How long does a personal injury case take to resolve?

There is no one-size-fits-all timeline, but most personal injury cases follow a general progression:

• Treatment phase (weeks to months): You focus on recovering from your injuries. Your attorney shouldn’t settle your case until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement (MMI) so the full extent of your damages is known.
• Demand and negotiation phase (1–3 months): Your attorney sends a demand to the insurance company and negotiates a fair settlement.
• Litigation phase (if needed, 1–2+ years): If the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement, your attorney files a lawsuit. This involves discovery, depositions, and potentially a trial.

Simpler cases (like minor car accidents with clear liability) may settle in a few months. Complex cases involving catastrophic injuries, multiple parties, or disputed liability can take two years or longer.