When you get hurt in an accident, you want things to go back to normal as soon as possible. You may have doctor visits, bills to pay, and time away from work. If you’re considering filing a personal injury claim in Los Angeles, it’s normal to wonder how long it takes to resolve a personal injury case.
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Every case is different. Some are over in a few months, while others can take a year or more. This guide will explain what affects how long your case might take, the steps involved, and what you can do to help move things along.
If you want to work with the Best personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles, you must first understand the process of a personal injury case.
What Is a Personal Injury Case?
A personal injury case happens when someone gets hurt because of someone else’s actions. These cases often involve car accidents, slips and falls, dog bites, or workplace injuries. If another person or company is at fault, you can ask them (or their insurance) to pay for your injuries, medical care, lost wages, and more.
Step-by-Step Timeline of a Personal Injury Case
Let’s break down the common steps and how long each may take:
- 1. Medical Treatment and Recovery (1–6 Months or More)
Before starting a claim, you need to make sure you’re healing. Doctors must evaluate your injuries, and you should follow all treatment plans. Why? Because your medical records are key to proving your case. Your recovery time will affect how fast the case moves forward. Some injuries heal quickly, while others can take months or even years.
- 2. Investigation and Gathering Evidence (2–4 Weeks)
Once you’re stable, your lawyer will start gathering facts. This includes:
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Witness statements
- Photos and videos
- Insurance documents
This step doesn’t take long, but it’s important. Good evidence makes a strong case.
- Filing the Claim and Sending a Demand Letter (2–8 Weeks)
After collecting all documents, your lawyer will send a demand letter to the insurance company. This letter tells them what happened, why the other party is at fault, and how much money you are asking for. Sometimes, the insurance company agrees to pay quickly. Other times, they may argue or offer less money than you deserve. If you’re ready to speak to a lawyer or have questions about your claim, don’t wait— Contact Us to start your case evaluation.
- Negotiation Period (1–3 Months or More)
After the demand letter, both sides will try to agree on a fair amount. This back-and-forth may take a few weeks or even months. If the insurance company makes a fair offer, your case can settle here, and you’ll get compensation. But your lawyer may suggest filing a lawsuit if the offer is too low. This doesn’t mean you’ll go to trial—it just shows the other side that you’re serious.
- Filing a Lawsuit and Pre-Trial Process (6 Months–1 Year or More)
If you can’t settle, the case moves to court. Here’s what to expect:
- Filing the lawsuit – Your attorney submits paperwork to start the legal process.
- Discovery phase – Both sides share documents, ask questions, and take depositions.
- Motions and hearings – The judge may decide on certain issues before trial.
During this time, negotiations continue. Many cases settle before reaching trial. Want your case to move forward the right way? Call Now to speak to an attorney who can guide you every step of the way.
What Can Make a Case Take Longer?
Some things can slow down your personal injury case:
- Severity of Your Injuries: If you’re badly hurt and still healing, your lawyer may wait to file until doctors know your long-term health needs.
- Disagreements About Fault: If the other party denies responsibility or blames you, proving who’s at fault can take longer.
- Insurance Company Delays: Some insurance companies are slow to respond or try to avoid paying full value. A good lawyer can pressure them to act faster.
- Going to Trial: If your case doesn’t settle and goes to court, it can take months—or even years—before it’s fully resolved.
When Do Most Cases Settle?
Most personal injury cases never make it to trial. Over 90% of them settle out of court. Settling is often faster and less stressful than going through a trial. Your lawyer will keep pushing for the best outcome. Sometimes, it’s worth waiting longer to get the compensation you deserve.
Tips to Speed Up the Process
Want to help your case move faster? Here’s how:
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Get medical care right away and follow all treatment plans.
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Be honest and clear with your lawyer about every detail.
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Stay organized and keep copies of bills, letters, and doctor’s notes.
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Respond quickly to any calls or emails from your legal team.
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Avoid posting about your case on social media—it can be used against you.
Conclusion
While waiting for your personal injury case to be resolved can feel frustrating, it’s important to be patient. A rushed settlement might leave you with less than you deserve. By trusting your legal team and staying involved, you’ll improve your chances of a fair outcome. If you’re ready to take the next step or have questions about your case, remember—the right legal support makes all the difference. The length of a personal injury case depends on many factors. But with the right help and information, you can feel more in control during the process. To get experienced legal guidance tailored to your situation, trust the dedicated team at Hakakian Law Group.