How Court Delays Can Impact Your Miami Car Accident Settlement

Finalizing a Miami car accident settlement can take longer than you expect. Several factors can affect the timeline of each case, many of which you unfortunately have no control over. Therefore, it’s crucial to know how long a car accident settlement will take, so you have an idea of how long to expect a resolution. Specifically, this guide explains how court delays impact the car accident settlement timeline.

Do Court Delays and Other Legal Procedures Impact Car Accident Settlement Timeline?

The short answer is yes. Court delays and schedules can broadly impact how long it takes to settle a car accident in Miami.

Miami has one of the highest car crash rates in Florida and the United States. According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website, there were 380,902 car crashes in Florida in 2024, resulting in 3,149 fatalities. In those cases, there were 246,201 reported injuries.

Due to the rising number of car crashes in Miami and Florida, Miami courts handle a high volume of cases. With an overwhelmed court system, it could take the court months or even years to process all the cases. This overwhelmed schedule can cause a delay in your case or trial, especially if the more serious and complex cases take precedence. 

Another factor that could also impact court delays in your car accident settlement case is the shortage of judges or court staff. With fewer manpower handling the cases, it could lead to a slowdown in the handling of car accident cases in Miami. 

Your attorney will discuss this possibility with you once you decide to enter into a personal injury lawsuit against another driver in a car accident. The actual extent of the impact on the case’s timeline varies greatly depending on the number of cases the court is handling at any given time and other legal procedures.

Additional factors could also impact your car accident settlement case, such as complex liability issues. The aforementioned refers to a multi-vehicle collision that requires a more extensive investigation due to its complexity. Or in some cases, there is unclear evidence or conflicting accounts within a case. These scenarios require more extensive investigation to ensure that a proper settlement can be reached in your case.

Other Factors That Could Delay Miami Car Accident Settlement

Court schedules and delays largely impact how long you’d have to wait to settle a car accident case in Miami. However, other factors can also lead to delays.

1. Complex Legal Issues

The complexity of your car accident cases, such as those involving additional legal questions and investigations, can contribute to delays in case settlement. A typical example would be dealing with multiple parties in a multi-vehicle pileup. Another example is when there are serious injuries or disputed liability. 

Hence, the no-fault system in Florida aims to address these issues by ensuring all parties can get the medical care and compensation they need while these legal issues are ongoing. 

2. Continuance Request

The actions of the other party can also cause delays in your car accident settlement case. For example, the other party’s attorney requests that the court reschedule the case’s hearing because they need to collect more evidence or if they want to replace counsel. These factors can delay the court dates for your case, causing it to take longer than usual.

3. Delaying Tactics from Insurance Companies

Insurance companies could also cause delays in your car accident settlement case in Miami. They can drag out your case’s litigation or stall the legal proceedings, with the intent of making the plaintiffs settle for less than the maximum compensation. Many car accident victims would rather receive compensation than wait months or years for a settlement, which is the objective of insurance companies. So, don’t take the bait.

Tips When Dealing with Court Delays in Your Car Accident Case

Dealing with court delays in your Miami car accident case feels frustrating. It makes you feel as though you have no control over the situation. Some might even be tempted to settle with the insurance company instead of waiting for months or years to settle the case.

Here are the best tips to handle court delays in Miami.

Stay in Contact With Your Attorney

While waiting for the next step in the case, you must keep in touch with your Miami car accident lawyer. Regularly check in with them for updates on your case, or some lawyers will reach out to you if they have new updates. Staying in contact helps you know what to expect and understand what’s causing the delay.

Keep Your Vital Documents

Organize and store your essential documents and evidence for future use when your case resumes. Keep a detailed record of those missed days at work or ongoing expenses related to the injuries sustained from the car accident. If the injury affects your daily life, document it as additional proof that would help your case. 

Explore Mediation Options

Some courts in Miami offer mediation services, where parties can meet to discuss settlement options, especially while waiting for a court date. Before you pursue this option, always consult your attorney, as they know what’s legally best for your case.

Follow Your Medical Treatment Plan

You should stick to your medical treatment plan consistently. It shows the impact of an injury on your daily life and also helps you with recovery. You must be in the best possible health, as it will support your case.

Be Patient

Delays can be frustrating. However, it would be more frustrating to do all the work only for you to settle for a lower amount than you deserve. It could hurt you in the long run if you let your impatience win and give in to the low-ball offers from the insurance company. 

Again, you should work closely with your car accident lawyer in Miami if you have any questions about the development of your case. Staying informed is vital so you can push for progress in your case.