how long does it take a lawyer to settle a car accident case

by Dr. Trystan Kassulke MD 9 min read

It can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to several months (or years) for a car accident case to settle. There is plenty to investigate on each party's end, and if you suffered extensive injuries and property damage, this could explain why the settlement process is lengthy.

How long does a car accident lawsuit take to settle?

How long does a car accident trial take to complete?

What are the steps in the car accident lawsuit process?

Dec 06, 2021 · A car accident case can take anything from a few weeks to several months (or years) to settle. There is a lot to look at on both sides, and if a victim has serious injuries and property damage, this could indicate why the settlement process is taking so long.

What does a car accident lawyer need to collect?

May 09, 2022 · Given typical circumstances, a car accident settlement check typically is received between six and eight weeks, but it can take months or even years to settle a more complex case. A fender bender settlement might resolve faster than an auto accident involving a fatality. Lawyers specializing in personal injury will consult with you about the ...

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How long does it take to file a car accident lawsuit?

A car accident lawsuit typically takes at least one year, assuming there is no appeal. However, even though you begin a car accident lawsuit, ...

How long does it take to settle a case?

It usually takes between four and six weeks to complete the entire settlement process after an amount is agreed upon. Keep in mind that this time frame varies for every case.

Why is my case delayed?

Reasons that your case may be delayed include: Severe injuries: If your case involves severe accident-related injuries, your case can be delayed while the extent of your injuries is determined.

How long does it take for a defendant to respond to a complaint?

The defendant responds to the complaint, usually within a one-month time frame. Your attorney and the defendant's attorney will request and exchange evidence that will be used in the trial. This step is called “discovery” and typically takes several months but can last for up to a year or more.

How long does discovery take?

This step is called “discovery” and typically takes several months but can last for up to a year or more . If a settlement isn't reached after discovery, the trial takes place.

How long does an auto accident trial last?

Auto Accident trials usually last a day or two. If one of the parties is dissatisfied with the outcome of the trial, they have the opportunity to file an appeal which can add several years to the length of a case. A car accident lawsuit typically takes at least one year, assuming there is no appeal.

What happens after you sign a release?

After the insurance company receives your signed release, they will send the agreed-upon sum of money. In most cases, the settlement check is delivered to your attorney who will pay off the liens that the check is intended for. These liens may include property damage repairs, medical bills, and more.

How long does it take to negotiate a car accident claim?

On average, negotiations take around two weeks to three months, but this average may not apply to every case. Negotiation time can vary depending on the skill of the negotiator, the complexity of a case, and the evidence available in a case.

Do car accidents go to trial?

Car accident cases usually resolve with settlements, but sometimes a trial is required for a victim to receive fair and appropriate compensation for their losses. Whether or not an accident case goes to trial has the biggest impact on the time it takes to close it. Generally, settling is always the easier and faster option, and that’s why most cases end in settlements. However, in some cases, an insurance company may refuse to negotiate in good faith. In such instances, a victim may need to go to trial to receive appropriate compensation for their damages. So, while litigation takes longer than settling, filing a personal injury lawsuit is sometimes the best option for an injury victim.

What to do after an accident?

Immediately following an accident, there are two important things to do: seek medical care and document the scene. The first, seeking medical treatment, is the most important of all, since you need to take care of your health above all else. From a legal perspective, seeking medical treatment right away is also vital because medical records provide an official documentation of your injuries. Having this documentation can be very important for settling a personal injury claim swiftly and for an amount that’s appropriate. That’s why you should always seek medical care after being injured in an accident. This is true even when you think your injuries aren’t particularly severe, since injuries that seem minor right after an accident can end up being extremely serious at a later date.

General Timing of Settlements

Many claims that are clear-cut and are solid on the question of liability are settled in a matter of months. This is especially true when the claim involves medical damages that are clearly and objectively established.

Nature and Severity of Injuries

One of the most contentious matters involved in a car accident case is the level of damages requested in the claim. If the measure of damages is relatively low, the insurance company may decide to quickly dispose of the case and a person may have the case settled within a matter of a few months.

Insurance Company

The type and size of the insurance company can have a dramatic impact on whether the insurance company will settle and when this settlement will occur. Some large carriers may have a conservative philosophy regarding settlements and may offer lower settlements than other carriers.

Factors Relevant to the Accident

Particular circumstances that are specific to the accident may impact the timing of a potential settlement offer. For example, liability may not be as clear due to the particulars of the accident or the parties involved.

Your Personal Injury Attorney May Not Want to Settle

While many personal injury attorneys settle the majority of cases without going to trial, there may be valid reasons why your own attorney may not want to settle yet and has not raised the issue with the insurance company.

How long does it take for an insurance company to respond to a claim?

Most injury claims should not take more than three weeks. But it often does.

Do you have to file a lawsuit?

You do not have to file a lawsuit. Sometimes lawyers do not understand the client's need to get their money quickly. But, if you do settle early, you may be leaving money on the table. When our attorneys file a lawsuit, it often results in a later offer that is many times more than the pre-suit settlement offer.

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Car Accident Claim Timeline

Other Factors That Affect Car Accident Settlement timelines

  • Severity of Injury
    The severity of a victim’s injuries can impact how long it takes to settle their case. Typically, accidents involving more severe injuriesinvolve larger damages. Getting an insurance company to agree that a large settlement is fair and appropriate can take diligence, research, patience, and p…
  • The Complexity of Liability
    So many things can complicate liability in a car accident case, which will in turn affect how long it takes to settle the case. The number of involved parties affects the complexity of liability, since you need to determine how at fault (or not at fault) more parties are. The types of parties involve…
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Hire A Car Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles, California

  • If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident due to the negligent, reckless, or malicious actions of another party, contact LA Lawyers Grouptoday to receive a free case evaluation. Our experienced personal injury attorneys are dedicated to fighting for the rights of car accident victims across Southern California. Our team understands the diligence and attention to detail th…
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