How Long Does a Car Accident Case Take in Arizona?

One of the first questions clients ask is “how long will this take?” The honest answer: most car accident cases in Arizona settle within 6 to 18 months. Some resolve faster. Some take two years or more. Here’s what determines the timeline.

Phase 1: Medical Treatment (1–12 months)

You should not settle your case until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement (MMI) — the point where your doctors say you’ve recovered as much as you’re going to. Settling before MMI means you don’t know the full cost of your injuries, and you can’t go back for more money later.

For a minor soft tissue injury, MMI might come in 8–12 weeks of physical therapy. For a surgery case, it could be 6–12 months. For catastrophic injuries — traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage — it may take a year or more.

Phase 2: Demand and Negotiation (1–3 months)

Once you’re at MMI, your attorney assembles the demand package — all medical records, bills, lost wage documentation, and a demand letter explaining why the case is worth what it’s worth. The insurance company responds (usually with a lowball offer), and negotiation begins.

Phase 3: Litigation If Necessary (6–18 months)

If the insurance company won’t pay fair value, we file a lawsuit. This triggers discovery, depositions, and potentially mediation. Most cases still settle during litigation — but the threat has to be credible. That’s why you need a firm that actually goes to trial.

What Slows a Case Down?

Delayed medical treatment or gaps in treatment give the insurer excuses to stall. Disputed liability — if comparative fault is contested, negotiations take longer. Low insurance limits requiring UIM claims add a second negotiation. Multiple parties or complex liability (truck accidents, construction zone crashes). And uncooperative insurance companies that bank on your impatience.

What Speeds a Case Up?

Clear liability with strong evidence, consistent medical treatment with thorough records, adequate insurance coverage, and an attorney with a reputation for going to trial when necessary.

The Law Badgers keep cases moving. We don’t let files sit on a shelf, and we don’t let insurance companies run out the clock. Call (833) DTF-IGHT for a free consultation.