If you have been injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be wondering how long it will take to resolve your personal injury case.
The answer is not simple, as every case is different and depends on various factors even if you hire a personal injury attorney. Here are general guidlines on how long it takes to resolve a personal injury case and the main steps involved in a personal injury lawsuit.
What is a Personal Injury Case?
A personal injury case is a legal dispute that arises when one person suffers harm from an accident or injury, and another person or entity may be legally responsible for that harm. The person or entity that caused the harm is called the defendant, and the person who suffered the harm is called the plaintiff.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Personal Injury Case?
Most personal injury cases are settled out of court, as this is usually faster, cheaper, and less stressful than going to trial. However, the time it takes to settle a personal injury case can vary widely depending on the circumstances of the case. Some factors that can affect the settlement process are:
- The severity of your injuries: The more serious your injuries are, the more medical treatment you will need, and the longer it will take to reach maximum medical improvement (MMI). MMI is the point where your condition has stabilized and no further improvement is expected. You should not settle your case before reaching MMI, as you may not know the full extent of your damages and future needs.
- The complexity of your case: The more complicated your case is, the more evidence you will need to prove your claim. For example, if your case involves multiple defendants, multiple witnesses, disputed liability, or expert testimony, it may take longer to gather and analyze all the information.
- The cooperation of the parties involved: The settlement process requires communication and negotiation between you, your lawyer, the defendant, their lawyer, and their insurance company. If any of these parties are uncooperative, unreasonable, or delay the process, it may take longer to reach a settlement.
- The value of your claim: The higher the value of your claim is, the more likely it is that the defendant or their insurance company will dispute it or offer a low settlement. This may lead to more back-and-forth negotiations or even litigation.
Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months or even years to settle a personal injury case. According to one study, the average time from accident to settlement was about 11 months for car accident cases and about 20 months for other types of personal injury cases.
How Long Does It Take to Go to Trial for a Personal Injury Case?
The time it takes to go to trial for a personal injury case can vary depending on the court’s schedule, the complexity of the case, and the availability of the parties and witnesses. However, according to one study, the average time from filing a lawsuit to trial was about 25 months for car accident cases and about 31 months for other types of personal injury cases.
How Can You Speed Up Your Personal Injury Case?
As you can see, resolving a personal injury case can take a long time, depending on many factors. However, there are some things you can do to speed up your case and increase your chances of getting a fair compensation. Some of these things are:
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible: Getting prompt and proper medical care is not only important for your health, but also important for your case. It can help you document your injuries, prove the causation and extent of your damages, and show that you are taking your recovery seriously.
- Hire a lawyer as soon as possible: Hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer such as Sawyer Injury Law can make a big difference in your case. A lawyer can help you protect your rights, gather and preserve evidence, deal with the insurance company, negotiate a fair settlement, or prepare for trial if necessary. A lawyer can also handle the legal aspects of your case while you focus on your health and well-being.
- Follow your lawyer’s advice: Your lawyer is there to guide you through the process and advise you on the best course of action for your case. You should listen to your lawyer’s recommendations and follow their instructions. contradict your claim or show that you are not injured or in pain.
- Be honest and cooperative: You should be truthful and consistent with your lawyer, your doctor, and anyone else involved in your case. You should not exaggerate or minimize your injuries, lie about the facts of the accident, or hide any relevant information. You should also cooperate with your Baltimore accident lawyer and provide them with any documents, records, or evidence they need for your case. Being honest and cooperative can help you avoid any delays, disputes, or credibility issues that could hurt your case.
- Be patient and realistic: Resolving a personal injury case can take time, and you should not expect to get a quick or easy resolution. You should be patient and trust that your lawyer is working hard to get you the best possible outcome. You should also be realistic and understand that there is no guarantee that you will win your case or get the amount of compensation you want. You should be prepared to compromise and accept a reasonable settlement offer if it is in your best interest.
Conclusion
Resolving a personal injury case can be a complex and lengthy process that depends on many factors. However, by following the tips above and hiring a competent Sawyer Injury Law in Atlanta. attorney, you can speed up your case and increase your chances of getting a fair compensation.
