How Long Does It Take To Settle A Car Accident Lawsuit?
By Doug Standriff on October 25, 2025
If you’ve recently been injured in a crash, you might be wondering how long car accident lawsuits usually take. The short answer is: it depends. The long answer is a little more complicated.
Car accident lawsuits can take anywhere from a few months to several years to fully resolve, depending on a wide range of factors. These factors include the severity of the injuries, the clarity of fault, the insurance company’s willingness to negotiate fairly, and whether the case ultimately results in a settlement or goes to trial.
While no two cases are exactly alike, understanding the typical stages of a car accident lawsuit can help you feel more prepared and in control throughout the process. Knowing what to expect at each step (and how long each stage may take) can also give you some peace of mind as you wait for your case to be resolved.
The First Stage: Medical Treatment and Recovery
One of the first and most important factors that can impact the timeline of a car accident lawsuit is your medical treatment. It’s critical not to settle too early before you fully understand the extent of your injuries. Your medical recovery forms the foundation of your claim because the cost of treatment, potential long-term effects, and any permanent impairments will directly influence the value of your case.
For many people, treatment might last several weeks or months. In more serious injury cases, it could take a year or more to reach what doctors call maximum medical improvement. While it may be tempting to rush into a settlement, doing so without understanding your long-term needs can lead to compensation that falls short of your actual expenses.
Investigation and Demand Letter
Once your condition is stable and the facts of the accident are clear, the next step is to investigate and prepare your claim. This includes gathering police reports, medical records, witness statements, photographs, and other relevant evidence. Your attorney will also analyze liability issues and calculate the full extent of your damages, including lost income, future treatment costs, and pain and suffering.
Once this information is compiled, your attorney may submit a demand letter to the at-fault party’s insurance company. This letter outlines the facts of the case, the injuries sustained, and the amount of compensation being requested. Some insurance companies respond quickly, while others may take several weeks or even months to review and reply.
Negotiation and Settlement Discussions
In many car accident cases, negotiations begin shortly after the demand letter is submitted. This phase can vary significantly in length, depending on the level of cooperation from the insurance company. Some cases settle after a few back-and-forth exchanges, while others drag on due to disputes over liability, the extent of injuries, or the value of the claim.
If both parties can agree on a fair settlement, the case may resolve without ever going to court. A typical settlement negotiation phase might last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable amount, filing a lawsuit becomes necessary.
Filing a Lawsuit and Discovery
When negotiations stall, your attorney may advise filing a lawsuit. This officially initiates the litigation process and can significantly extend the timeline. After the complaint is filed and served, the defendant must respond, which typically takes about a month. Then both sides enter a phase called discovery.
Discovery is the process where each party investigates the other’s claims and defenses through written questions, document requests, and depositions. This phase can take several months or even longer, depending on the complexity of the case and the level of cooperation from the opposing side.
During this time, both parties might still be negotiating in hopes of reaching a settlement before trial. In fact, many lawsuits settle during or just after discovery, once both sides have a clearer picture of the case’s strengths and weaknesses.
Mediation or Settlement Conferences
Before a case goes to trial, the court may require mediation or a settlement conference. These are structured meetings where both sides sit down with a neutral third party to try to resolve the case. These sessions can be highly effective, especially when both parties are motivated to avoid the time and expense of trial.
If an agreement is reached during mediation, the settlement can be finalized within a few weeks. If not, the case moves on to trial preparation.
Trial and Verdict
If no settlement is reached, the case proceeds to trial. Preparing for trial includes gathering final evidence, organizing expert witnesses, and crafting opening and closing arguments. Depending on the court’s schedule and the availability of witnesses, it can take several months from the close of discovery to the actual trial date.
The trial itself may last anywhere from a single day to several weeks. Once the trial concludes, a verdict is issued, and if you win, the court may award damages to you. However, the timeline doesn’t necessarily end there. The defendant may choose to appeal the verdict, which can add more time before you receive any compensation.
Why Some Cases Take Longer Than Others
Several factors can significantly impact the duration of your car accident lawsuit. Severe or complex injuries typically require more time for medical treatment and documentation. Disputes about fault or multiple parties involved in the accident can also delay resolution. Insurance companies may intentionally delay, hoping you’ll accept a low offer out of frustration.
Additionally, court backlogs, especially in busy counties, can further extend timelines. It’s essential to remain patient and allow the legal process to unfold thoroughly to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
How an Experienced Attorney Helps Speed the Process
While certain delays are unavoidable, having an accident lawyer on your side can help prevent unnecessary setbacks. An experienced lawyer knows how to navigate each phase efficiently, avoid common pitfalls, and apply pressure on insurers who may be stalling. Your attorney will also know when it’s worth continuing negotiations and when it’s time to move forward with litigation.
A knowledgeable accident attorney can also help you avoid undervaluing your claim. Accepting a fast settlement might sound appealing, especially when bills are piling up, but it often leads to regret if additional medical issues arise later. Your lawyer will work to ensure that all aspects of your damages (past, present, and future) are appropriately accounted for in any resolution.
At Bergen Law, we’ve spent over 30 years representing clients in auto accident cases throughout New Jersey. We understand how overwhelming the process can feel, and we’re committed to guiding you through every step.