One of the most common questions injury victims ask: "How long until I get my settlement?" The answer depends on your injuries, liability, and negotiation dynamics.
Average Settlement Timelines
- Minor injuries, clear liability: 3-6 months
- Moderate injuries requiring surgery: 6-12 months
- Severe injuries, disputed liability: 12-36 months
- Cases going to trial: 18-48 months
The Settlement Process Timeline
Phase 1: Treatment and Recovery (Varies)
You cannot settle until reaching Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI):
- Soft tissue injuries: 6-12 weeks
- Fractures: 3-6 months
- Surgical cases: 6-18 months
- Spinal cord/TBI: 12-24+ months
Phase 2: Demand Package Preparation (2-4 weeks)
- Gather all medical records
- Compile bills and lost wage documentation
- Draft detailed demand letter
- Send to insurance company
Phase 3: Initial Response (2-6 weeks)
Insurance company reviews demand and makes initial offer (usually lowball).
Phase 4: Negotiation (1-6 months)
Multiple rounds of offers and counteroffers.
Phase 5: Settlement Execution (2-4 weeks)
- Draft settlement agreement
- Sign release
- Insurance issues check
- Check clears and attorney disburses funds
Factors That Speed Up Settlement
- Clear liability: Other driver clearly at fault
- Mild to moderate injuries: Reach MMI quickly
- Good documentation: Complete records, no gaps
- Reasonable demands: Within settlement range
- Experienced attorney: Efficient process management
Factors That Delay Settlement
- Disputed liability: Fault contested
- Severe injuries: Long treatment, unclear prognosis
- Multiple parties: Several defendants/insurers
- Policy limit issues: Insufficient coverage
- Bad faith tactics: Insurer stonewalling
- Missing documentation: Incomplete medical records
Why You Shouldn't Rush Settlement
Unknown Future Medical Needs
Settling before MMI means you can't reopen the case if complications arise.
Undervalued Claims
Insurance companies offer higher settlements to patients who wait for full recovery documentation.
Permanent Impairments
Permanent impairment ratings can't be assigned until recovery plateaus.
When to Accept a Quick Settlement
Quick settlements make sense when:
- Injuries are clearly minor with full recovery
- Offer covers all expenses plus reasonable pain/suffering
- You need money urgently and offer is fair
- Liability is weak (settle while you can)
The Statute of Limitations Factor
You must file a lawsuit before your state's deadline (1-6 years depending on state). As the deadline approaches:
- Insurance companies may increase offers (avoid litigation)
- You lose negotiation leverage (must accept or sue)
How Long After Settlement to Receive Money?
Once settlement is agreed:
- Release signed: Within 1 week
- Insurance issues check: 10-30 days (sometimes 45 for government)
- Check clears: 3-10 business days
- Attorney disburses funds: 1-5 days after clearance
- Total: 2-6 weeks from signed release to money in hand
Calculate Settlement Timeline for Your Case
Use our settlement calculator to estimate your claim value, then add 3-12 months for negotiation after reaching MMI.
SettlementCalcUSA Editorial Team
Our editorial team consists of researchers and writers with backgrounds in legal research, personal injury law, and insurance claims. We compile information from publicly available legal resources, court records, and official state statutes to provide accurate, educational content.
Note: Our content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.