Jason Stephens | May 22, 2025 | Car Accidents
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Texas, you may be wondering how long it will take to settle or win a car accident lawsuit. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all timeline. The length of time depends on several factors, including the complexity of your case, the severity of your injuries, and your willingness to negotiate a potential trial.
An experienced Fort Worth auto accident lawyer can also help you make informed choices and maximize your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve. Resolving a car accident claim in Texas can take several months to several years. Here are some factors that may affect the timeline:
Factors Impacting How Long to Settle or Win A Car Accident Lawsuit in Texas
Most car accident cases in Texas follow a general timeline that includes the following phases:
1. Length of Medical Treatment and Recovery
One of the most significant factors affecting case duration is how long it takes for you to reach maximum medical improvement (MMI). This is the point at which your condition has stabilized, and doctors can determine your long-term prognosis.
A Fort Worth car accident lawyer will typically wait until you reach MMI before pursuing a full settlement or verdict to ensure your damages are calculated accurately. Depending on your injuries, recovery may take weeks, months, or more than a year.
2. Scope of Investigation and Claim Preparation
Once your medical condition stabilizes, your lawyer will compile evidence to support your claim.
This includes:
- Medical records and billing statements
- Police or crash reports
- Eyewitness testimony
- Photos of vehicle damage and the crash scene
- Expert reports or accident reconstructions
Obtaining medical records and third-party reports can take time, especially if providers are slow to respond. Expert witnesses may also be necessary in complex cases, extending the timeline before negotiations can begin. Your attorney will prepare a demand letter outlining your injuries, treatment, and the amount of compensation being sought after reviewing the evidence.
3. Complexity of Settlement Negotiations
Negotiations with the at-fault driver’s insurance company typically begin once a demand letter is submitted. Insurers may respond quickly, but they often submit low initial offers, request more documentation, or outright deny liability.
Insurance companies frequently use delay tactics to pressure injured parties into accepting less. If the claim involves serious injuries or high damages, they may scrutinize every aspect of your case to avoid paying full compensation. Negotiations may go through several rounds before a fair offer is made, which may take months or years.
4. Trial-Prep Process
Your lawyer may need to file a lawsuit to pursue compensation in court if settlement efforts are unsuccessful. The statute of limitations in Texas for car accident claims is two years from your crash.
Filing a lawsuit starts the litigation process, which includes:
- Discovery (exchange of evidence)
- Depositions (sworn witness testimony)
- Pre-trial motions
- Mediation or arbitration attempts
Litigation is procedurally complex and often slow-moving. Gathering evidence through discovery and scheduling depositions takes time. Additionally, if mediation fails, your case may proceed toward trial, which could take months or years.
5. Trial and Verdict
There are many reasons your case may go to trial. If your case proceeds to trial, it will be heard before a judge or jury. Trials are resource-intensive, and both sides must coordinate court dates, prepare arguments, and comply with procedural requirements.
A trial may last several days or longer, depending on the complexity of the issues involved. Even after a verdict, the legal process may not be over if appeals are filed.
Factors That Affect the Timeline
Several variables influence how long your case will take to resolve:
- Severity of injuries: More severe injuries typically involve longer treatment periods and larger settlement amounts, which can prolong negotiations.
- Disputed liability: Your case may take longer to resolve if there is disagreement over who caused the accident.
- Insurance company actions: Some insurers cooperate early in the process, while others stall or act in bad faith.
- Legal complexity: Cases involving multiple vehicles, commercial trucks, or uninsured drivers can complicate liability and extend timelines.
- Court backlogs: Some courts in Texas are overwhelmed with cases, causing significant delays in getting a trial date.
These variables can influence how quickly or slowly a case progresses. Simple claims with clear liability and minor injuries may be settled in months, while more complex claims with serious injuries or litigation could take years.
Injured in a Car Accident? Contact a Fort Worth Car Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation
There is no exact answer to how long it will take to settle or win a car accident lawsuit in Texas, but understanding the process and the factors involved can help you better navigate your case. If you have been injured in a car crash, schedule a free consultation today.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in Fort Worth, TX
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Fort Worth and need legal help, contact our Fort Worth and Weatherford car accident lawyers at Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents to schedule a free consultation.
Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents
1300 S University Dr # 406
Fort Worth, TX 76107
(817) 420-7000
Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents – Weatherford Office
109 York Ave Suite #201
Weatherford, TX 76086
(817) 409-7000