Florida Car Accident Settlements: How Long Does It Take to Get Paid?

You have reached a settlement in your Florida personal injury case — congratulations. But when does the money actually arrive? Many clients are surprised to learn that settling a case and receiving payment are two different milestones, sometimes separated by weeks. Here is exactly what happens after a settlement is reached.

Step 1: Signing the Release (1–2 Weeks)

Once a settlement amount is agreed upon, the insurance company will send a Release of All Claims — a legal document that formally ends your right to pursue further claims related to the accident in exchange for the settlement payment. Your attorney will review this carefully before you sign. Some releases contain problematic language that needs to be negotiated. This process typically takes one to two weeks.

Step 2: The Insurance Company Processes Payment (2–4 Weeks)

After the signed release is returned to the insurance company, they typically have 20 days under Florida law to issue the settlement check. In practice, payment often arrives within two to four weeks of the executed release. The check is typically made payable to both you and your attorney's firm and is deposited into a client trust account.

Step 3: Resolving Liens and Medical Bills (1–4 Weeks)

Before you receive your portion of the settlement, any outstanding medical liens must be resolved. Health insurers, Medicare, Medicaid, and medical providers who treated you on a lien basis have a legal right to be reimbursed from your settlement proceeds. Your attorney negotiates these liens — often significantly reducing them — before funds are disbursed.

Step 4: Disbursement to You

Once liens are resolved and all deductions are calculated — attorney fees, costs advanced, and lien payoffs — your attorney will provide you with a detailed settlement statement and issue your check. From settlement agreement to money in your hands, the typical timeline is four to eight weeks for straightforward cases.