Car accidents are unpredictable, and their aftermath can be overwhelming. Between medical bills, lost wages, and the stress of recovery, victims often find themselves asking a crucial question: How long does a car accident case take? Personal injury lawyers in Newport Beach understand that navigating this process can be complicated, and they are here to help guide you through the complexities. The timeline depends on several factors, including the severity of injuries, the willingness of insurance companies to negotiate, and whether a lawsuit must be filed. While some cases are resolved in a matter of months, others can take years if litigation becomes necessary.
For those seeking justice and fair compensation, hiring an attorney can make all the difference. Avrek Law Firm, founded by Maryam Parman, has helped thousands of car accident victims recover damages for their losses. With over $2 billion recovered and more than 50 years of combined experience, Avrek Law’s team of good personal injury lawyers ensures that clients receive maximum compensation without the frustration of dealing with insurance companies alone.
Factors That Determine How Long a Car Accident Case Takes
While some claims settle quickly, others take time due to various circumstances. The most common factors affecting a case’s duration include:
1. Severity of Injuries
Cases involving minor injuries tend to resolve faster because medical treatments are completed sooner, allowing for quicker calculations of damages. However, serious injuries—such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or permanent disabilities—require long-term medical assessments. A personal injury attorney works with medical experts to estimate future medical expenses before negotiating settlements, which may extend case timelines.
2. Disputes Over Liability
Insurance companies often delay payouts by disputing who was at fault. If both parties contest liability, attorney personal injury professionals must gather extensive evidence, including:
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Traffic camera footage
- Accident reconstruction expert analysis
Proving fault may require months of investigation, particularly when multiple vehicles are involved.
3. Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance companies prioritize profits over fair compensation. Many employ delay tactics, such as lowball offers, unnecessary document requests, and drawn-out negotiations. An accident attorney Newport Beach CA can anticipate these strategies and counteract them with aggressive negotiation, ensuring clients receive what they deserve.
4. Court Involvement
While most car accident claims settle out of court, some proceed to litigation when insurers refuse fair settlements. When that happens, good personal injury lawyers file lawsuits, conduct discovery (exchange of evidence), and represent clients in court. A lawsuit can add months or even years to the case timeline.
The Benefits of Hiring an Attorney Personal Injury Lawyer
Many accident victims wonder whether they should hire personal injury lawyers or handle claims alone. The reality is that without legal representation, victims often receive far less than they deserve. Here’s why experienced personal accident attorneys are essential:
1. Maximizing Compensation
Hiring an attorney significantly increases settlement amounts. According to the Insurance Research Council, accident victims who hire lawyers receive, on average, 3.5 times higher compensation than those who represent themselves.
2. No Upfront Costs
Best injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning clients pay nothing upfront. Legal fees are deducted only if a settlement or verdict is secured. This ensures access to justice for all, regardless of financial circumstances.
3. Faster Resolution
Insurance companies drag out cases when dealing with unrepresented victims, hoping they will accept lower settlements out of frustration. Good personal injury lawyers know how to push insurance companies to act promptly, reducing unnecessary delays.
4. Courtroom Representation
If negotiations fail, top accident and personal injury lawyers take cases to court. Without legal expertise, self-represented plaintiffs often lose against well-funded insurance lawyers. Hiring experienced litigators ensures the best possible outcome.
Breaking Down the Legal Process for Car Accident Cases
Understanding what to expect helps victims navigate their claims with confidence. The legal process typically follows these steps:
Step 1: Investigation & Evidence Collection
After an accident, a personal injury lawyer will gather evidence, including:
- Medical records
- Accident scene photos
- Vehicle damage assessments
- Expert witness testimony
This phase can take weeks to months, depending on the availability of key evidence.
Step 2: Filing a Claim
Once evidence is compiled, attorney personal injury lawyers submit a demand letter to the at-fault party’s insurer. This document details the victim’s injuries, damages, and compensation request. The insurer then has 30 to 60 days to respond.
Step 3: Negotiation with Insurance Companies
Personal accident attorneys negotiate for a fair settlement. If insurers respond with unfairly low offers, counteroffers and mediation may follow. This stage can take several months, depending on the complexity of the injuries and liability disputes.
Step 4: Filing a Lawsuit (If Necessary)
If a fair settlement isn’t reached, good personal injury lawyers file a lawsuit. The case then proceeds to:
- Discovery phase (6 months – 1 year): Both sides exchange evidence.
- Mediation or arbitration (2-6 months): A neutral third party attempts to facilitate a resolution.
- Trial (1-2 years if necessary): If a settlement remains unattainable, the case goes before a judge or jury.
How Long Do Cases Take on Average?
While no two accident cases are identical, here’s a general breakdown of how long car accident claims could take:
- Minor injuries & clear liability: 3-6 months
- Moderate injuries & minor disputes: 6-12 months
- Severe injuries & disputed liability: 1-3 years
- Lawsuits requiring trials: 2-4 years
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, there were 269,031 injuries from car crashes in 2019 alone. Given the high volume of accidents, victims must seek representation from the best injury lawyers to navigate the claims process effectively.
Why Avrek Law is the Best Choice
Maryam Parman founded Avrek Law to protect victims from unfair insurance tactics. The firm has:
- More than $2 billion recovered for accident victims
- Over 50 years of combined experience in personal injury law
- Helped more than 63,000 injured clients
By choosing Avrek Law, clients receive personalized attention and legal representation aimed at securing the highest possible settlement. Whether through negotiations or courtroom litigation, the firm ensures that accident victims are treated fairly. 866-598-5548
Start Your Case Today
Waiting too long to seek legal help can hurt a case. California law imposes strict deadlines for filing claims. To maximize compensation and avoid missing deadlines, victims should contact personal injury lawyers in Newport Beach immediately.
For a free consultation, call Avrek Law at 866-598-5548, chat with a representative, or submit an online case evaluation form. Skilled personal accident attorneys are available 24/7 to help victims get the justice they deserve.