At The Johnson Injury Firm, we have handled countless car accident cases for injured victims throughout Richmond and across Virginia. One of the first questions our clients ask is, “How long will this take?”
It’s a fair question—after all, your finances, recovery, and peace of mind often hinge on the outcome of a personal injury claim. Based on our experience as a trusted car accident lawyer in Richmond, we know that no two cases follow the same timeline.
However, we can help you understand the key phases, what influences the duration of your case, and what you can expect when working with a skilled Richmond auto accident attorney.
If you were injured in a crash caused by someone else’s negligence, you deserve to know the road ahead. As an experienced accident lawyer in Virginia, we’re here to guide you through every stage—from gathering evidence to settlement negotiations or, if necessary, trial. Below, we break down the whole process and provide an honest assessment of how long your car accident case may take.
Why Car Accident Timelines Vary So Much
The time it takes to resolve a car accident claim depends on several factors. While some cases settle in a matter of months, others can stretch into years. This is not necessarily a reflection of the quality of your claim, but rather the complexity of the accident, the severity of injuries, insurance delays, or the willingness of the other side to cooperate.
Some of the most common variables include:
- The extent of your injuries and the time needed for recovery
- Disputes over who was at fault
- The number of vehicles or parties involved
- The strength and clarity of the evidence
- The behavior of the insurance company
- Whether a lawsuit is filed or the case settles pre-trial
As a car wreck lawyer in Richmond, VA, we’ve seen quick resolutions in cases involving minor injuries and straightforward liability. But we’ve also successfully litigated more complex cases that required months of discovery, depositions, and expert witness testimony. Every client deserves a thorough and personalized approach, not a one-size-fits-all answer.
What Happens First: Medical Treatment and Investigation
Immediately after a crash, your primary focus should be on receiving medical care. But from a legal perspective, this is also where your case begins. You should not rush to settle your case before you understand the full extent of your injuries.
Some symptoms may take time to develop or worsen, and accepting a fast payout could mean forfeiting your rights to future compensation.
During this time, we’ll begin our own investigation. We gather:
- Police reports
- Eyewitness statements
- Medical records
- Vehicle damage reports
- Surveillance or traffic camera footage
- Expert opinions, if necessary
This early evidence helps us establish liability and build a solid foundation for your claim. The sooner we begin this process, the more efficiently your case will move forward.
How Long Does It Take to Reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)?
Your recovery plays a critical role in determining the timeline. We typically advise our clients to wait until they reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) before settling a claim. MMI means your condition has stabilized, and future treatment needs (and costs) are more predictable.
Depending on the injury, reaching MMI could take weeks, months, or even longer. For example:
- Minor soft tissue injuries may heal within 6–8 weeks
- Fractures often take 3–6 months
- Brain injuries or spinal damage may take a year or more to fully assess
As your Richmond auto accident attorney, we work closely with your medical providers to monitor your recovery and ensure that any settlement reflects the actual long-term cost of your injuries. Rushing to settle before reaching MMI risks underestimating future surgeries, therapy, or lost income.
Filing the Insurance Claim and Demand Letter
Once you’ve reached MMI or a point where damages can be reasonably calculated, we move forward with the next step: filing a demand letter. This formal document outlines the facts of the accident, the nature of your injuries, the costs you’ve incurred, and a specific settlement amount.
The insurance company typically has 30 days to respond, though this can vary. In some cases, they may accept the demand or enter into serious negotiations right away. In others, they may deny liability, undervalue the damages, or delay without cause.
We anticipate these tactics and push back aggressively. As an experienced car accident lawyer in Richmond, we know the strategies insurers use to avoid paying what’s fair, and we’re not afraid to take your case further when needed.
Negotiating a Settlement
Settlement negotiations may begin soon after the demand letter is sent or may take longer, depending on the insurance company’s position. This phase can last several weeks to several months. Some of the delays we commonly encounter include:
- Requests for additional documentation
- Internal insurer reviews
- Multiple parties needing to approve a settlement
- Disputes over fault or comparative negligence
- Attempts to blame pre-existing conditions
Our role is to keep negotiations focused, transparent, and moving forward. We communicate regularly with you so you’re never left wondering where your case stands. Our goal is to reach a full and fair settlement without delay—but never at the expense of your future well-being.
