What Impacts the Timeline of a Car Accident Settlement?
Certain key variables impact how long a car accident case might take. It’s important to understand that each case is unique, and timelines can range from weeks to over a year.
Severity of Injuries and Length of Medical Treatment
More serious injuries often result in longer settlement timelines due to extended medical treatment and the need to reach Maximum Medical Improvement. Settlements typically aren’t finalized until the full scope of injury and recovery is known. In addition, more extended treatment periods can increase the value of the claim, but also delay resolution.
Liability Disputes or Clear-Cut Fault
When fault is clear, for example, in a rear-end collision, settlements are faster. But when there’s disputed liability, it can slow the case down significantly. Your case may require additional investigation, accident reconstruction, or witness statements when fault is contested. Similarly, Arizona’s comparative negligence laws may affect how blame and damages are assigned.
Insurance Company Response Time
Some insurers respond quickly, while others may delay in hopes the claimant will accept a lowball offer. Bad faith tactics and delays may be intentional to protect the insurer’s bottom line. Our seasoned attorneys push for timely communication and escalation when insurers drag their feet.
Whether the Case Goes to Trial
Most cases settle, but when negotiations stall, litigation can extend the timeline by months or even years. Trial delays may occur during discovery, expert depositions, or court scheduling. Our readiness to go to trial when necessary provides leverage that often leads to better, faster settlements.
Average Timeline for a Car Accident Settlement in Arizona
Immediate Aftermath (0–2 Weeks)
Immediately after an accident, it’s vital to seek emergency medical care, file a police report, and notify insurance. Clients should focus on health first, but should also consult a personal injury lawyer early to preserve evidence. We can take immediate action to collect time-sensitive evidence and protect your claim.
Medical Treatment and Investigation (2–6 Months)
Consistent medical treatment and following the doctor’s advice are essential, as this impacts both recovery and claim value. During the investigation phase, you’ll need to collect records, investigate the crash, speak with witnesses, and review liability. Settlements shouldn’t be rushed until the full extent of the injury is understood and documented.
Demand Letter and Negotiation Phase (1–3 Months)
A demand letter includes medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and outlines the case value. Negotiations with the insurance company begin after the letter is sent and can go back and forth. Our law office leverages Derick Runion’s former insurance industry experience to negotiate from a position of strength.
Litigation and Trial (If Necessary)
If the insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement, the case may proceed to litigation. This step may involve filing a complaint, discovery, pre-trial motions, and trial scheduling. Fortunately, we’re fully prepared to take cases to trial when it’s in the client’s best interest, and often, that pressure alone leads to settlements.
Why Settlements Sometimes Take Longer Than Expected
Delayed settlements are a major pain point, especially when you’re already dealing with significant injuries and medical bills. There are several reasons why a settlement may drag on for longer than expected.
Waiting for Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)
Maximum medical improvement refers to the point at which a doctor determines no further recovery is expected. Reaching MMI before settling is crucial as it ensures all damages, including future care, are appropriately valued. However, waiting to reach MMI can lengthen the timeline, but it protects the client from settling for too little.
Stalling Tactics by Insurance Companies
Some common delay tactics insurers use include slow communication and requesting unnecessary documentation. These are designed to pressure victims into low settlements or giving up. At Runion Personal Injury Lawyers, we know how to push back and keep the process moving.
Need for Expert Testimony or Additional Investigation
Complex cases may require accident reconstructionists, medical experts, or economists. These steps add time but can significantly strengthen the claim, especially in high-value or disputed cases. Our team has the resources and network to bring in qualified experts when needed.
Court Scheduling Issues
Court dockets in Arizona can be backed up, especially post-pandemic, which can delay trial dates. Once a case enters litigation, scheduling is subject to court availability and legal procedure timelines. We keep clients informed throughout and continue negotiating during any delays.
How Runion Personal Injury Lawyers Keeps Cases Moving
We provide proactive communication and use our experience and resources to advance clients’ cases.
Strategic Negotiation With Insurers
Our skilled attorneys leverage their former experience in the insurance industry to anticipate insurer tactics. We take into account the importance of timing, tone, and evidence presentation during settlement negotiations. Our team always pushes for full and fair compensation; never quick, lowball deals.
