After a car accident, one of the first questions people ask is how long their case will take to settle. Every case is different, but most car accident claims in Phoenix follow a similar path. The timeline depends on injuries, evidence, insurance disputes, and Arizona law. Understanding these factors can help you know what to expect as your claim moves forward.
Continue reading to learn more about the settlement process after a car accident in Phoenix.
What Affects the Timeline of a Car Accident Claim?
Several factors influence how long a case will take from start to finish. Each plays a role in whether your case settles quickly or takes longer to resolve.
The following factors impact the timeline:
- The severity of your injuries
- How long medical treatment lasts
- How much insurance coverage is available
- Whether fault is disputed
- Whether experts are needed to prove damages
- Whether the case must be filed in court
Even simple cases with minor injuries can take a few months. More complex cases may take a year or longer.
Why Medical Treatment Plays a Big Role
One of the most significant delays in car accident claims is the medical treatment process. Before a case can settle, you need to reach maximum medical improvement, also called MMI. This is the point when your doctors believe you have healed as much as possible.
Settling too early can lead to underpayment because future medical needs may not be known yet. Waiting until MMI gives a more complete picture of your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and long-term effects.
Common treatment-related delays include:
- Ongoing physical therapy or rehabilitation
- Surgeries or procedures planned months after the crash
- Specialist appointments or delayed diagnoses
- Time needed to evaluate permanent injuries
The more serious the injuries, the longer the claim usually takes.
How Insurance Companies Affect Settlement Time
Insurance companies often slow the process down. They may take time to review records, ask for additional documents, or dispute parts of your claim. They sometimes deliberately delay to pressure injured people into accepting a low offer.
Some common insurance delays include:
- Slow response times from adjusters
- Requests for repeated or unnecessary documentation
- Disputes over medical bills or treatment
- Arguments that your injuries were pre-existing
- Low initial settlement offers
If the insurer refuses to negotiate fairly, the case may need to move into litigation, which adds more time.
How Fault Impacts the Timeline Under Arizona Law
Arizona uses pure comparative negligence. This rule allows you to recover compensation even if you were partly at fault. However, your compensation is reduced based on your percentage of fault. Because fault directly affects how much the insurer must pay, disputes over fault can slow the case down.
Common fault arguments include:
- Claiming you were speeding
- Alleging you were distracted
- Blaming poor weather or road conditions
- Suggesting a third party caused the crash
The more disagreement there is, the longer the case tends to take.
How Evidence Affects Case Length
Some cases settle quickly because the evidence is strong and clear. Others take longer because evidence needs to be gathered, reviewed, or challenged.
Important evidence includes:
- Crash reports
- Photos and videos of the scene
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- Vehicle damage reports
- Expert opinions
When evidence is missing or disputed, settlement negotiations take longer.
When Does a Case Need To Be Filed in Court?
Most car accident claims settle without a lawsuit. But if the insurance company won’t offer a fair amount, filing a lawsuit may be necessary.
Filing a lawsuit usually extends the timeline, including the following stages:
- Discovery
- Depositions
- Expert evaluations
- Motions and hearings
- Scheduling delays in the court system
Some cases settle after a lawsuit is filed but before trial. Others reach trial when the parties still disagree on fault or damages.
Under Arizona law, you have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline means losing the right to pursue compensation, so it is important not to wait too long.
How Long Does a Typical Car Accident Case Take?
While every case is unique, general timelines look like this:
- Minor injury cases: Three to six months
- Moderate injury cases: Six months to one year
- Serious injury cases: One to two years or more
These are estimates, not guarantees. Some cases settle quickly if fault is clear and injuries heal fast. Others take longer because of medical treatment, expert reviews, or insurance disputes.
When Will You Receive Your Settlement After Agreement?
Once both sides agree on a settlement amount, a few more steps happen before you receive the money.
These steps include:
- Signing settlement paperwork
- Waiting for the insurer to process the payment
- Paying medical liens or outstanding bills
- Distributing the remaining funds
This process usually takes a few weeks. The timeline depends on how quickly the insurer issues the check and whether medical providers respond promptly.
Contact the Phoenix Car Accident Attorneys at KRLG Injury Lawyers for Help Today
A car accident case in Phoenix takes time because insurers want to minimize payouts and because injuries often require months of treatment. Reaching MMI, gathering evidence, understanding comparative negligence, and navigating adjuster delays all impact how long settlement will take.
If you were hurt in a crash, KRLG Injury Lawyers is here to help. Our Phoenix car accident lawyers will fight to get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.