How Long Does A Detroit Car Accident Lawsuit Take?

A a lawsuit for you Detroit crash typically takes between one and two years, depending on a variety of factors, the most important being your attorney’s experience level, specialized knowledge, track record, and reputation.

In addition to the lawyer you choose, the two factors that have the greatest impact on the speed of your settlement are the insurance company and insurance adjuster you’re dealing with, and whether they have a reputation for being cooperative during negotiations. Other factors include, but are not limited to, the extent of your injuries, whether you can return to work, the amount of insurance coverage available, the venue, and the judge assigned to your case.

There are also several key milestones that will determine how long a car accident lawsuit will take, including: (1) the filing of your complaint; (2) the discovery process; (3) case evaluation; (4) facilitation; (5) settlement negotiations; and (6) trial. Your case can potentially be settled at any point from inception to trial.

An experienced Detroit car accident attorney who specializes in auto law, has a track record of winning million-dollar settlements and verdicts, and has reputation for taking cases to trial when a full and fair settlement offer is not made is your best bet when it comes to recovering the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering, medical costs, and lost wages. In fact, the insurance industry’s own data reveals that being represented by an attorney with these attributes increases not only the speed of your settlement, but also boosts the value by up to four times!

Lastly, remember that your consultation with a attorney is always free and there is no obligation. So there is no risk in hiring the most qualified attorney you can find.

What are the factors that affect how long a lawsuit will take for my automobile crash in Detroit?

Here is a list of key factors that will affect how long it takes to settle a car accident lawsuit: 

• Your lawyer’s experience level, specialized knowledge, track record, and reputation
• The at-fault driver’s insurer, its insurance adjuster, and its insurance defense lawyer
• The extent of your injuries, your medical needs (present and future), and your prognosis
• Whether you suffered a “serious impairment of body function” that impacts your ability to continue leading your “normal life”
• Whether and when you can return to work
• Whether the at-fault driver is contesting liability
• The at-fault driver’s liability insurance coverage limits
• Whether there are multiple layers of insurance
• Whether your injuries will necessitate “excess” coverage for medical bills and lost wages
• The venue in which your lawsuit is filed
• The judge assigned to your case
• Whether the case is on a “fast” discovery track
• How quickly the case can be scheduled for trial
• The strength of your evidence

Key events that affect how long a lawsuit will take for your Detroit crash case

Here are some important milestones that will impact the speed of your settlement:

• The filing of your lawsuit – This occurs when your attorney files your complaint with the court and serves it on the at-fault driver and his or her insurance company
• Discovery – During this process, both sides exchange information, depose witnesses, and gather evidence to build their case
• Case Evaluation – During case evaluation, a panel of lawyers reviews your case and suggests a potential settlement amount (you are not bound to accept it)
• Facilitation – If your case doesn’t settle during the case evaluation, the judge may encourage a facilitated negotiation as a way to settle the case
• Settlement – Your case can be settled at any point during this process, from inception to during trial
• Trial – If a settlement cannot be reached, the case will go to trial and be decided by a judge or jury

What attributes of a lawyer will affect how long my lawsuit takes?

Your lawyer’s attributes will play a major role in how long it takes to settle your case. The four key attributes that will impact the speed of your settlement are 

• Experience – If your car accident lawyer has handled hundreds of car accident cases, he or she will have the skill and the “know how” handle every step in the process quickly and efficiently
• Specialization – A lawyer who specializes exclusively in car accident cases has specialized knowledge that will help speed your case along
• Track record – A lawyer who has won multiple million-dollar settlements and verdicts is far more imposing to the insurance company and insurance adjuster, increasing the chances of a quick and full settlement
• Reputation – If your lawyer is known for being a fearless litigator who isn’t afraid to take a case to trial when a full and fair offer is not made, the insurance company is more likely to settle quickly and for more money

The insurance industry’s own data indicates that crash victims who hire experienced auto lawyers get settlements up to four times larger than those who do not. Hiring an attorney with experience, specialized knowledge, a track record of winning million-dollar settlements and verdicts, and reputation for being fearless in the courtroom will significantly increase the likelihood of a bigger, faster settlement and they can help you estimate the worth of your settlement using a car accident settlement calculator.

Keep in mind that a reputable car accident lawyer will take your case on a contingency basis, meaning your consultation is free, you will never be asked to pay anything up-front or out-of-pocket, and you won’t pay a dime until you win! So, hire the best attorney you can find to handle your case.