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When you’ve been hurt in a car crash, one of the first things you probably want to know is how long it will take to get paid. You may be dealing with medical bills, lost income, and physical pain. While some cases settle quickly, others can take several months or even more than a year. Every personal injury case is different. The timeline depends on many factors, such as how badly you were hurt, how much evidence you have, and how the insurance company responds.
Conboy Law Injury & Medical Malpractice Lawyers understands that waiting can be stressful. That’s why our experienced personal injury attorneys work hard to move your case forward while also fighting for full and fair compensation.
We work hard to avoid unnecessary delays and secure a fair settlement that covers your injuries, medical treatment, and other losses.
Most car accident claims in Chicago follow a general timeline, but the length can vary.
Some cases settle in a few weeks if the injuries are minor and the other driver’s fault is clear. But if your case involves serious injuries or complex facts, it may take several months or longer. Insurance companies often move slowly, especially in personal injury claims, where medical records and evidence must be reviewed. A personal injury lawsuit may also add months or even a year to the process if it goes to trial.
Many factors determine how long your case takes. If you’re still receiving medical treatment, your lawyer may wait until you reach maximum medical improvement to fully understand the cost of your recovery. This helps make sure you get the fair compensation you deserve for all your medical expenses and future care.
More serious injuries, such as spinal injuries or injuries requiring long-term medical care, often mean a longer case. It takes time to fully understand the extent of your injuries and how they affect your life. That’s why gathering medical records and working with medical experts is so important.
If there is a disagreement about who caused the accident or if there are multiple parties involved, it can delay your case. Proving fault may require evidence like photos from the accident scene, witness statements, or even accident reconstruction experts.
Sometimes, an insurance company might offer a low settlement at first. They may try to avoid paying the full amount. That’s why having a strong legal team helps. Your personal injury attorney can negotiate with the insurance company to pursue a more favorable offer.
Some settlement discussions don’t lead anywhere. If the insurance company doesn’t offer a fair amount, your lawyer may file a personal injury lawsuit. This step usually adds more time, but it’s often needed to get proper compensation.
After the crash, your personal injury lawyer will collect evidence, speak to witnesses, review the police report, and gather your medical records. You should also keep going to your medical treatment appointments to recover and show how the injury has affected you.
Once you’ve healed or reached maximum medical improvement, your lawyer will send a demand package to the insurance company. This outlines your injuries, medical expenses, and other costs. The negotiation process can take time, especially in complex personal injury cases.
If the insurance provider refuses to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer might file a lawsuit in court. This adds more steps, including sharing evidence and going to trial if needed. Even after a lawsuit is filed, many cases still settle before going to trial.
Yes. It’s often better to wait before accepting a settlement until you’ve fully healed or reached your maximum medical improvement. If you settle too soon, you might not get paid for future medical expenses or other additional compensation you may need later. An experienced personal injury lawyer will guide you through this process to protect your personal injury claim.
An experienced personal injury attorney knows how to move your case forward without mistakes or delays. They can help collect documents, work with doctors, and communicate with the insurance company to keep your case on track.
Your lawyer will help gather evidence, file papers on time, and handle settlement negotiations. This gives you a better chance to get the fair settlement you deserve without dragging the case on for longer than necessary.
A car accident attorney knows the personal injury law in Illinois and can help you from the first step all the way through the end of your case. They will explain the stages of the legal process, gather evidence, communicate with the insurance company, and work to obtain a settlement that fully covers your property damage, lost income, and medical expenses. If your case does not settle early, they can help you file a lawsuit and even go through post-trial motions if needed.
If your injuries came from a car crash, it falls under personal injury law. But if a doctor or nurse made a mistake while treating you after the crash, that could involve medical malpractice. An experienced attorney will look at every detail to decide which type of case you may have and make sure you follow the right legal steps.
During your initial consultation, the lawyer will ask questions about what happened in the accident, your injuries, and who you think caused it. You should also bring your medical records, police report, and any photos or witness information if you have them. This helps the lawyer start to determine fault and see if you can seek compensation from the other driver or their insurance company.
Some cases settle in just a few months, especially if injuries are minor and both sides agree on who is at fault. However, if there are several factors like serious injuries, multiple drivers involved, or the parties exchanging information but still not agreeing on who the liable party is, then it can take much longer. Your lawyer will do everything in good faith to move the case forward while protecting your rights.
Once your case is settled, you usually receive your settlement check within a few weeks. The time can vary depending on how fast the insurance company processes it and whether there are liens (like unpaid medical bills) that need to be paid out first. Your lawyer will help with all the paperwork to make sure you receive your money as soon as possible.
If you’ve been hurt in a car crash and are wondering how long it will take to get your settlement, we can help. At Conboy Law Injury & Medical Malpractice Lawyers, our law firm has helped many injured clients recover the money they need to move forward. Whether your case takes a few weeks or several months, we’ll be here every step of the way.
We’ll help you gather your medical records, talk to the insurance company, and build the strongest personal injury case possible. We’ll explain the legal process in simple terms and fight for the fair compensation you deserve.
Don’t wait too long or settle for less than you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation with our experienced personal injury team.
Joseph M. Conboy, founder of Conboy Law, represents victims of catastrophic injuries and wrongful death, securing numerous multi-million-dollar results. Recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star (2019–2022), he is a member of the American Association for Justice and Illinois Trial Lawyers Association. Mr. Conboy earned his J.D. from DePaul University and a B.A. in Economics from the University of Colorado.
If you or a loved one has been injured, don’t hesitate to contact our injury attorneys today!
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