Car Accident: How Long After Signing a Release Will You Get a Settlement Check?

A car accident only takes an instant to upend your life. After the physical, emotional, and financial stress of a crash, many accident victims are relieved to finally reach a settlement for the compensation they need to get their lives back on track. However, after signing the release, new anxieties often appear. At this point, many of our clients turn to us and ask: How long to get settlement check after signing release? When you’re facing months of medical bills, lost wages, and expensive vehicle repairs, it’s understandable to be concerned about when you’ll receive these much-needed funds. 

This article will shed some light on the unknowns around the post-settlement process. We’ll walk through the timeline for getting a settlement check, the steps involved, and what can cause delays. This insight can help you plan while you wait for your settlement funds.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Settlement Check After Signing a Release for a Car Accident Injury?

Signing a release is a significant step for car accident victims. When you sign the release, you officially agree to end your claim against the party who caused your injuries. This means giving up your right to take further legal action for injuries resulting from the crash. In exchange, the other party agrees to pay a certain amount of compensation for your damages. 

However, signing the release agreement does not always mean receiving funds immediately. Generally, accident victims can expect to receive a settlement check within three to six weeks of signing a release. However, this timeline can vary widely depending on the facts of the case. For example, Virginia law requires a court to review and approve settlement agreements in wrongful death cases, which can delay the distribution of settlement funds to the deceased’s family.

Let’s break down what happens after you sign a release and how it can impact your settlement check.

How Long to Get Settlement Check After Signing Release: The Basic Process

Understanding what happens after you sign the release can help you manage your expectations, plan for expenses, and ease concerns about the process. Here is a general overview of the steps between signing the release and receiving your check.

Reviewing Release Form 

Once you sign the release form, your attorney sends it to the defendant’s insurance company or legal representative. They examine the document to ensure all terms are in order. If the defendant’s insurer is handling your compensation, they will approve the release form and arrange for payment. Depending on the insurance company’s internal procedures, it can take them a few days to several weeks to issue your settlement check. 

Depositing Check in Trust

In most cases, your attorney first receives the settlement check. Your legal representative will deposit the funds in a secure third-party account, i.e., a trust or escrow account. This ensures that any fees and financial obligations related to the lawsuit will be paid before you receive the funds. 

Paying Bills and Fees

It’s not unusual for accident victims to have bills or debts to pay from a settlement check. Some of the fees commonly deducted include:

• • Medical liens—payment for treatment from healthcare providers after an injury;
  • Government liens—reimbursement for Medicare or Medicaid-sponsored injury treatment or unpaid taxes; 
  • Attorney fees—personal injury lawyers who charge nothing up-front are typically paid from a percentage of your settlement award; and

• Other legal fees—costs for court filing, expert witness testimony, accident reconstruction, or any other fees your lawyer covered for you before settling your case.

During this process, the bank holding the account will safeguard the funds and inform your attorney when these outstanding payments are complete.

Receiving Compensation

Once all applicable fees are subtracted, the remaining settlement funds go to you. In most cases, you can expect your compensation to come via a mailed check from your lawyer. As soon as you receive the funds, they are yours to spend as you wish.

Why Is My Settlement Check Delayed?

If your settlement check hasn’t arrived when you expected, it’s natural to feel frustrated. Here are some common reasons that settlement checks may be delayed:

• Insurance company processing. Insurers often require several stages of review before approving a settlement check, and internal disruptions—such as high case volumes—can cause bottlenecks that slow down the process. Additionally, some insurers may only process payments on specific days of the week or month.

• Errors in paperwork. Incomplete or incorrect documents can also complicate the settlement check approval process. A good attorney will take time to ensure all forms and information are accurate before submitting to help avoid unnecessary delays.

• Holidays. Bank closures due to public holidays could also delay cutting checks or depositing them into trust accounts. 

If you’re concerned about delays, your attorney is the best person to turn to. They can follow up with the insurance company to get updates on your payment and resolve any issues.

Merrick Brock: The Principled Advocates Virginia Trusts

For accident victims, a settlement check isn’t just money. It’s a critical resource for helping your family heal after the devastation of a collision. At Merrick Brock, PLLC, we understand how much is riding on an accident settlement and the financial relief it provides. When you come to our law firm for help after a crash, we make it our mission to keep you informed and protect your rights at each step in the recovery process. Our experienced attorneys are here to guide you through the process—from negotiating your settlement to ensuring that you receive your funds promptly. With over 25 years of experience and an inside understanding of insurance company protocols, we’re well-equipped to handle any challenges that arise on the road to recovery.

If you or a family member has been hurt in a car accident, don’t wait to get the help you need. Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can serve you.

Posted In: Auto Accidents