How Long Do Personal Injury Cases Take to Settle in New Jersey?

When you get hurt in an accident, time slows down. You’re unable to work, struggling to pay your bills and medical expenses, and in pain. 

It’s understandable that you would want time to speed up. You’re ready to get the compensation you’re owed so you can pay your debts and move on with your life. 

That desire is what leads so many injured New Jersey residents to wonder: How long do personal injury cases take to settle in New Jersey?

Generally, you can expect the average personal injury case to settle within a few months to a year or a little more. But the answer isn’t usually straightforward because it depends on numerous Conditions and factors. 

Here’s a detailed look at what you can expect and why having an experienced attorney on your side can make all the difference.

(And if you’d like to have an experienced attorney on your side during this process, reach out to Rosengard Law Group to schedule a free consultation.)

Understanding the Timeline

Realistically, New Jersey personal injury cases can take anywhere from a few months to several years to settle. The timeline depends on various factors, including the complexity of the case, the severity of the injuries, and the willingness of the parties to negotiate.

Here are some of the phases most personal injury cases go through, as well as how long each can take:

Initial Steps: Filing the Claim

The process begins with filing a personal injury claim. This involves gathering evidence, such as medical records, police reports, and witness statements. 

Once you have filed the claim, the insurance company will conduct its own investigation. This initial phase can take several weeks to months.

Medical Treatment and Recovery

A significant factor in the length of your case is the time it takes for you to recover from your injuries. This is the point at which your condition has stabilized, and no further significant improvement or medical intervention is expected. 

Settling your case before you have fully recovered can mean you don’t ask for enough compensation for your long-term needs. 

That’s why you sometimes have to anticipate future medical costs and account for them during settlement negotiations. An attorney is often extremely helpful in making (and maximizing) these calculations.

Full recovery from severe injuries can take months or years, but your case doesn’t necessarily have to wait until that point.

Negotiation and Settlement

Your attorney will begin negotiations with the insurance company. This phase can be pretty lengthy because it involves back-and-forth discussions to reach a fair settlement. 

If both parties are reasonable and willing to compromise, this process can be completed in a few months. But if the insurance company disputes the claim or offers a low settlement, negotiations can drag on for longer.

Filing a Lawsuit

If negotiations fail, your attorney may advise filing a lawsuit. This doesn’t mean your case will go to trial; many cases settle out of court. 

However, filing a lawsuit initiates the litigation process, which includes discovery (exchanging evidence), depositions (witness testimonies), and pre-trial motions. This phase can add several months to a year or more to the timeline.

Trial

If your case goes to trial, the timeline extends even further. Preparing for trial involves gathering expert witnesses, preparing legal arguments, and scheduling court dates. 

Trials can last from a few days to several weeks, and it might take additional months for the judge or jury to render a decision.

Appeals

Even after a trial verdict, the losing party may file an appeal, further extending the timeline. 

Appeals can take several months to a year or more, depending on the court’s schedule and the complexity of the issues being appealed.

Factors Influencing the Timeline

Several factors can influence how long your personal injury case takes to settle in New Jersey:

• The complexity of the case. More complex cases with multiple parties or disputed liability can take longer to resolve.
• Severity of injuries. Cases involving severe or permanent injuries typically take longer because they require extensive medical documentation and higher compensation.
• Insurance company tactics. Some insurance companies delay proceedings to pressure plaintiffs like you into accepting lower settlements.
• Legal representation. An experienced attorney can speed up the process by efficiently handling paperwork, negotiations, and litigation.

Want to Speed Up the Process? Call an Attorney

Navigating a personal injury case can be daunting and time-consuming, but you don’t have time to waste when you’re trying to recover compensation and get your life back on track. 

The experienced attorneys at Rosengard Law Group are here to help. We’ll guide you through each step of the process, fight for your rights, and work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve — all while doing everything we can to speed up the process. Curious about how long your case might take? Contact Rosengard Law Group today to schedule your free consultation. Call us at 856-284-6446 or reach out online right now.