to a settlement directly with the insurance company. If this is the case, you will likely receive your money quickly.

However, the more likely scenario is you hired a car accident attorney to represent you in a personal injury lawsuit.

In this instance, your attorney has already considered, calculated, and negotiated several factors specific to your case with the insurance company.

Based upon those factors, you have now come to a settlement agreement and the pertinent question becomes, How long does it take to get a settlement check from a car accident?

or, How long does it take to get the money back from a car accident settlement?

It will typically take six weeks from the date you signed the settlement to receive your accident settlement check. It can take this long because it is a process involving several steps.

Settlement Agreement

First, you will need to sign the settlement and release document. This agreement outlines the terms of the settlement for all parties involved.

Insurance Company Sends a Check

After the settlement agreement is signed and executed, the insurance company will issue the check to your attorney.

Your attorney will deposit it into their escrow or trust account. Once the check clears, your attorney will deduct their fees and pay any liens or expenses you may be responsible for out of your settlement.

Examples of liens or expenses may include:

• Unpaid medical bills,
• Texas government liens such as Medicare or Medicaid,
• Unpaid child support, and
• Expert fees.

These are specific to your case. Along with your check, your attorney can provide an accounting of any expenses.

You Receive Your Check

Finally, your attorney will issue you your settlement check.

Given that there are multiple steps and parties involved, it is easy to see how it can take several weeks to receive your car accident settlement check.

When Will I Get my Settlement Check?

It is impossible to pinpoint exactly how long it will take to get your settlement check.

However, it will typically take six weeks from when all parties sign the settlement agreement. The exact time frame can vary depending on the complexity of the case.

What Happens If I Do Not Receive My Settlement Check Within Six Weeks?

If you do not receive your settlement check within six weeks from the date you signed the settlement documents, you should contact your personal injury attorney.

There a few reasons why your check may be delayed including:

• If you have a settlement over six figures, it may take longer for the insurance company to verify the amount and issue the check;
• Your attorney may be temporarily holding the payment if they are attempting to negotiate outstanding liens on your behalf; and
• You may have agreed to annuity payments and will receive smaller payments over time.

If you have not received your settlement check within six weeks of signing the settlement agreement, you should contact your attorney.

They can provide you with the reasons why your check may be delayed.

Contact an Experienced Texas Car Accident Attorney

If you have more questions about how long it takes to get money from a car accident settlement, give Zimmerman Law Firm a call at 254-271-2540.

Our Texas car accident attorneys have helped our clients recover millions of dollars in auto collision cases, and we want to help you too. Contact us online for a free no-obligation consultation.

From our offices in Waco, Killeen, Round Rock, and Austin, it is our job at theZimmerman Law Firm, P.C.to help our clients get the justice and fair financial compensation they deserve. Call 254-271-2540 today to share your story.

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Michael Zimmerman

Michael was born in Houston, Texas. His education at Baylor and Texas State Universities earned him a Bachelor of Science degree in 1987. His major was in Biology with a Minor in Chemistry. He finished his legal education at Texas Southern University in 1990, earning a Juris Doctorate from Thurgood Marshall School of Law. He was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in 1990.