“Good things come to those who wait” is a phrase many of us are losing touch with in 2025. From tax returns to cellular networks, speed is highly valued by consumers.

Living in an era of instant gratification, it’s easy to forget that some of life’s greatest treasures can’t be rushed. Whether it’s beautiful art, a delicious meal, or a precious moment of stillness, moving slowly and deliberately often yields wonderful results.

While your car crash attorney isn’t painting the next Mona Lisa, their work does require patience, precision, and meticulous attention to detail. Although it may feel like your claim is taking forever, it’s important to trust the process. Rome wasn’t built in a day and your claim certainly won’t be resolved overnight.

This blog will show you exactly what’s happening behind the scenes and why a well-built third-party car accident claim takes time.

Phase One: Immediate Aftermath & Investigation

Timeline:

A few weeks to several months

Overview:

The time immediately following a car accident is often very difficult. Between caring for your injuries and piecing your life back together, it can feel like you’re drowning in uncertainty.

While it’s easy to look ahead and get overwhelmed by everything in front of you – don’t. Architecting your claim is your attorney’s job. All you should be worried about during this phase is getting better and documenting  your recovery.

While you’re recovering, your attorney will be busy gathering:

• Police reports
• Photos and videos of the crash scene
• Witness statements
• Insurance policy information
• Medical records and billing records
• Video of the accident itself (if footage exists)

These are critical documents for your claim.

As more and more dollars get spent on your recovery – your claim continues gaining value. It’s important not to rush this phase of your claim and potentially leave compensation on the table!

Phase Two: Settlement Discussions & Negotiation

Timeline:

Several months to a year (or more)

Overview:

Now that your attorney has an accurate understanding of exactly how much your claim is worth, it’s time to start presenting their findings and negotiating compensation.

Based on the medical and billing records they gathered, your attorney will draft a demand letter. This document spells out exactly what you are seeking in terms of compensation and gets sent to the at-fault driver’s insurance company.

You might be thinking, “Great! My claim is finally nearing the end!” – unfortunately this is not always the case. Now that the ball is in the insurance company’s court you can almost certainly expect delays.

The reason for these delays on part of the insurance company is strategic. They are dragging out your claim in hopes that you’ll become desperate for money and succumb to a low ball offer. The key here – as it is throughout the duration of your claim – is patience.

Expect multiple rounds of negotiations. Expect insulting low ball offers. These are all steps on the path toward maximum compensation.

Some cases settle during this phase if a fair dollar amount is agreed upon. If it does not look like an agreement will be reached, your attorney can schedule a pre-suit mediation in a last-ditch effort to avoid filing a lawsuit.

Phase Three: Filing a Lawsuit & Litigation

Timeline:

1-2 years (depending on court backlog and the severity of your case)

Overview:

Some claims settle during pre-suit negotiations. If a claim is not settled during this time, filing a lawsuit is the next logical step.

It’s important to understand that filing a lawsuit does not mean your claim is going to trial. It does mean:

• Your claim is now considered a case
• A Judge will now oversee your case and set deadlines
• A defense attorney will now argue on behalf of the insurance company
• The court in which you file your lawsuit will require progress toward a resolution

By filing a lawsuit, the stakes are raised for all parties involved.

The insurance company, now subject to the judgment of a court, will need to spend money on counsel and can no longer vaguely deny your pain and suffering. Also, now that money is being spent on defense attorneys, any incentive to delay your payout is greatly reduced.

During this phase of a case, new legal tools become available to both sides, including:

• Depositions
• Subpoenas
• Independent medical exams
• Expert witnesses
• Document interrogatories

These formalities will help both sides negotiate further and hopefully inch you closer to a settlement. While a trial is still possible, nearly all cases settle at some point during this stage.

If you still find yourself in a deadlock with opposing counsel, your case may find its way in front of a jury for trial.

Phase Four: Trial and Beyond

Timeline:

A few days in court (and potentially months after for post-trial actions)

Overview:

Trials are very rare for personal injury cases.

Insurance companies typically try to avoid letting claims get to trial because they know a jury can put them on the hook for way more than they were looking to pay.

Personal injury attorneys also have a strong incentive to avoid trials because if a jury rules against them, there is a real possibility the plaintiff will recover nothing.

While trials are always a possibility, they are usually only recommended when a client’s evidence is substantial and their story is extremely compelling. Even once a trial date has been determined, there is a strong possibility that a case will settle before it’s ever heard by a jury.

In the rare event that your case does make it all the way to trial – you need an attorney who’s ready to fight. With the stakes as high as they are, you can’t afford inexperience! At Femminineo Law, we’re no strangers to the courtroom. Our trial results speak for themselves.

Claim Timeline Estimates

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If you or a loved one was involved in a car accident, there’s only one name you need to know: Femminineo Law.

Here at Femminineo Law, we not only pride ourselves in monumental payouts and winning verdicts, but also in the way we care for our clients and their individual needs. Give us a call at 855-65-CRASH and experience the Femminineo Law difference today!

BE SURE to include link to unposted blog on documenting injuries