The Honest Answer: It’s Not Fast (And That’s a Good Thing)
This is the first question everyone asks, and we understand why. You have bills piling up, you’re missing work, and you need this to be over. The honest answer is: it depends. A simple case might resolve in a few months, but a serious injury case will almost always take longer, often a year or more. And you should be very skeptical of any lawyer who promises you a quick check.
Why does it take time? Because we're not just fighting for a fast settlement; we're fighting for the right settlement. A quick offer from an insurance company is almost always a lowball offer, made before you even know how serious your injuries are. The biggest factor in your case's timeline isn't the lawyer, it's your recovery.
Your Health Comes First, And It Drives the Timeline
We cannot send a final demand to the insurance company until we know the full extent of your injuries. This means we must wait until you have reached "Maximum Medical Improvement," or MMI. This is the point where your doctors say you are either fully recovered or have a clear picture of what your long-term limitations will be.
If you settle before you know you'll need a future surgery, you can't go back and ask for more money. That surgery cost comes out of your pocket. Waiting for MMI is the only way to make sure we are demanding compensation for all of your medical care, not just the bills you have today.
What Else Makes a Case Take Longer?
Besides your medical treatment, a few other things have a big impact on the timeline. The first is disputed liability. If it's a clear-cut rear-end accident, things move faster. If the other driver is blaming you, or if it's a complex slip-and-fall where we have to prove the store knew about the hazard, it will take longer to gather evidence and fight back.
The second factor is the insurance company. Some are reasonable. Many are not. Their entire business model is based on paying out as little as possible. They will use delay tactics, make low offers, and try to wear you down. This is a normal part of the process, and it's our job to not let them get away with it.
What If We Have to File a Lawsuit?
Most cases, over 90%, settle out of court. But if the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, we have to file a lawsuit. This doesn't mean you're going to trial. It’s a legal step that forces the other side to take the case more seriously.
Once a lawsuit is filed, we enter the "discovery" phase. This is where we formally exchange evidence, documents, and take depositions. This part of the process can take six months to a year all by itself, simply because of court schedules and procedures. The vast majority of cases settle during this phase, long before a trial ever begins.
Trust the Process, Not the Promise of "Fast Cash"
A personal injury case is a marathon, not a sprint. We know it's frustrating to wait, but that patience is what allows us to build a strong case that covers your future medical needs, lost wages, and your pain and suffering.
At Shiraz Law Firm, we'll be with you at every step, explaining what's happening and why. Our focus isn't on speed; it's on getting you the full, fair compensation you deserve. You only get one chance to do this right.
