This is by far the number one question we get from clients after they have had a car accident — followed closely by questions like how much their claim is worth and how to report it. The short answer: it depends.
Liability
If the other driver and their insurance company agree that they are responsible for the accident, your claim will typically resolve much faster than if they try to blame you. That may seem obvious, but many clients are shocked to learn how often the at-fault driver or their insurer disputes responsibility.
Even when the other driver admits fault, their insurance company will often try to shift partial blame onto you. Before your attorney demands payment from the at-fault driver’s insurer, they should negotiate to ensure you accept as close to 0% responsibility as possible. This step helps streamline settlement discussions later.
Treatment
The stage that takes the most time in nearly every case is medical treatment. If you finish treatment in one month, your claim will wrap up far quicker than if recovery takes nine months. You know your body best, and you’ll have the clearest sense of when you’ve reached maximum improvement. In some cases, that means full recovery; in others—especially with permanent injuries—it means identifying whether ongoing care is treatment or maintenance.
Generally, if treatment can improve your condition, it’s best to complete it before settlement. If your injury is permanent, your attorney should calculate the expected lifetime cost of care and maintenance and factor it into your demand.
The Demand
Once you’ve reached maximum recovery, your attorney will collect your medical records, bills, and other evidence to build a demand package. This process typically takes two to four weeks after treatment ends, depending on provider responsiveness. After the demand is sent, most insurance companies respond within approximately four weeks, though some take longer depending on case complexity and workload.
Summary
The simplest way to estimate how long your car accident claim will take is to add about two months to however long it takes you to recover. During your recovery, your attorney should be gathering documents, verifying coverage, and laying the groundwork for your claim.
Remember: if the at-fault driver’s insurance company fails to offer a fair settlement, your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit—which will extend the process but may be necessary to obtain full compensation.
If you have questions or need help with your case, call or text 612-INJURED at (612) 465-8733 for a free consultation with a Minneapolis car accident lawyer. We’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and create a strategy to help you recover the compensation you deserve.