When a Settlement Is Not Reached: Filing a Lawsuit
If the insurance company refuses to negotiate in good faith, the next step is to file a personal injury lawsuit. This doesn’t mean your case will go to trial, but it allows us to utilize the court system to compel evidence, take depositions, and maintain pressure on the opposing side.
In Virginia, the statute of limitations for car accident injury cases is generally two years from the date of the crash. Filing within this window preserves your legal rights. After the lawsuit is filed, the timeline may include:
- Discovery phase: Both sides exchange evidence, take depositions, and request documents. This can take several months.
- Motions and hearings: Legal arguments regarding evidence or procedures are presented to and heard by the judge.
- Mediation or settlement conferences: The court may order both parties to attend mediation to reach a mutually agreed-upon resolution.
- Trial: If no settlement is reached, the case proceeds to trial, which may be scheduled months out depending on the court’s calendar.
Although the litigation process can extend the timeline, it is often what gets the insurance company to take your case seriously. Many cases settle after a lawsuit is filed but before trial.
Factors That Can Delay a Car Accident Case
While our goal is to move your case forward efficiently, some delays are beyond our control. Here are some common reasons why a car accident case may take longer than expected:
- Severe or ongoing medical treatment: Your recovery is still in progress, and the long-term effects are not yet known.
- Disputed liability: The other driver denies fault or blames you, requiring additional investigation or accident reconstruction.
- Multiple parties: Cases involving commercial vehicles, rideshare companies, or multi-car pileups often involve several insurers or legal teams.
- Unresponsive insurance adjusters: Some companies delay intentionally, hoping you’ll give up or accept a low offer.
- Court backlogs: Virginia courts may have limited availability for hearings and trials due to a high volume of cases.
While these factors may be frustrating, we maintain consistent communication and push to resolve bottlenecks. As your car wreck lawyer in Richmond, VA, we stay proactive—filing motions, demanding accountability, and never letting your case gather dust.
What You Can Do to Keep Your Case Moving
While we handle the legal work, there are a few things you can do to help your case progress smoothly:
- Follow all medical treatment plans and attend appointments
- Keep detailed records of your symptoms, pain, and any missed work
- Respond promptly to requests for information
- Share updates about your condition with us regularly
- Avoid posting about the accident or your injuries on social media
The more organized and responsive you are, the easier it is for us to build and present a compelling case on your behalf.
When Will You Receive Compensation?
Once a settlement is reached or a judgment is awarded at trial, it typically takes a few weeks for the funds to be processed. After any medical liens, attorney fees, and legal costs are deducted, the remainder is disbursed to you.
The good news is that when your case concludes, you’ll receive compensation that reflects not only your current expenses but also your future needs and the pain you’ve endured. We work to maximize your recovery and ensure that no damages are left unaddressed.
Typical Car Accident Timeline Overview
| Phase | Estimated Timeframe |
| Initial treatment & recovery | 1–12 months |
| Investigation & demand | 1–2 months post-MMI |
| Negotiation phase | 1–6 months |
| Filing lawsuit (if needed) | Within 2 years of accident |
| Litigation & trial | 6–18 months or longer |
| Settlement disbursement | 2–4 weeks after resolution |
Please note that these are average timeframes, and your case may progress faster or slower depending on your specific circumstances.
How We Help Streamline the Process
At The Johnson Injury Firm, we take pride in our ability to handle every part of the legal process while you focus on healing. We know the tricks insurance companies use to stall or lowball claims, and we cut through the noise with evidence, preparation, and persistence. As a Richmond auto accident attorney, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial—even though most settle—because we know it’s the best way to secure a strong result.
We also believe that transparency is essential. You’ll never be left wondering what’s happening or how long something will take. Our clients trust us not only because of our legal expertise, but also because we remain accessible, explain everything clearly, and genuinely care about the outcome.
Let’s Talk About Your Case Timeline
If you’re wondering how long your car accident case may take, the best way to get answers is to speak with us directly. Every case has its own story, and we’re here to listen, explain your options, and put a plan into action.
Reach out to The Johnson Injury Firm today for a free consultation. Whether your case resolves in weeks or months, our goal is always the same: to fight for full and fair compensation and to make sure you’re never navigating the process alone.
