How Long Does It Take To Settle a Personal Injury Claim?

Posted on 04/24/25

in Personal Injury

Pursuing a personal injury claim means proving that the other party is negligent and, as such, that they owe you for specific financial losses you incurred. There are numerous components of this process, and it can take some time for your case to go from being a complaint to being a paid claim. But, how long does it take to settle a personal injury claim? An Oakland personal injury attorney from Milanfar Law Firm, PC, can help you understand the situation.

How Long a Personal Injury Claim Can Take in California

Those who are hurt in a personal injury claim can expect their case to take anywhere from three months to one year to complete, though there is no real timeframe that is accurate across the board. In minor injuries, you may be able to settle your case sooner than this, but in more complex cases, expect it to take even longer. Just know that you only have two years from the date of the injury to file a claim under California’s statute of limitations.

Some of the factors that contribute to the length of time it takes to settle your case include:

  • The severity of your injuries: If you do not heal right away, it can be challenging for you to file a claim, and there is likely to be more pushback from the at-fault party’s insurance for the claims you make.
  • The evidence in your case: The more evidence you have to demonstrate who is at fault and what your losses are, the faster you can expect your case to move through the legal process.
  • Whether the insurance company wants to settle: In some situations, they may be ready to settle with you right away, which could mean filing a claim and closing the case within a matter of weeks.

It is a critical balancing act to ensure your case is handled quickly and efficiently so that you receive the money you are owed in a timely fashion while not rushing into a settlement that is too low for your rights. For this reason, it is often best to meet with an Oakland accident attorney to build a robust claim before submitting it to the at-fault party’s insurance provider. Let us go to work proving your losses and proving negligence.

How to Make Your Personal Injury Claim Move Swiftly

Various factors can help to move your case through the court system. For example, settling with the insurance company is likely direct if you have minor injuries and no real medical bills. In more complex cases, having more information and data becomes a critical factor in pursuing fair compensation. Consider these tips:

  • Let your attorney gather additional evidence from all possible fronts. The more evidence available, the harder it is for the insurance company to refute your claim.
  • Let us prove you were not at fault. Delays in these cases are very commonly the result of a lack of evidence that documents your losses fully and shows how the other party is responsible for them.
  • Have an attorney working for you. There may not be a more important factor than having an experienced, local attorney available to guide you.

The length of time it takes for your personal injury claim to process is dependent on factors related to all of the above, yet even then, there is no simple timeline to expect. If you are struggling with this process and want answers and solutions, reach out to Milanfar Law Firm, PC, now for a free consultation and review of your case.