How Long Does a Car Accident Case Take to Settle?

If you are involved in a car accident that was caused by another driver, you have the right to pursue compensation for your damages under your state’s car accident laws. If you believe you have grounds to file a car accident claim, you will need an experienced attorney’s help, but how long does a car accident case take to settle? The answer largely depends on state laws, the severity of your damages, and whether you hire a car accident lawyer to assist you.

How Long Does a Car Accident Case Take To Settle?

Every year in the US, car accidents are a leading cause of accidental injuries and deaths nationwide. Every state has different car accident laws, and in most, the at-fault driver is responsible for the damages they caused. An injured victim will need to prove liability before they can recover their losses, and this can be more difficult than you might expect.

The National Safety Council reported that in 2024, car accidents caused roughly $559.3 billion in damages, more than 4.9 million medically consulted injuries, and 42,789 deaths. Car accidents may not only result in significant property damage, but victims often require extensive medical care, and some may be left unable to work in the future. The total cost of car accidents is often felt for many years for most victims.

When it comes to how long a car accident case could take to settle, you are more likely to resolve your case within a reasonable timeframe if you have an experienced attorney representing you. A car accident attorney can review the details of how your accident happened, explain how your state’s car accident laws dictate your recovery options, and then guide you through your case proceedings efficiently.

Why You Should Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

In most states, filing an auto insurance claim is your first recovery option after an accident. Most states require drivers to have auto insurance that meets minimum liability coverage requirements, and no-fault states require drivers to have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. Regardless of the type of insurance claim you need to file, you are more likely to secure a reasonable settlement from an insurance company if the company sees that you have legal counsel.

Most insurers try to settle injury claims for as little as they can. They will look for any justification they can find to devalue or deny injury claims. Hiring legal counsel not only improves your chances of securing a fair insurance claim settlement, but also prepares you to file a personal injury case if necessary to recover your losses.

Ultimately, the time required to resolve a car accident claim can vary from several weeks to several months, and more complex cases involving liability disputes may even take longer than a year. Regardless of what your specific case entails, you have the greatest chance of successfully recovering compensation for your losses if you hire a car accident lawyer.

Bliven Law Firm, P.C. has more than 30 years of experience helping injured clients recover from all types of vehicle accidents in Montana. We understand that your injuries and inability to work create a difficult financial situation for you and your family, and we want to help you resolve your case as efficiently as possible. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a car accident attorney and learn how we can assist with your case.

Kalispell Office

704 South Main Street
Kalispell, MT 59901

Boardman Office

202 North Main Street
Suite 1
Boardman, OR 97818