Wetumpka, AK asked in Personal Injury for Alabama

Q: How long does it take to settle a personal injury case?

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3 Lawyer Answers
Terrence Rubino
Terrence Rubino
Answered

A: if you do not have a a lawyer representing you, you need to contact a reputable one in your area. the local county bar assoc should have a referral list as well as the ala trial lawyers assoc.. every state has a statute of limitations on which to file suit. idk what it is in ala ( in indiana and ill it is 2 years from the accident date ) but you cannot go beyond that date without filing suit. assuming suit is filed, cases can take years to resolve but your lawyer will be the best guide. hope this helps. roll tide!

A: The answer depends to some degree on the type of personal injury case as well as the lawyers and the court involved. I can not speak to the lawyers or court local to you and do not have enough information about the type of case involved. But generally speaking - the more complex and involved the personal injury case is, the more time it can often take to reach resolution. Thus, if the injuries are multiple and of a complex nature and there are numerous witnesses (i.e. people with information concerning the incidents giving rise to the injuries, or the injuries and/or damages themselves), then that type of case will often take longer to resolve. However, if liability (other party's negligence) is clear cut, there are few witnesses, and injuries and damages are also clear cut, a resolution may be more expeditious. However, if your court is backlogged or it's general practices in terms of timeliness of bringing cases to trial may have a significant impact. I would consult with a local attorney for a more solid estimate.

Drew Barnett
Drew Barnett
Answered
  • Birmingham, AL
  • Licensed in Alabama

A: Unfortunately, there is no exact answer to your question. No two cases are alike. Many factors affect the time it takes to settle a personal injury case including the attorneys representing the involved parties, the respective insurance company and its adjuster, and the pace at which medical providers which you sought treatment respond to your attorney's request for medical records. Despite all these variables, there is one key that directly affects the time it takes to settle a personal injury case: the medical status of the injured party. Generally speaking, negotiations can't begin until the injured party reaches "MMI" or "Maximum Medical Improvement." Insurance companies usually find it pointless to propose real settlements until the full extent of damages can be calculated, and that number can't be determined until the injured party is done with all medical treatment.

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