After an accident or injury, people have many questions for their personal injury attorney, and one of the first is to understand exactly how long their claim will take to resolve. Lucé Law, PC helps injured people in McKinney, Collin County and North Texas understand the claims process, insurance negotiations and litigation timelines.
As medical bills mount up and missed work adds financial pressure, it’s understandable that people want a quick resolution. The objective is not to see how quickly a claim can be resolved, but rather to protect the client by ensuring things are done right. So what’s a realistic timeline for a personal injury claim in North Texas?
What Is the Typical Timeline for a Personal Injury Claim?
The truth is, there is no fixed timeline for a personal injury claim. Simple claims with clear liability and minor injuries are often settled within a few months to a year. Cases involving serious injuries, disputed fault or a lawsuit, however, can take one to three years to resolve. Additionally, settling a claim through insurance negotiations is typically faster than resolving it through litigation and trial.
It’s worth remembering that a fast resolution to a personal injury case won’t always provide the best outcome. Settling while your medical treatment is still ongoing could mean underestimating the full extent of your medical needs. However, don’t delay too long, as the Texas statute of limitations generally requires a personal injury lawsuit to be filed within two years of the accident.
What Happens During a Personal Injury Claim?
From the first meeting with a personal injury attorney to the final settlement or trial verdict, cases move through several stages. Personal injury claims don’t always follow a predictable sequence of events, but you can usually expect the following stages.
Investigating the Accident and Receiving Medical Treatment
Following the accident, the injured person receives medical treatment, which could involve a single ER visit or an extended period of care and rehabilitation. While treatment continues, the attorney gathers evidence from the accident. The investigation involves collecting accident reports, evidence and witness statements, while also identifying responsible parties and insurance policies.
Calculating the Claim’s Value
Calculating the value of a personal injury claim is more complicated than it may appear. An attorney must first consider medical bills, lost income, property damage and other financial losses caused by the accident. In addition to these losses, they will look at pain, reduced earning capacity, and any future medical bills. While some of these costs will be known, others must factor in what the injury is expected to cost in the coming years.
Negotiating With the Insurance Company
At this stage, an attorney can issue a demand letter supported by evidence from the investigation. The insurance company will review the claim and may accept fault, dispute liability, or argue that the compensation level is too high. If there is a disagreement, the claim’s timeline is likely to extend as the attorney and insurance company exchange offers and counteroffers.
Filing a Lawsuit When Necessary
In some cases, negotiation alone won’t be enough to reach a resolution. If the insurer denies liability, disputes the injuries or will not offer reasonable compensation, a lawsuit may be filed. There is no fixed timeline for a personal injury lawsuit, but your McKinney litigation attorney can provide guidance if your case reaches this stage.
It is not about cutting corners, but rather doing everything necessary to ensure clients are treated respectfully and fairly. Cases typically move through discovery (and often mediation) before proceeding to trial, when all parties cannot reach an agreement.
Speak With a North Texas Personal Injury Attorney
When you have been involved in an accident in North Texas, Lucé Law, PC and its 40+ years of experience can help you understand what to expect and guide you through the process properly to ensure you are not taken advantage of. Our experienced attorneys will guide you through each stage of the process while pursuing fair compensation on your behalf. Call (972) 632-1300 or request a free legal consultation.