Frequent Case Updates and Client Communication
We’re committed to keeping clients informed every step of the way. Our internal processes ensure no inquiry goes unanswered. In this way, clients are never left in the dark. They’ll always know what’s happening and what comes next.
Preparedness for Trial if Necessary
While most cases settle, our team is always ready to go to court if insurers won’t offer a fair settlement. Trial readiness improves negotiating leverage, and our litigation experience and dedication to fighting for justice mean we’re ready to go before a jury.
How Our Clients Felt Supported Every Step of the Way
Gain a deeper understanding of our past clients’ experiences with us by reading our testimonials:
Josh was my attorney and he was great at communicating. The whole team was fast and efficient when dealing with my case. Definitely would recommend to whoever has been in an accident recently!
Luis I.
After my car accident I was knee deep in medical bills and insurance claim paperwork. Runion personal injury lawyer has some of the best lawyers for car accidents. They worked professionally and in a timely matter to make all the paperwork and process for the injury claim to go a lot faster. Didn’t have to fight the insurance to deal with this rear end accident. I love how quickly they got me a great settlement and always kept in touch with me and kept me up to date on everything. I thought I was going to be at a complete lost but thanks to some of the best lawyers especially in New Mexico they got me a great settlement when the insurance was make it a hassle. Definitely if you need a lawyer in New Mexico go with Runion personal lawyer.
Tay
What You Can Do to Speed Up Your Settlement
You can take assertive steps to move the settlement process along and minimize the risks of any holdups.
Keep All Medical Appointments and Follow Instructions
Consistent treatment builds a stronger case by documenting injury severity and recovery timeline. However, missing appointments or ignoring medical advice may be used by insurers to minimize the claim. This is why it’s essential to treat your health as the top priority, as it directly affects your case outcome.
Provide Complete Information Quickly
Timely sharing of medical records, bills, pay stubs, or accident details helps keep the case moving. Delays in providing documentation can slow negotiations or impact strategy. While this may be overwhelming to keep up with on your own, our legal team can help gather and organize what’s needed.
Stay in Touch With Your Attorney
Open communication helps attorneys respond quickly to changes in condition, new expenses, or insurer outreach. Try your best to check in periodically and promptly return calls or emails. Our firm values two-way communication—clients are partners in the process.
Be Realistic About Settlement Expectations
Set expectations around how compensation is calculated, including medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering. Every case is unique, and large payouts take time to develop properly. We always aim to recover the maximum amount possible, not just a fast offer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Settlement Timelines
Our FAQs are designed to keep prospective and current clients informed on the car accident timeline process. For more questions, schedule a free consultation today.
Can I Get a Settlement Faster by Avoiding a Lawsuit?
Settlements may be quicker than going to court, but you could also risk a smaller payout in certain situations. It’s best to speak with an attorney who can help determine the best path forward while keeping in mind efficiency and maximum compensation.
What if I Need Money Now—Can I Get an Advance?
If you need money before your car accident settlement is finalized, you can get a pre-settlement funding advance from a lawsuit funding company. This type of advance gives you cash now based on your case’s estimated value, and you typically only repay it if you win or settle your case. However, fees and interest can be high, which can significantly reduce your final payout. Always talk to your attorney first to weigh the pros and cons and explore other financial options.
Will My Case Take Longer if the Other Driver Was Drunk or Uninsured?
A case involving a drunk or uninsured driver may take longer due to added steps. DUI cases often involve a criminal trial, which can delay settlement negotiations in your civil case. Similarly, if the other driver was uninsured, you may have to file a claim under your own uninsured motorist coverage, which can lead to disputes with your insurer and extend the process.
Can Runion Personal Injury Lawyers Help Even if My Accident Happened Months Ago?
Yes, our team is always available to review your case and offer strategic advice on next steps. We keep in mind essential pieces of a successful case, like adhering to filing deadlines, collecting evidence, and proving fault.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Phoenix
If you or your loved one has been in a crash and has questions about the car accident settlement timeline, don’t hesitate to reach out today. Our hardworking attorneys are dedicated to proving negligence and pursuing fair compensation on behalf of our clients.
We can navigate state laws and the legal landscape with ease to secure justice for you and your family. Contact our law office today to learn how long your case might take and how we can help expedite the process.
