Levine & Slavit | December 17, 2025

When a New York car accident leaves you hurt and damages your vehicle, you don’t want to waste any time seeking compensation. The car accident settlement timeline varies for every case, but some victims wait several months or over a year before receiving a check. If you’re wondering how to speed up the process, it’s important to understand the factors that determine the timeline. 

This guide explores some of the issues that slow the compensation process and how you can expedite your settlement. 

Don’t Wait To File a Claim With Your Insurance Company

New York is a no-fault state, so drivers must generally rely on their own insurance coverage before pursuing compensation from another driver’s insurance. You’ll slow the settlement timeline if you don’t file a claim promptly. 

The fastest way to receive a settlement is to accept the insurance company’s first offer, assuming they don’t deny the claim. However, a provider’s initial offer may not meet your expectations or adequately reflect the extent of your damages. 

It may benefit you to work with a car accident attorney. They can review the evidence, evaluate damages, and if necessary, negotiate with the insurance company. It helps to have legal representation in the event that you pursue a lawsuit against a third party, such as another driver, vehicle manufacturer, or government entity. 

Receive Prompt Medical Care 

The victim of a New York car accident who walks away with a few bruises may receive a settlement faster than someone who sustains a serious head injury. It’s wise to hold off filing a personal injury claim until you understand the scope of your injuries and the value of past and future medical expenses. 

Seeking prompt medical attention may also make it easier to tie your injuries directly to the accident, which could strengthen your insurance claim or potential lawsuit and lead to a faster settlement. 

If you sustain serious injuries in your accident and require ongoing care, it could take longer for your case to settle. Work with an attorney to facilitate the process and build a compelling case while you receive treatment. 

Remain Open to Settling Your Case

Perhaps an insurance company denies your claim or refuses to raise their low-ball settlement offer. Depending on the circumstances, you could pursue a personal injury lawsuit. Taking legal action may cause auto insurers or other defendants to be more willing to compromise and participate in negotiations. 

If you want to resolve the case quickly, remain open to settling. If neither party can reach an agreement, the case may have to end with a trial, which can extend the timeline by several more months or even years. 

Gather Plenty of Evidence

It could take a while to receive a settlement for your New York car accident claim if the insurance company disputes key facts of the case. You can prevent this from happening by compiling many pieces of evidence supporting your claim, such as:

  • Police reports
  • Witness statements
  • Photos from the scene
  • Surveillance or dashcam footage
  • Medical records

Hire an attorney to represent you, and they can support you with organizing evidence and handling any liability disputes that arise. 

Consult a Personal Injury Attorney About Your Legal Options

If you’ were hurt in a New York car accident and are pursuing compensation for your injuries, let an attorney guide you through the process. A legal professional can assess your case and offer advice for receiving a settlement in a timely manner. 

Reach out to Levine & Slavit if you find yourself in this scenario and need legal support. Contact the firm online to schedule a free consultation.