If you’re recovering from a car accident and considering legal action, one of the first questions you might have is: How long will this take? The aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming, and waiting on a settlement while medical bills pile up only adds to the stress. The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all timeline for a car accident settlement. Thankfully with the right legal team, like the experienced attorneys at The Joel Bieber Firm, you can count on clear communication, transparency, and a strategy tailored to your situation.
What Affects the Timeline of a Car Accident Settlement?
Several key factors influence how long it takes to reach a settlement:
1. Medical Treatment and Recovery
Settlement negotiations typically don’t begin in earnest until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement (MMI). That way, your legal team can accurately assess the full extent of your injuries, future care needs, and long-term impact. If your injuries are severe or require ongoing care, be aware that phase alone may take months.
2. Investigation and Evidence Gathering
The legal team at The Joel Bieber Firm will dive deep into accident details, working with medical experts, accident reconstructionists, and insurance adjusters to build a strong case. While other law firms may simply send out claims and not plan on going to court, we engage in a thorough investigation to ultimately strengthen your claim.
3. Insurance Negotiations
Once your damages are fully documented, your lawyer will send a demand letter to the at-fault party’s insurance company. From there, negotiation can take weeks or more, depending on how willing the insurer is to make a fair offer.
4. Liability Disputes
During disputes, if the insurance company disputes who was at fault or tries to argue that you were partially responsible, negotiations may be delayed. The good news is, The Joel Bieber Firm has decades of experience countering these tactics and pushing back against unfair blame.
5. Litigation and Trial (If Necessary)
While many cases settle out of court, some do proceed to trial. If that happens, it can take a year or more from the date the lawsuit is filed to reach a resolution. Should we have to litigate, know we have been preparing for this since Day One. The Joel Bieber Firm prepares every case as if it will go to trial, ensuring you are never caught off guard and that we’re armed with the facts.
Average Timeline: What to Expect
While each case is unique, here’s a detailed look at the general timeline most clients can expect when working with The Joel Bieber Firm:
- Medical Treatment & Recovery (1–6 months or more): This phase is the most important one, it is where we encourage clients to focus on healing first. Settling too early, before understanding the full scope of your injuries, can drastically reduce your compensation. Our team helps you coordinate care and track progress, ensuring we account for all short- and long-term medical needs before negotiating. We also understand how quickly costs add up, if you need help getting to your treatment facilities or keeping up with payments, let us know.
- Investigation & Demand Letter (1–3 months): Once your condition stabilizes, we dive deep into building your case. This includes gathering medical records, police reports, witness statements, and insurance policies. At this point, we prepare and submit a demand letter: a comprehensive summary of damages and compensation requested. The Joel Bieber Firm’s attorneys carefully tailor this to reflect your exact situation, supported by thorough investigation.
- Negotiation (2–6 months): While we don’t know if the insurers will try to respond quickly or let months pass by before responding. We do know that they will minimize your damages, and offer lowball settlements in hopes you’re desperate for a quick payout. We know the tricks insurers use and won’t let you be undercompensated. This phase often includes counteroffers, additional documentation, and tough negotiation. We keep clients informed every step of the way.
- Filing a Lawsuit (if necessary) (12–18 months): If a fair offer isn’t made, we’re fully prepared to go to court. Filing a lawsuit doesn’t mean your case will go to trial, but it does apply pressure. The discovery phase (exchanging evidence, depositions) and pre-trial motions can take months. Filing a lawsuit doesn’t mean your case will go to trial, but it does apply pressure; it lets the insurance know we are serious. The Joel Bieber Firm builds the strongest case possible with the courtroom in mind from day one, so you’re ready if litigation becomes necessary.
On average, our clients see a resolution in 6 to 12 months when a case stays in the negotiation phase. However, more complex cases, those with disputed liability, extensive injuries, or bad-faith insurers, can take longer. Throughout the process, our team is focused on one goal: securing the full, fair compensation you deserve without unnecessary delay.
How The Joel Bieber Firm Speeds Things Up Without Cutting Corners
Unlike firms that take a one-size-fits-all approach, The Joel Bieber Firm treats every case with personalized attention. One recent client says,
“They were fantastic. I could not be happier with how Jonathan and Jessica handled my case. They were informative, diligent, friendly, and professional.” — Brandon D. Mayer
We understand the emotional and financial toll a long case can take. That’s why we:
- Assign a dedicated case manager and attorney to keep you informed
- Use expert resources to accelerate documentation and investigations
- Negotiate aggressively to avoid unnecessary delays
- Never settle for less than you deserve just to “close the file”
Should You Settle Fast or Wait?
While settling quickly may be tempting, especially if you’re struggling financially, remember the insurance companies are counting on that. People typically only have one chance at compensation and a rushed settlement means you may accept less than you truly need to cover not just what you are dealing with now, but years from now. A skilled attorney will help you strike the right balance between getting paid promptly and maximizing your compensation. At The Joel Bieber Firm, we walk clients through every offer, and every risk, ensuring you can make an informed choice.
What This Means for Your Case
So, how long does a car accident settlement take with a lawyer? It depends on your recovery, the complexity of your case, and how cooperative the insurance company is. But with experienced legal representation, you don’t have to face the uncertainty alone.
When you work with a trusted team like The Joel Bieber Firm, you’re not just getting legal help, you’re getting a partner who knows the legal landscape in Virginia and fights to resolve your case as efficiently and successfully as possible.
Whether you’re in Richmond, Virginia Beach, or anywhere across the Commonwealth, we’re here to help you move forward with confidence.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, don’t wait. Contact The Joel Bieber Firm today for a free consultation, and let our experienced personal injury lawyers help you take the next step toward justice and recovery.