How Long Does California Take to Settle a Personal Injury Case?

How Long Does California Take to Settle a Personal Injury Case?

If you’ve been hurt in an accident in California, one of the first questions you probably have is: How long will it take to settle my personal injury case?

It’s a fair question. Medical bills pile up. You might be out of work. You want closure and need money to move on with your life.

At Anderson Franco Law, we understand that waiting for a settlement can be stressful and confusing. The truth is, there’s no single answer because every case is different. But knowing what factors affect the timeline can help you understand what to expect and plan ahead.

Here’s what you need to know about how long it might take to settle a personal injury case in California.

Average Timeline for Personal Injury Settlements

While every case is unique, many personal injury cases in California take anywhere from a few months to two years to resolve.

Some straightforward cases with clear liability and minor injuries might settle in a few months. More complex cases—especially those with serious injuries or disputed liability—can take a year or more.

Cases that go all the way to trial often take even longer, sometimes several years.

Why Personal Injury Cases Take Time

Many people think settling a case is as simple as submitting a claim and getting a check. But that’s rarely true. Here’s why it can take time:

1. Medical Treatment Needs to Finish
You shouldn’t settle your case until you know the full extent of your injuries. That means completing treatment or getting a clear prognosis from your doctor.

Settling too soon can mean not getting enough to cover future medical bills.

2. Gathering Evidence
Your lawyer will collect medical records, accident reports, photos, witness statements, and other evidence to prove your case. This process takes time but is essential for building a strong claim.

3. Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often don’t offer fair settlements right away. Your lawyer may need to negotiate back and forth to get the compensation you deserve.

4. Disputes Over Fault
If the other side argues that you were partly or entirely to blame, resolving those disputes can take longer.

5. Severity of Injuries
Serious injuries with lasting effects mean higher damages. Insurance companies fight harder to avoid paying large sums, which can extend negotiations.

6. Filing a Lawsuit
If negotiations fail, your lawyer may file a lawsuit. This doesn’t mean you’ll definitely go to trial, but it does add time. Court procedures, discovery, and scheduling take months or even years.

Steps in a California Personal Injury Case Timeline

While every case is different, most follow these basic steps:

Initial Consultation
You meet with a lawyer to discuss what happened, your injuries, and your goals. At Anderson Franco Law, we offer free consultations to help you understand your options.

Investigation and Treatment
Your lawyer gathers evidence while you focus on healing. This can take weeks or months depending on your injuries.

Demand Letter and Negotiation
Once you’ve reached maximum medical improvement, your lawyer sends a demand letter to the insurance company outlining your damages. Negotiations follow.

Settlement or Lawsuit
If you agree on a fair amount, the case settles. If not, your lawyer may file a lawsuit.

Litigation and Trial (If Needed)
Even after filing suit, many cases settle before trial. But if necessary, your lawyer will be ready to argue your case in court.

When Can You Expect Payment After Settling?

Once you reach a settlement, you might wonder how long it takes to get your money. Typically, in California, you’ll receive payment within 30 to 60 days after signing the settlement agreement.

Your lawyer will receive the check, deduct any agreed fees and costs, pay any liens (like unpaid medical bills), and then give you the remaining balance.

Can Anything Speed Up the Process?

While some delays are unavoidable, there are things you can do to help your case move faster:

• Get medical treatment as soon as possible and follow your doctor’s advice.
• Keep good records of all expenses, appointments, and symptoms.
• Communicate promptly with your lawyer.
• Be patient but proactive about completing treatment so your lawyer can calculate damages accurately.

Your lawyer’s experience matters too. At Anderson Franco Law, we know how to keep cases moving while protecting your right to full compensation.

Why You Shouldn’t Rush to Settle

It’s tempting to accept the first offer just to be done. But settling too early can cost you. Once you accept a settlement, you can’t go back for more—even if your injuries get worse.

A good lawyer will make sure you understand the true value of your case, including future medical needs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

We don’t want you left paying out of pocket for someone else’s mistake.

Statute of Limitations in California

Another important factor is the legal deadline to file a lawsuit. In California, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is two years from the date of the injury.

If you wait too long and miss this deadline, you may lose your right to recover anything. That’s why it’s important to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible.

How Anderson Franco Law Can Help

At Anderson Franco Law, we focus on helping injured people throughout the Bay Area and California. We know that dealing with an injury is hard enough without having to fight the insurance company alone.

When you work with us, we will:

• Handle all communication with insurance companies
• Investigate your accident and gather evidence
• Calculate your damages, including future needs
• Negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement
• Be ready to take your case to court if needed

We also work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win for you.

So, how long does it take to settle a personal injury case in California? The honest answer is—it depends. Most cases take several months to a year or more, depending on the complexity of your injuries, the willingness of the insurance company to settle, and whether you go to court.

While the wait can be hard, it’s worth taking the time to do it right. Settling too soon can leave you without enough to cover future costs.

If you’ve been injured and want to know what your case might look like, contact Anderson Franco Law today for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and help you plan the best path forward to get the compensation you deserve.