If you’ve been injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury claim. One of the most common questions we hear is, “How long will it take to settle my personal injury case?” Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, as each case is unique. However, understanding the process and factors that influence the timeline can give you an idea of what to expect.
1. Initial Steps: Contacting the Insurance Company
After an accident, your personal injury attorney will reach out to the insurance company to initiate a claim. At this stage, the insurer may accept or deny liability, or they might still be investigating who was responsible.
2. Investigating the Accident
Your attorney will gather evidence to prove the following:
- Duty of care by the responsible party
- Breach of duty leading to the accident
- Injury resulting directly from the breach
They may collect police reports, photos of the scene, medical documents, eyewitness accounts, and expert testimony to support your claim.
3. Evaluating Damages and Compiling Your Demand
Once your medical treatment is complete, your attorney will assess your case’s value, considering factors like pain and suffering, medical costs, loss of income, and other expenses. They’ll compile a demand packet and propose an initial settlement amount to the insurance carrier.
4. Negotiations
The insurance company will review the demand, often taking two to four weeks. Both parties may negotiate back and forth several times to reach an agreement that adequately compensates you for your losses.
5. Settlement Timeline
For many cases, settlement negotiations may resolve within a few months. However, if no agreement is reached, or if the insurance offer is too low, your attorney may recommend taking the case to trial. This can extend the timeline significantly, often taking a year or more to reach a resolution.
6. Filing a Lawsuit
If settlement is unsuccessful, the next step is filing a civil lawsuit. While this route can prolong the timeline, it may result in a fairer outcome if the insurer is not negotiating in good faith.
Average Timeline for Settlement
Every case is unique, but most personal injury cases can settle within a few months to two years, depending on factors like evidence complexity, injury severity, and the insurer’s response.
Contact LA Law Group for a Free Consultation
If you’re navigating a personal injury claim, our experienced legal team at LA Law Group, APLC, is here to help. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with us today to discuss your case. We’ll explain the legal process, answer your questions, and start advocating on your behalf to get you the compensation you deserve.
By understanding the steps involved in a personal injury claim, you can better anticipate the timeline and set realistic expectations for your case.
