Chris Hammons | August 6, 2025 | Car Accidents
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Oklahoma, one of the most common questions you may have is, “How long will it take to settle my car accident claim?” The process can vary depending on many factors.
These factors include the severity of your injuries, the complexity of the case, and the willingness of the parties involved to settle. In this article, we’ll break down the general timeline of a car accident claim, explain the factors that can influence the timeline, and identify how a personal injury lawyer can help expedite the process and secure a fair settlement.
General Timeline of a Car Accident Settlement in Oklahoma
While no two car accidents are exactly alike, the general timeline for a settlement typically involves several key stages.
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
Medical Treatment and Recovery
The first stage of the car accident claim process involves receiving medical treatment and beginning your recovery. The length of this stage depends on the severity of your injuries. For minor injuries, you may be able to complete your treatment within a few weeks. For more serious injuries, you may require months or even longer to fully recover.
You cannot proceed with your claim until you have a clear understanding of the full extent of your injuries and their long-term impact on your life. The longer your medical treatment takes, the longer it may take to resolve your claim. You should understand your full medical costs and the potential future medical care you require before you agree to a settlement.
Investigation and Gathering Evidence
Once you’ve begun treatment, your attorney will begin investigating the details of the accident.
This stage involves gathering evidence, such as:
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Witness statements
- Photos of the accident scene and vehicle damage
- Expert testimony, if necessary
The purpose of the investigation is to establish who was at fault for the accident and to determine the extent of your damages. This process can take several weeks or months. You may be delayed if there is a dispute over liability or if additional evidence is required to build your case.
Negotiation with Insurance Companies
After the evidence is gathered, your attorney will begin negotiating with the insurance company. Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly and for the lowest possible amount. This is why it is so important to have a skilled attorney to ensure that you receive a fair offer.
During this phase, your attorney will present the evidence they have collected. This includes your medical records, property damage estimates, and any other relevant information. If the insurance company makes an offer, your lawyer will review it and determine if it adequately compensates you for your damages. If the offer is too low, they will negotiate further.
Negotiation can take several months. This is especially true if the insurance company resists providing fair compensation. If you are unable to reach a satisfactory settlement, the case may move to litigation.
Litigation
If settlement negotiations don’t result in an acceptable offer, your lawyer may decide to file a lawsuit and take the case to court. This stage is typically longer, as the court must schedule hearings, depositions, and other legal procedures.
The litigation process can take anywhere from six months to two years, depending on the complexity of the case, court availability, and how long it takes to prepare for trial.
Factors That Can Delay a Settlement
While the above timeline provides a general outline of the settlement process, there are several factors that can delay your case, including:
- Disputed liability
- Severe Injuries
- Insurance company delays
- Complex litigation issues
An experienced attorney will play a crucial role in ensuring your car accident claim is handled efficiently. Your attorney will thoroughly investigate the accident, handle negotiations, calculate the true value of your claim, and take your case to court if the insurance company isn’t negotiating fairly.
Contact Our Personal Injury Lawyers at Laird Hammons Laird Trial Lawyers for a Free Consultation
For more information, please contact an experienced lawyer at Laird Hammons Laird Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. Our law office is located in Oklahoma City.
We proudly serve Oklahoma County, OK and its surrounding areas:
Laird Hammons Laird Personal Injury Lawyers – OKC
1332 SW 89th St,
Oklahoma City, OK 73159
(405) 703-4567