If you sue for damages, you’re not going to receive money right away. A personal injury case can take a while to complete and there are a variety of factors that can affect how long it ultimately takes to resolve. A Prince George’s County personal injury attorney cannot make any guarantees about how long your case will last, but they can tell you a bit more about what to expect.
How Long Do Most Cases Last?
Generally, a personal injury case tends to last somewhere between three months to a year. Some can last longer than that, but this is a good idea of what you should expect when you sue for damages. You have to go through the discovery phase, interview witnesses and experts, and negotiate with the other side. That can all take a significant amount of time.
What Factors Can Affect How Long a Case Can Last?
There are also a few other factors that can help determine how long a case will last. Some elements that are sure to play a role include:
- How much evidence you have
- How severe your injuries are
- Whether you are partly to blame for an accident
- The complexity of the case, like how many parties were involved in the accident
- The willingness of all parties to negotiate
A case where there is video evidence and one party that’s solely to blame for an accident is easier to wrap up than a car accident case where multiple drivers are involved and partly at fault.
Should I Just Take the Insurer’s First Offer?
We do not recommend that. Even if you are concerned about how long it might take to receive compensation, it’s rarely a good idea to take the insurance company’s first offer. The insurer is trying to get out of this for as little money as possible. That first offer is going to be a lowball one.
If you accept a low settlement offer, that’s it. You cannot go back and sue later because you realize that your injuries have been far more costly than expected. So you are better off having your lawyer negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
What is the Statute of Limitations in a Personal Injury Case?
This depends on where your accident happened and where the lawsuit will be filed. Virginia gives accident victims two years to sue for damages. Washington, D.C. and Maryland both give victims three years to sue for damages. Trying to sue once the statute of limitations expires will most likely result in your case being thrown out.
Meet With Our Legal Team
So if you have decided to pursue a personal injury case, don’t fight for compensation by yourself. Contact McCarthy, Winkelman & Mester, L.L.P. to learn more about what an experienced attorney can do for you. Schedule your consultation today.
