How Long will My Personal Injury Lawsuit Take?

Jul 13,2017

If you are considering filing a personal injury lawsuit, you might be wondering how long it will take to settle your claim. The length of your case depends on several factors. However, you should know that many personal injury lawsuits take months and sometimes years to settle.

The reality is that hiring a personal injury attorney will not necessarily speed up the process of your claim. What it will do is cause the insurance company to change tactics. Now that they know you are serious about receiving appropriate compensation for your injuries, they will thoroughly investigate your accident to see if you have a strong case against their client.

Here are some factors that might cause your personal injury lawsuit to drag on:

There is a large sum of money on the line. If your case involves significant damages, the insurance company will do everything they can to avoid paying out. They will investigate the case thoroughly and ensure there are no holes in your case before they settle. They might also delay the settlement to see if you will get tired of waiting and settle for less money.
You are still receiving medical treatment for your injuries. If you have not yet reached maximum medical improvement (MMI) for your injuries, your attorney might suggest you wait to settle the claim until you have been released from your doctor’s care. Depending on the extent of your injuries, this could take quite some time. However, your medical care is not something you should rush following an accident.
The case has to go to trial. If the insurance company fails to provide a fair settlement offer during the discovery process, the case will have to go to trial. This requires preparation that can take several months.

The truth is that a personal injury lawsuit is not usually a quick process. It requires significant preparation and research, and it is oftentimes a waiting game between the parties. However, settling early to “get it over with” will often result in a settlement that is far less than what you deserve. Unfortunately, many victims take these settlements; then they cannot afford the treatment they need for their injuries. Remaining patient through the process and maintaining good communication with your attorney will help you receive the best possible offer.

“A personal injury case is not a speedy process, but it is the best way to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in an auto accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.