If you’ve been involved in a non-fault accident, you’re probably wondering how long it will take to resolve your claim. The timeline can vary depending on several factors, such as the complexity of the accident, the extent of damage or injuries, and how cooperative the at-fault party’s insurer is. Understanding these factors can help set your expectations and guide you through the process.
The Timeline for Vehicle Repairs
For minor accidents where liability is clear and limited to vehicle damage, claims can often be resolved quickly. Once the at-fault party’s insurer accepts responsibility, vehicle repairs can typically be arranged within one to four weeks. However, if the repair involves specialist parts or the insurer delays agreeing on repair costs, the process can take longer.
When disputes arise over who caused the accident, the timeline can stretch significantly. Insurers may need additional evidence, such as photographs, dashcam footage, or police reports, to establish liability. This investigation phase can add weeks or months to the process, depending on how quickly the evidence is gathered and reviewed. You can get help in this type of situation from https://www.rtaclaims.co.uk/.
Resolving Injury Claims
In cases where injuries are involved, the timeline is usually longer. Minor injuries like whiplash often require a medical assessment to confirm their severity and expected recovery time. These claims typically take between four and twelve months to resolve.
For more serious injuries, the process can take over a year or even longer. Medical professionals need time to assess the long-term impact of the injuries, including any ongoing treatment or permanent effects. This ensures that the compensation accurately reflects your needs but inevitably extends the timeline.
The Role of Disputes and Delays
Disputes over liability are a common cause of delays in resolving non-fault accident claims. If the at-fault party’s insurer denies responsibility or drags out the process, negotiations can become drawn out. In some cases, the claim may even escalate to legal proceedings, further prolonging the resolution.
Even when liability is accepted, delays can occur if there’s a lack of clear evidence or if communication between insurers is slow. Gathering strong evidence, such as witness statements, photographs, or dashcam footage, early on can help minimise these delays.
What Can You Do to Speed Things Up?
While some delays are beyond your control, taking proactive steps can help speed up the process. Providing your insurer with all the relevant information and evidence as soon as possible ensures they can act quickly on your behalf. This includes submitting photos of the accident scene, contact details for witnesses, and any dashcam footage.
Working with a specialist accident management company can also help streamline the process. These companies handle most of the claim on your behalf, including arranging repairs or courtesy cars and dealing with the at-fault party’s insurer. By relying on their expertise, you can often reduce the time and stress involved in resolving the claim.
Winter Driving Tips You Need to Know
Do you hate driving in the winter? The weather in the UK can change dramatically during the winter months, which means you can expect snow and ice, plus heavy rain and strong winds. What’s more, the dark nights mean that you’re often going to be travelling with no sunlight. Unfortunately, the statistics show that more accidents happen at this time of the year, which means that you have to be more cautious. Here are some winter driving tips that can help you feel safe and secure when you’re on the road.
Choose Main Roads
If the weather is very cold and ice is visible, it’s recommended that you stick to the main roads. They’re going to be gritted by the council and be travelled by other vehicles. This means that they can be less dangerous than side roads that haven’t been touched. This is particularly true if you’re driving early and in the dark and there’s been no winter sun.
De-Ice Your Car
Don’t forget to prepare your car before you leave in the morning. It’s recommended that you leave the engine running for at least a few minutes before you leave. Then, you want to defrost the windows. You can do this with the air-conditioning and heater, as well as using a de-icer. You want to ensure that you have total visibility and you can see out of every window and mirror.
Slow Down
Something that you must always do is adjust your driving to the conditions. In particular, you’ll want to slow down during the winter. This can make sure that you don’t lose control where there’s ice, snow or heavy rain. These are conditions that interfere with stopping distance and you need to give yourself as much time as possible to make decisions and avoid incidents.
Conclusion
The time it takes to resolve a non-fault accident claim in the UK depends on several factors, including the nature of the accident and the responsiveness of the involved parties. Simple claims may be resolved in weeks, while those involving injuries or disputes over liability can take months or even years. By staying organised, cooperating with your insurer, and gathering strong evidence, you can help ensure your claim is settled as quickly and smoothly as possible.
