Going through an accident that causes serious injury can be scary and disorienting. When the medical bills start piling up, it can become downright stressful. Working with a personal injury attorney can be a lifeline because they take on the insurance company to negotiate the maximum settlement and hold off collections on medical bills. With that said, the injured party needs to be patient. Even though most cases are settled out of court, the personal injury claims process takes time. It’s also important not to pressure your injury lawyer to wrap the case up too quickly because it can result in a monetary settlement that does not adequately cover your losses.
With that said, there is no set time for settling a personal injury case. The time it takes can vary widely depending on several factors including the complexity of the case, the severity of the injuries, how willing the insurance company is to offer a reasonable settlement, and the legal processes in the jurisdiction where the claim is filed.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Personal Injury Case?
On average, it often takes one to two years to settle a personal injury case. During this time, your personal injury attorney will be working hard to gather evidence, negotiate with the at-fault insurance adjuster, and wait to ensure you have received all medical treatment related to the accident, among other actions. In more complex cases with life-altering injuries or when a settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, the process often takes two to three years.
Here are some factors that can affect how long it takes to settle an injury claim:
- Medical treatment. The severity of the injuries suffered in the accident and the length of time it takes to complete medical treatment can significantly impact the time it takes to settle a claim. Waiting until maximum medical improvement (MMI) is reached before finalizing a settlement is generally a good idea as it helps to ensure that all medical costs related to the accident are accounted for.
- Willingness of the insurance company. How fast a claim gets settled partly depends on how responsive and cooperative the defendant’s insurance company is. If they communicate in a timely manner and are open to negotiation, the process may move more quickly.
- Liability issues. If there are any questions about who is at fault for the plaintiff’s injuries, the claims process can be delayed as the insurance company will spend more time doing extensive investigations and gathering evidence. Negotiations may also be necessary to establish fault in some cases.
- Legal processes. Legal processes, including filing the injury claim, the discovery process, negotiation, and court schedules, can each add time to the overall process. Cases that go to trial typically take much longer to reach a resolution.
- Negotiation and settlement discussions. The willingness of both parties to negotiate and reach a fair settlement has a great effect on the time it takes to resolve a personal injury claim. If there are multiple rounds of negotiation or if the parties are unable to agree on a settlement amount, the process may take longer.
- Court backlog. In some jurisdictions, the court system may be congested, leading to delays in scheduling hearings or trials.
There is no set time frame for settling a personal injury claim, and each case is unique. Some cases may be resolved in a matter of weeks or months through negotiations, while others may take years, especially if litigation becomes necessary. Ultimately, the time it takes to handle a personal injury claim properly is worth it because it is often the only way for the injured party to recover a full and fair settlement.
It is a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can provide legal guidance based on the specific details of your case and the state laws that affect your claim. They can help you navigate the legal process and work toward a fair and timely resolution.
Contact a Mount Vernon Personal Injury Lawyer Today!
A Mount Vernon injury lawyer can help you recover a full and fair settlement for the injuries you sustained in an accident caused by the negligence of another with no up-front costs to you. We know the sneaky strategies used by insurance companies to get injured people to agree to settlements far below what they are worth. Our clients typically end up with a settlement or jury award that is five to ten times larger than they could have negotiated on their own. We have been representing people injured in Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. Contact the experienced and hard-working personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Mount Vernon, WA today for a FREE consultation!
