Personal Injury attorney shaking hands with injured client

How long does it take to settle a car accident claim in Minnesota?

admin Avatar

After a car accident in Minnesota, the process of filing a claim and reaching a settlement can feel overwhelming. You may be dealing with physical injuries, emotional stress, and financial challenges all at once. One of the most common questions people ask is: how long will it take to settle my car accident claim? Unfortunately, the answer isn’t always straightforward—it depends on several factors. However, having an idea of the steps involved and understanding what can speed up or slow down the process can help ease your concerns.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the process of filing a car accident claim in Minnesota, how long each step typically takes, and what you can do to ensure things move as smoothly as possible.

The Process of Filing a Car Accident Claim in Minnesota

The first thing to understand is the step-by-step process involved in filing and settling a car accident claim. Whether your accident is minor or severe, the process generally follows the same basic pattern. Working with an experienced Minneapolis personal injury lawyer, like Mark Perron from Perron Law Office, can help guide you through each of these stages.

1. Initial Consultation With a Lawyer

After the accident, your first step should be to reach out to a Minneapolis personal injury lawyer. An initial consultation is essential to determine whether you have a case and to understand your legal rights. This step can usually be scheduled within days after the accident, and it typically lasts an hour or so. After reviewing your case, your lawyer will begin the process of gathering evidence.

2. Gathering Evidence

Evidence is crucial in building a strong car accident claim. Your lawyer will gather documents such as medical records, police reports, witness statements, and any available video footage of the accident. This step may take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on how quickly you can provide the necessary information and how complex your case is. Medical evaluations, for example, may take time if you’re still recovering from injuries.

3. Negotiation With the Insurance Company

Once your lawyer has collected all the necessary evidence, the negotiation process with the insurance company begins. Insurance companies typically want to settle quickly, but they also aim to minimize the payout. Your Minneapolis personal injury lawyer will work to ensure you receive a fair settlement that covers medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

This negotiation phase can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the willingness of the insurance company to offer a reasonable settlement. If both sides agree on a figure quickly, the process can be relatively short. However, if negotiations stall, the timeline may extend.

4. Filing a Lawsuit (If Necessary)

If negotiations with the insurance company fail to result in a fair settlement, your lawyer may advise filing a lawsuit. Filing a lawsuit is a longer process, and it involves several steps, including discovery (where both sides gather more evidence), depositions, and pretrial motions. This can add several months to a year or more to your case. However, many cases settle before going to trial, as the threat of legal action can prompt the insurance company to offer a more reasonable settlement.

5. Settlement or Trial

If your case doesn’t settle before trial, a judge or jury will decide the outcome of your claim. Trials can take days to weeks, depending on the complexity of the case. The final settlement or court award will be determined based on the evidence presented. Most car accident claims, however, do settle before reaching this stage.

How Long Does the Entire Process Take?

So, how long does it take to settle a car accident claim in Minnesota? On average, car accident claims settle within three to nine months if the case doesn’t go to trial. However, if a lawsuit is filed and the case goes to trial, the process can take one to two years or more.

The timeline for your specific case will depend on several factors, such as:

  • Severity of Injuries: The more severe your injuries, the longer it may take to settle. For example, if your injuries require ongoing medical treatment or you need time to determine the long-term effects of the accident, your lawyer may advise waiting until you’re fully recovered before settling.
  • Complexity of the Case: More complicated cases, such as those involving multiple parties or disputes over liability, can take longer to resolve.
  • Cooperation From the Other Party: If the insurance company is unwilling to negotiate, it can significantly extend the timeline.
  • Medical Treatment Duration: Your recovery process can play a big role in how long the case takes. Settling too early could mean not fully accounting for future medical expenses, which is why lawyers often recommend waiting until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI).

What You Can Do to Speed Up the Process

While some factors are out of your control, there are a few things you can do to help speed up the settlement process:

1. Provide Documentation Quickly

Be prompt in providing your lawyer with all the necessary documentation, such as medical records, proof of lost wages, and accident reports. The faster your lawyer can build your case, the sooner negotiations can begin.

2. Follow Medical Advice

Make sure you follow your doctor’s recommendations and attend all medical appointments. Skipping treatment can not only delay your recovery but also weaken your claim, as the insurance company may argue that your injuries weren’t severe or that you didn’t follow through with treatment.

3. Be Prepared for Negotiations

Be prepared for negotiations and listen to your lawyer’s advice. While it’s natural to want the highest possible settlement, sometimes it’s better to settle for a fair amount than to prolong the process unnecessarily.

Why a Good Lawyer Can Make a Difference

A skilled Minneapolis personal injury lawyer like Mark Perron can make a big difference in how quickly your case settles and the compensation you receive. Experienced lawyers know how to negotiate effectively with insurance companies and won’t let you accept an offer that’s less than you deserve. They’ll also be able to anticipate potential delays in the process and help you navigate any challenges that arise.

Your lawyer will be your advocate throughout the entire process, making sure your rights are protected and that you get the compensation you need to recover from your accident.

Conclusion

While the timeline for settling a car accident claim can vary, understanding the process and knowing what to expect can help ease the stress of uncertainty. Most cases settle within several months, but some may take longer, especially if negotiations fail and a lawsuit is necessary. By working with a knowledgeable Minneapolis personal injury lawyer, you can ensure your case moves as efficiently as possible and that you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to.

If you’ve been in a car accident and are ready to begin the process of filing a claim, contact Mark Perron at Perron Law Office to schedule a consultation. He and his team will work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve in a timely manner.

If you’re looking for a Personal Injury Lawyer in Minneapolis, Perron Law Office is the most trusted name in the Twin Cities area. Simply reach out on 651-269-6208 to schedule your free consultation.

Scroll to Top
Call now!