After a car crash in Colorado, one of the first things injury victims want to know is how long their car accident case will take. Unfortunately, there’s no standard answer. The duration of a car accident settlement depends on many factors, including the complexity of your case and the extent of your injuries.
Typical Timelines for Car Accident Settlements in Colorado
Car accident settlements can be resolved in as little as a few weeks, or they can stretch out over a year or more.
Simple cases involving only property damage or minor injuries may settle within 4 to 8 weeks, assuming liability isn’t contested and medical treatment is brief. Moderate cases with soft tissue injuries or short-term disability might take several months to resolve.
Serious injury claims often take 12 months or longer, particularly if you’re still receiving treatment or facing future medical care. You may need to reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) before entering settlement negotiations. Settling before this point risks underestimating the full cost of your future care.
How Long Does a Car Accident Settlement Take in Colorado?
Key Stages of the Car Accident Settlement Process
Although each case is unique, most car accident claims in Colorado follow a general sequence of events:
1. Medical Treatment and Recovery
Your health is the top priority. It’s critical to follow all medical advice and document your treatment. A personal injury attorney will usually recommend waiting until you reach MMI to begin serious negotiations, so your long-term needs are fully understood.
2. Investigation
Once you’ve hired legal representation, your Centennial car accident attorney will start investigating and building your case. This involves:
- Reviewing police crash reports
- Collecting medical records and bills
- Interviewing witnesses
- Gathering surveillance footage or dashcam video (if available)
- Consulting with experts when needed (e.g., accident reconstruction, vocational, or medical experts)
The investigation phase may take several weeks to months, depending on the complexity of the crash and the availability of evidence.
3. Demand Letter
After investigating and building your claim, your attorney will draft a demand letter and send it to the at-fault party’s insurance company.
This letter details:
- The facts of the accident
- A summary of your injuries and treatment
- A breakdown of damages, including medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering
It will outline a proposed settlement amount based on the losses you’ve incurred.
4. Negotiations
Insurance companies rarely accept the first demand outright. They may respond with a lowball offer or dispute certain damages. Your attorney will negotiate on your behalf and push for fair compensation.
These negotiations can take time, especially if liability is contested. It’s common for negotiations to last several weeks or months.
5. Filing a Lawsuit (if needed)
If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer may advise you to file a personal injury lawsuit. This doesn’t necessarily mean your case will go to trial. Many lawsuits still settle after formal discovery begins, but initiating litigation can put added pressure on the insurer to settle.
Filing a lawsuit will extend the timeline of your case considerably, often by 12 to 18 months or more (especially if the case proceeds to trial).
6. Settlement and Payment
Once a settlement is reached, it usually takes 2 to 4 weeks for the insurance company to issue payment. Before you receive the final check, your lawyer will:
- Deduct agreed-upon attorney’s fees
- Resolve any outstanding medical liens or insurance reimbursements
- Deduct case-related costs (e.g., filing fees, expert witness fees)
After these deductions, the remaining funds will be disbursed to you.
Contact an Experienced Lawyer for Guidance
Every car accident case is different. Some claims settle quickly; others require more time. The best way to get a realistic estimate of your timeline is to speak with a skilled Centennial personal injury lawyer.
Contact Legal Help in Colorado today for a free consultation to learn more about your options and how long your car accident settlement might take.