If you have been hurt in a car accident in San Diego, California, one of your first questions will likely be, “How long will my car accident case take to settle?” Everyone hopes for a quick resolution, but the truth is that timelines can vary depending on the facts, evidence, and negotiations involved.
At Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers, we can explain the factors affecting settlement and help you set realistic expectations. If you’ve been injured in a crash, contact our San Diego car accident lawyers for a free consultation at (858) 551-2090. We’re ready to get you the compensation you deserve.
How Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Car Accident in San Diego
Pursuing a car accident settlement can be challenging. For over 30 years, our personal injury team has helped clients injured in San Diego, CA, settle claims for maximum compensation. We bring over 80 years of combined experience to every case and have been recognized as America’s Top 100 Personal Injury Attorneys.
Our team of San Diego car accident lawyers can handle all aspects of your car accident claim, including investigating the cause of your accident, identifying all liable parties, and handling insurance negotiations to protect your interests.
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, contact us today for a free consultation with a San Diego personal injury lawyer.
Key Factors That Influence Your Settlement Timeline
Several factors can speed up or slow down the settlement timeline for your case. Even in seemingly straightforward accidents, insurance companies may delay settling to protect their bottom line.
Common factors affecting the settlement timeline include:
Severity of Your Injuries
The seriousness of your injuries is one of the biggest factors in how long your settlement may take. Catastrophic injuries often require ongoing treatment, and your lawyer may advise waiting until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) before finalizing your claim. This ensures your damages account for both current and future medical needs.
Examples of severe injuries that can extend a case include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries or paralysis
- Multiple fractures requiring surgery
You avoid settling for an amount that may not cover long-term expenses by waiting until your medical condition stabilizes.
Disputes Over Liability
Settlement timelines can increase significantly when liability is contested. Insurance companies may refuse to pay until they complete a detailed investigation or obtain expert opinions about who caused the accident. This is especially common in multi-vehicle collisions or cases with conflicting witness accounts.
Liability disputes may involve:
- Reviewing accident scene photos or videos
- Gathering witness statements
- Consulting accident reconstruction experts
An experienced car accident lawyer can help gather evidence to establish fault, which is critical to moving your claim forward. The sooner liability is proven, the sooner settlement talks can begin.
Completeness of Documentation
Even if liability is clear, missing or incomplete documentation can slow the settlement process. Insurance adjusters need detailed proof of your injuries, expenses, and losses before they will evaluate your claim. Negotiations often stall without this evidence.
Key documents include:
- Medical records and billing statements
- Vehicle repair or replacement estimates
- Pay stubs and proof of lost wages
Providing these items to your lawyer can help prevent unnecessary delays. The more complete your file, the easier it is for your lawyer to push for timely settlement discussions.
Insurance Company Tactics
Some insurers use delay tactics as a negotiation strategy. They may intentionally slow down communication, make low initial offers, or act in bad faith. This can add weeks or even months to the process.
Common delay tactics include:
- Ignoring or postponing calls and emails
- Claiming they are still “reviewing” evidence
- Offering quick but inadequate settlements
An experienced lawyer knows how to counter these strategies and keep the pressure on the insurer. The right lawyer can help prevent an insurance company from taking advantage of you.
Whether a Lawsuit Is Necessary
Filing a lawsuit may be the only way to recover fair compensation if negotiations break down. Litigation may lead to a better outcome, but it also adds significant time due to court schedules, discovery, and pre-trial motions.
When a lawsuit is filed, you may need to go through:
- Written discovery requests and depositions
- Expert witness testimony
- Mediation or trial preparation
Going to court may be necessary when an insurer refuses to make a reasonable offer. A lawyer will weigh the pros and cons and guide you on whether litigation is in your best interest.
Typical Settlement Timeframes
There is no universal answer for how long a car accident case will take to settle, but most follow a general timeline. Minor injury claims with clear liability may resolve within a few months, while more complex cases can take years.
Typical settlement timeframes may look like this:
- Simple claims: 3 to 6 months if liability is clear, injuries are minor, and documentation is complete.
- Moderate injury claims: 6 months to 1 year, especially if ongoing medical treatment is needed.
- Severe injury or disputed claims: 1 year or longer, particularly if litigation is required.
- Cases that go to trial: 18 months or more due to court scheduling and procedural steps.
These are estimates only, and every case is unique. A San Diego car accident lawyer will evaluate your specific circumstances to provide a more personalized timeline.
Contact Our San Diego Car Accident Lawyer Today for a Free Consultation
The time it takes to settle a car accident case in San Diego depends on multiple factors, from the severity of your injuries to whether liability is disputed. You cannot control every delay, but you can take steps to help the process along and protect your rights.
Consulting with an experienced San Diego car accident lawyer at Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers can make all the difference if you have been injured in a car accident. Schedule a free consultation today to learn how we can help.
