If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Michigan, you might be thinking, “How long will it take to get my settlement?”
After an accident, medical bills pile up, time off work can hurt your paycheck, and you want to get back to normal. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer.
Settlement timelines can vary depending on several factors. Knowing what affects the timeline can help you plan, reduce stress, and give you a better sense of what to expect along the way.
The Early Stages
One of the biggest reasons settlements can take time is that insurance companies want to see the full picture of your injuries before making an offer. They need to know:
- The seriousness of your injuries
- What treatment is necessary
- Whether you will have ongoing medical needs
During this stage, you need to follow your doctor’s advice, attend all appointments, and keep thorough records of your treatment.
Along with that, take notes of medical bills, prescriptions, and any pain or limitations you experience. You may also want to document how your injuries impact your daily life. That can make a big difference in your case.
Skipping treatment or failing to document everything can slow your settlement or reduce your potential compensation. This step helps build a complete story of your accident and its effects.
Communicating with the Insurance Company
After you report the accident and file a claim, the insurance company will start its investigation. They will review the police report, speak with all parties involved, and review surveillance footage. Adjusters may also ask for recorded statements.
You want to be careful when talking to insurance representatives. Even a casual comment can be used to limit your claim. This investigation can take a few weeks or several months. Once again, that depends on the accident and how quickly everyone responds.
Negotiating a Settlement Offer
Once the insurance company completes its investigation, it may provide a settlement offer. Many times, the first offer is lower than you might expect. You want an experienced attorney to review the offer, compare it to your documented damages, and negotiate for fair compensation.
Negotiation timelines can vary. Some claims are simple and resolve quickly, while others, especially those involving disputes over fault or serious injuries, can take months.
What Influences Settlement Timelines?
There are several factors that affect how long your Michigan car accident settlement might take. These include:
- Severity of injuries
- Liability disputes
- Property damage
- Insurance company practices
For these reasons, you want to have an experienced Michigan personal injury lawyer to help move through the process. Some insurers do try to stall or use tactics to get you to settle early. With legal help, you can avoid all of those pitfalls.
When a Lawsuit Might Be Necessary
Sometimes, a fair settlement is not possible through negotiation. In those cases, filing a lawsuit may be necessary. While this can extend the timeline, it is the only way to ensure full and fair compensation.
A lawsuit can involve:
- Filing a complaint with the court
- Discovery, including depositions and document exchange
- Pre-trial motions
- A possible trial
Even straightforward cases can take 12 to 24 months to resolve in court, and more complicated cases can take even longer. But with the right guidance, pursuing a lawsuit can protect your rights and help you recover what you deserve.
Settlement Times May Vary
How long do car accident settlements take in Michigan? There is no fixed timeline. Some cases resolve in a few months, while others take a year or more, especially when injuries are serious or fault is disputed.
At The Law Office of James Fillmore, we help clients proceed through the Michigan car accident claims process with clarity and personal attention. From the moment you reach out, we focus on protecting your interests and moving your case forward. Schedule a consultation today.
