When you are involved in a car accident and file a personal injury claim, it can be helpful to know how long the process is going to take. A lawsuit can be time-consuming and knowing the time frame  can help relieve stress during this trying time. There are a few factors that impact how long it takes to settle a car accident claim.

The Type of Injury

When it comes to getting a settlement after a car accident, they type of injury you suffered can really impact how long the settlement process takes. If you had a very minor injury, which results in pretty straightforward medical bills and expenses, the settlement process can be really quick.

If you had a really serious injury which requires extensive medical care, the settlement process is going to take longer. Generally, the insurance company will  not make a settlement offer until you have completed treatment for your injuries, or until your doctors have determined that there is no other treatment that you can take to improve your condition, and that you are at a maintenance point with your injury.

If the injury will have consequences and expenses for the rest of your life, that can complicate things even more. Your team will have to work with the doctors to estimate how much your medical care will cost for the rest of your life.

The Insurance Company

One of the biggest factors that impact how long it takes to settle a car accident claim is the other individual's insurance company. If they make a reasonable offer of compensation, you may be able to quickly settle the case.

If they don't make a reasonable offer, and you have to take the case to trail, it may take months before you are given another offer by the insurance company. During the discovery process as both sides prepare for trail, the insurance company is unlikely to make another settlement offer.

Once the discovery process, which sometimes takes months, is complete, you may then get additional settlement offers during pre-trail conferences with the insurance company. If you have to take the insurance company to trail, be prepared to wait a while for a settlement check.

With a simple injury, where treatment is quickly completed, the settlement process is often quick and straightforward. The more complicated the injury, and the longer the recovery process takes, the longer it will take for you to get a settlement. How quickly you get a settlement offer also depends on how fair the insurance company is, and if you have to take the insurance company to trail in order to force a fair settlement offer.

From the accident, to the pre-trail period, to the trial itself having legal counsel can keep the case running smoothly. A car accident lawyer can help keep you informed on insurance offers, and get you the best settlement possible to help you recover.