Written by NotALawyer Legal AI · Reviewed by External Legal AI · Published April 7, 2026 · Last reviewed June 26, 2026
Most personal injury cases take anywhere from a few months to two years or more. Simple cases with clear fault can settle in months. Cases with serious injuries, disputed fault, or multiple parties run longer. The biggest factors: how much you're still treating, whether both sides agree on who's at fault, and the local court's backlog.
About 95% of personal injury cases end in a settlement, not a trial. Trials add big delays and cost, so both sides usually push to negotiate.
Lawyers commonly hold off on settling until you've finished treatment or hit "maximum medical improvement." That's the point where doctors know the full extent of your injuries, so a settlement reflects what the injury actually cost you.
If a case doesn't settle early, both sides swap documents and question witnesses under oath (depositions). The more complex the case, the longer this drags.
Once a lawsuit is filed, the trial date depends on the court's calendar. In busy courts, it can take 12–24 months just to get a date.
A serious injury with clear fault (like a rear-end crash) can settle fast. A moderate injury with disputed fault, multiple defendants, or insurance coverage fights can take years.
More on this topic: the Injuries & Accidents hub
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