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As an experienced legal counselor specializing in personal injury and car accident claims, I noticed that the most asked question of my clients is: how long will my case take to settle?

The reality is that each case follows a unique path. Many factors influence how long the case will take to resolve, such as the severity of injuries, the liability of disputes, and the willingness of insurance companies to cooperate.

Still, as this question is so common I have decided to write an article briefly describing, using my own experience and reliable data, how long your car accident case may take to settle. Additionally, I will discuss a few steps that should be taken after an accident that will help you expedite the resolution process.

How Long Does It Take to Resolve the Case?

A typical car accident case follows a structured timeline. It begins with an initial consultation, lasting one to three days, followed by evidence collection over two to six weeks.

Before the pre-trial process can begin, the insurance claim must be approved. This usually takes 30 to 90 days. The pre-trial process can last anywhere from two to six months.

In my personal experience, and the experience of others, most cases are resolved here. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, approximately 95% of personal injury cases, including car accidents, are settled pre-trial.

Cases with clear liability and minor injuries tend to settle more quickly, whereas those requiring extensive investigation or involving multiple parties take longer. However, if the case goes to trial, preparation may take longer: from three to twelve months, sometimes extending into multiple years.

So, the time frame for settling a car accident case varies significantly based on multiple factors. While straightforward cases may be resolved within three months, more complex litigation involving severe injuries or disputed liability can take two years or longer.

What to Do After a Car Accident – Actions to Speed Up the Resolution Process

The moments following a car accident can be overwhelming. Therefore, it might be difficult to remember the crucial first steps that should be taken to expedite resolution in the future.

Car accidents can be horrible, in addition to the physical and emotional toll, victims must quickly make decisions that will impact their legal future. In this chapter we will briefly discuss what exact steps should be taken after a car accident.

The most important first step is to ensure everyone’s safety. Unless the accident is very minor, an ambulance should be called immediately.

Keep in mind that some injuries might seem minor, such as whiplash especially during the brief period of shock, despite potentially being life-threatening. Therefore, if there is even a suspicion of a serious injury, medical assistance should be called.

The next step involves gathering evidence. Proper documentation is essential for a smooth claims process.

Critical documents include police accident reports, medical records, repair estimates, witness statements, photographic evidence, and correspondence with insurance companies.

Keeping detailed records strengthens a case by providing readily available evidence, particularly during insurance claim processing and legal proceedings. Strong documentation also improves negotiating leverage and supports trial preparation if needed.

For example, in a case involving a rear-end collision, a client who documented the accident scene thoroughly—taking photographs, gathering witness statements, and promptly seeking medical attention—was able to reach a fair settlement in just four months.

In contrast, another client involved in a multi-car accident without clear liability faced extended litigation for nearly two years due to disputes over fault and lack of immediate documentation.

Similarly, a side-impact collision at an intersection where both drivers claimed the other ran a red light required accident reconstruction experts and extended negotiations by nearly a year before a settlement was reached. This case could have been resolved in a matter of months if witness statements were collected.

The Role of Expert Assistance in Case Resolution

Car accident legal processes can be complex and many people don’t even know where to begin. The first step is to find a lawyer specializing in your field. One reliable service provider that specializes in streamlining this process is ConsumerShield. Their team will help you find the right lawyer for your case quickly.

Having expert legal representation from the start can make a significant difference in how your case progresses. It allows you to focus on your recovery while knowing that your legal interests are being protected by someone who has handled similar cases before.