One of the most common questions we receive is:

How long will it take to receive compensation after a car accident in Hawaii? This is entirely understandable—if you’ve been injured in an accident, you want to know when you can expect the compensation you deserve.

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Understanding the Timeline of an Injury Claim

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Below is an overview of the typical timeline for an injury claim. While many of these timeframes are estimates, as certain aspects of the process are beyond our control, we want to assure you that we will always do everything possible to move your case forward efficiently. It’s important to note that we don’t receive payment for our work until we secure a settlement on your behalf. This means we have every incentive to resolve your case as quickly as possible while also working to obtain the maximum compensation for your injuries.

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The Impact of Your Medical Treatment on Settlement Timing

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The settlement amount is primarily determined by the severity of your injuries. In general, the more medical treatment you require, the higher your settlement is likely to be. Because of this, it is not advisable to settle your claim before completing treatment. The only way to ensure that your settlement fully accounts for all of your medical expenses and injuries is to wait until your treatment is finished. While it may be tempting to settle early, many clients who do so later regret it.

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Since we recommend waiting until you have completed treatment, the length of your treatment is the biggest factor in determining how long it takes to settle your case. Some clients complete treatment in a few weeks, while others require several months or even years. Because of this, some cases settle within a few months, while others take significantly longer.

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Gathering Medical Records and Bills

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Once your treatment is complete, we will promptly request your medical records and bills, as they serve as critical evidence in your injury claim. An insurance adjuster cannot evaluate your case without these documents.

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The speed at which we receive these records depends on your medical providers. Some send them within a week, while others take two to three weeks. Unfortunately, some providers are slow to respond, requiring multiple follow-ups. However, even with delays, we aim to have all records within a month.

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Submitting the Claim and Insurance Review

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Once we have received all necessary medical records and bills, we will immediately organize and summarize them before submitting them to the insurance adjuster. Our team prioritizes this step, typically completing it within a day or two.

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After submission, the insurance adjuster will have approximately one month to review your records. While this may seem like a long time, adjusters handle a high volume of claims, with medical records often spanning several hundred to over a thousand pages. They are required to thoroughly review these documents to understand the full extent of your injuries and any relevant medical history before making an offer.

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The Negotiation Process

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Once the adjuster completes their review, they will present an initial settlement offer—but keep in mind that this first offer is never their highest. Typically, an initial offer is about 30% lower than what the insurer is ultimately willing to pay.

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At this stage, we enter negotiations. We strategically take time to respond to avoid appearing eager to settle, as this can weaken our position. The negotiation process usually lasts a few months, though the exact timeframe is up to you. If you prefer a quick resolution, we can settle within a few weeks—but if you want us to negotiate for the highest possible settlement, the process may take longer.

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Estimated Timeframe for Settlement

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In general, once you have completed your medical treatment, it takes approximately two to four months to settle your claim. However, cases that require extensive treatment or prolonged negotiations may take longer.

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If you have any questions about your specific case, we are here to guide you through every step of the process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.