Written/Reviewed By:
Barry S. Kantrowitz, Esq.
Last Updated: Jun 12, 2026
Read Time: 3 mins
If you or a loved one has been in a car accident that resulted in injuries and vehicle damage, it’s likely that you will file an insurance claim.
Both New Jersey and New York are “no-fault” states, in which drivers can go to their own insurance companies to file a claim after an accident, regardless of who was at fault.
How long it will take you to get a settlement check depends on a number of factors. It can be up to a month, and sometimes much longer if the case is complex or the insurer cannot or does not find the relevant information quickly.
Insurance Claim timeline
Insurance companies vary in their speed in processing claims. Some are quite fast, and some seem to drag their heels forever.
When you are in an accident, do what you can to expedite the process. Be sure to file an insurance claim promptly. If there was a police report or you took pictures after it, both can help your insurance company. Have your insurance policy number and details of the accident (including from any police report) ready when you call.
If your insurance company contacts you for additional information after you’ve filed a claim, be sure to call back promptly. Insurance companies have multiple claims they are dealing with. It’s to your advantage to remind them about yours.
If the accident-related expenses are significant, it may be prudent to retain a qualified attorney. Car accident lawyers can negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf.
Car accident lawsuit compensation
There are specific instances when people who have been in car accidents can file a legal claim for damages in both New York and New Jersey. Plaintiffs can seek monetary damages for severe personal injury or death.
If the defendant is found liable and there is a monetary award, a series of steps occur. Usually, the other party’s lawyer will send a release for signature first. This will set forth the amount to be paid and perhaps other stipulations.
In most cases, the plaintiff will have to sign and date the release and return it. At that point, a settlement check is to be sent. In a court case, the attorney generally receives the settlement check, because it’s part of the overall settlement of the case. The attorney will send the check to the plaintiff.
A personal injury lawsuit generally takes much longer to resolve than a car accident claim.
Car Accident Attorneys in New York and New Jersey
Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C. have decades of experience helping New Jersey and New York residents get the compensation they deserve after a car accident. To learn more about your legal options, contact our law offices to arrange a free consultation with car accident lawyers serving Rockland and Bergen Counties.
Additional Resources:
- Avenier, Raul. “How Long Does It Usually Take an Insurance Company to Offer to Settle in an Auto Accident Case?” The Nest. https://budgeting.thenest.com/long-usually-insurance-company-offer-settle-auto-accident-case-24760.html.
- Delbridge, Emily. “How Long Does an Insurance Claim Take?” The Balance. December 4, 2018. https://www.thebalance.com/how-long-does-an-insurance-claim-take-527095
