If you’ve been injured in a crash in Maryland, one of your most pressing questions is likely how long it will take to receive a car accident settlement.
While every case is different, understanding the typical car accident settlement timeline can help you set realistic expectations and plan accordingly.
Most car accident settlements in Maryland take anywhere from a few months to over a year, depending on the complexity of your case, the severity of your injuries, and the willingness of insurance companies to negotiate fairly.
The experienced car accident attorneys at Greenberg Law Offices can advise on a potential timeline based on your circumstances and keep your claim on track.
Contact us today to learn more.
Typical Stages and Timelines for a Maryland Car Accident Settlement
The car accident settlement process in Maryland follows several distinct stages, each with its own timeframe.
Immediately after your accident, you’ll focus on medical treatment and documenting your injuries, which can take weeks to months depending on the severity of your condition.
Once you reach maximum medical improvement, when your condition has stabilized as much as possible, your car accident lawyer can begin calculating the full extent of your damages.
Next comes the demand phase, where your attorney sends a detailed demand letter to the insurance company outlining your injuries, treatment, lost wages, and other damages.
Insurance companies typically take several weeks to review demand letters and respond with an initial offer.
This often marks the start of the negotiation phase, in which your lawyer and the insurer exchange counteroffers. While you would think that straightforward cases with clear liability and modest damages should settle within three to six months, insurance companies are not looking to pay what the case is worth.
In almost every case, insurance companies will offer lower settlement amounts to entice people to quickly settle for “quick money.” As your attorneys, we will explain this entire process to you at every step. Additionally, more complex cases involving serious injuries can take a year or longer.
If negotiations fail to produce a fair settlement, filing a car accident lawsuit becomes necessary.
Maryland law requires personal injury lawsuits to be filed within three years of the accident date, but litigation can significantly extend the timeline. Cases that go to trial can take 18 months to several years to resolve, though most settle before reaching the courtroom.
What Can Speed Up the Process?
Several factors can accelerate your car accident settlement timeline, including:
- Completing all medical treatment promptly and following your doctor’s recommendations
- Maintaining thorough documentation of your injuries, treatment, and how the accident has impacted your daily life
- Clear liability for the crash and strong evidence of fault
- Working with an experienced personal injury attorney from the outset
Your car accident attorney’s reputation and relationship with insurance adjusters can also influence how quickly insurers respond to demands.
What Can Cause Delays in Car Accident Claims?
Several obstacles can extend your car accident settlement timeline significantly, such as:
- Disputed liability or accusations that car accident victims share fault for the car crash
- Severe or complex injuries requiring extensive medical treatment and extending the time before you reach maximum medical improvement
- Insurance companies requesting excessive documentation, conducting prolonged investigations, or making unreasonably low offers that force additional rounds of negotiation
Car accident cases involving multiple parties, uninsured or underinsured motorists, or commercial vehicles typically take longer due to their added complications.
How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help Streamline Your Settlement
Hiring an experienced car accident lawyer is one of the most effective ways to approach the settlement process efficiently.
A skilled attorney handles all communication with insurance companies, preventing you from making statements that could harm your motor vehicle accident case. Your personal injury lawyer gathers and organizes medical bills, police reports, witness statements, and other evidence needed to build a compelling personal injury claim.
Car accident lawyers understand the tactics insurance companies use to delay or undervalue car wreck claims and know how to counter them effectively.
If you’ve been injured in a Maryland car accident, contact Greenberg Law Offices today for experienced legal representation. Our auto accident lawyers work diligently to resolve your case as soon as possible while fighting for fair compensation.
