Why Is My Florida Car Accident Settlement Delayed? Here’s Why

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Florida, waiting for your settlement can be one of the most frustrating parts of the entire process. You’re dealing with medical bills, lost income, pain, and stress — yet the insurance company seems to be moving at a crawl. At Stockwell Law, we hear this question from clients all the time:“Why is my settlement taking so long?”

The truth is, car accident settlements in Florida are often delayed for reasons most people never see. Understanding what causes these delays can help you stay informed and give you peace of mind during the process. And as a single-attorney firm, Stockwell Law ensures you work directly with the lawyer handling your case — no hand-offs, no call centers, just honest updates and real advocacy.

Here are the most common reasons your Florida car accident settlement may be taking longer than expected:

1. You’re Still Receiving Medical Treatment

Insurance companies don’t want to settle until they understand the full extent of your injuries. If you are still treating, still recovering, or may need future medical care, your attorney must wait to properly calculate your damages.

Settling too early can cost you thousands — sometimes tens of thousands — because once a case is closed, you can’t go back for more money if your condition gets worse.

2. Florida’s No-Fault System Slows Everything Down

Florida’s PIP (Personal Injury Protection) system requires claims to go through multiple layers of review and documentation. Insurance companies must examine treatment notes, billing codes, and whether your care is considered “reasonable and necessary.”

This process alone can cause weeks or months of delay before liability claims can even begin.

3. Insurance Companies Drag Their Feet on Purpose

Insurance companies profit by delaying, denying, and minimizing claims. They hope that the longer they make you wait, the more likely you are to accept a small settlement.

At Stockwell Law, we see this tactic constantly — especially in cases involving serious injuries or multiple vehicles. The delays are not accidental; they’re strategic.

4. Disputes About Fault or Comparative Negligence

Florida follows the comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation can be reduced if you’re found partially at fault. When liability is unclear — for example, in lane-change accidents, intersection crashes, or multi-car pileups — insurers often argue back and forth about who is responsible.

The moment a dispute arises, expect delays.

5. Medical Records and Documentation Take Time

Hospitals, specialists, imaging centers, and chiropractors often take weeks (sometimes months) to produce complete medical records. Missing or incomplete documentation can stall negotiations.

As a small firm, Stockwell Law personally follows up with every provider to make sure nothing slips through the cracks.

6. Large Claims Require More Insurance Company Scrutiny

If your case involves surgery, long-term treatment, or a major injury like a herniated disc or fracture, the insurance company will examine every detail of your claim. Larger payouts go through extra review teams, evaluations, and internal approvals.

7. Multiple Insurance Policies Are Involved

Passenger claims, rideshare crashes, multi-driver collisions, and uninsured motorist claims all require coordination across several insurers. Each carrier has its own process — and its own delays.

One slow insurance adjuster can stall the entire case.

8. Your Attorney Is Building a Stronger Case

Sometimes delays actually benefit you. Waiting allows your attorney to:

• Gather more evidence

• Document the full extent of your injuries

• Calculate long-term damages

• Strengthen your negotiation position

Rushing to settle often means leaving money on the table. A strategic delay can increase your payout significantly.

9. The Insurance Company Is Lowballing

If the insurer refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, your attorney may recommend continued negotiations or preparing for litigation. Insurers are known for testing your patience — hoping you’ll eventually accept less than your case is worth.

Stockwell Law pushes back hard on lowball offers and fights for the compensation you truly deserve.

When Should You Be Concerned?

Not every delay is a red flag — but there are times when you should check in. If you feel ignored, can’t get updates, or don’t understand where your case stands, that’s a problem.

Call Stockwell Law today for a free consultation and get the dedicated representation you need to move forward.