If you’re dealing with an injury after an accident, you’re probably wondering the same thing everyone else does: “How long is this going to take?” Waiting for a personal injury settlement can feel endless, especially when bills are stacking and life is on pause. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all timeline, but there are predictable steps in the process and clear factors that influence how long your case will take.
At GLG Personal Injury Lawyers in Phoenix, we’ve handled cases that wrapped up in a few months and others that required more time. Here’s what you need to know so you can understand the road ahead and make smart decisions along the way.
Why Settlements Take Time
In personal injury law, faster doesn’t always mean better. If an attorney promises a quick payout, that’s usually code for: “We’re taking whatever the insurance company offers.” That’s great for them, not so great for you.
A settlement timeline is shaped by a few main factors:
1. Your Medical Treatment Isn’t Finished
This is usually the biggest reason settlements take time. Your medical care needs to reach “maximum medical improvement,” which means you’ve recovered as much as your doctors expect you will.
Why does that matter?
Because you never, ever want to settle before knowing the full extent of your injuries. If you settle early and later realize you need surgery or long-term therapy, the insurance company is off the hook, and you’re stuck with the bills.
2. The Insurance Company Wants to Slow Things Down
Insurance companies are experts at delay tactics. They request more records. They drag their feet. They dispute things they know are valid. They hope that you’ll get impatient and accept less money.
A strong attorney keeps that nonsense in check.
3. Liability Needs To Be Crystal Clear
If the other side is arguing about who caused the accident, things won’t move quickly. Evidence has to be gathered, statements reviewed, and sometimes experts brought in.
The more complicated the liability, the longer the timeline tends to be.
4. The Value of Your Case Matters
Bigger cases take longer, simple as that.
If your case involves severe injuries, long-term disability, or significant lost wages, the insurance company is going to fight harder because more money is on the line.
A General Timeline for Personal Injury Settlements
Every case is unique, but most follow a similar pattern. Here’s a realistic breakdown:
0–3 Months: Initial Medical Treatment & Case Building
You’re getting care, recovering, and documenting everything. Your lawyer is gathering police reports, witness statements, medical records, and anything else needed to build your case.
3–6 Months: Demand Letter & Negotiations
Once you finish treatment or reach maximum improvement, your attorney sends a settlement demand to the insurance company. This triggers the negotiation phase, sometimes quick, sometimes painfully slow.
6–12 Months: More Negotiations or Mediation
If the insurance company lowballs (and they often do), your attorney pushes back. Mediation might be used to help both sides reach an agreement.
12+ Months: Filing a Lawsuit (If Necessary)
Most cases settle before going to court, but when the insurance company refuses to be reasonable, a lawsuit becomes the leverage you need.
Even then, many cases settle before trial.
How to Speed Up Your Settlement
You can’t force the insurance company to play fair, but you can take steps that help move things along:
- Keep all appointments and follow your doctor’s recommended treatment plan.
- Be honest and thorough when reporting symptoms.
- Respond quickly to your attorney’s requests for information.
- Avoid posting about your injury or accident on social media.
- Hire a lawyer who actually fights, not one who settles fast for convenience.
A skilled Phoenix car accident attorney can significantly reduce the settlement timeline by remaining aggressive and organized.
When Faster Isn’t Better
Here’s the uncomfortable truth: rushing a personal injury case often leaves money on the table.
You want:
- Complete medical documentation
- A clear picture of long-term impacts
- Proof of lost wages and future losses
- Expert support if your condition may worsen
Settling too early is one of the costliest mistakes injury victims make.
Why Working With GLG Personal Injury Lawyers Matters
Experience matters, especially in Phoenix, where insurance companies know which firms fight and which ones fold. GLG Personal Injury Lawyers has built a reputation for advancing cases, not allowing insurers to drag their feet, and refusing to settle for less than our clients deserve.
We keep you updated, explain every step, and make sure you’re not left guessing.
HIre an Experienced Lawyer to Help Protect Your Rights
So how long will your personal injury settlement take? It depends, but you can expect the process to last a few months at minimum, with more complex cases taking longer. The real goal isn’t to settle fast; it’s to settle fairly. With the right legal team, you stay protected, informed, and in control of the process.
If you’re ready to get answers specific to your situation, GLG Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help you take the next step.