Claim Progress Reference

Where Does a Personal Injury Claim Stand?

Click your current stage to see where you stand. This timeline reflects typical personal injury claims — your case may differ.

1
Days 1–3
Accident Reported / Claim Opened
The accident is reported to one or more insurance companies and a claim number is assigned. An adjuster is typically appointed to manage the file within a few business days.
Know: Early documentation — photos, witness info, a police report — shapes the entire claim record.
2
Days 3–30
Insurance Investigation
The adjuster reviews the police report, interviews parties, inspects vehicles, and evaluates initial liability. Coverage and fault determinations are typically made during this window.
Know: Claimants are generally not required to provide recorded statements to the opposing insurer.
3
Weeks 2 – Months
Medical Treatment Ongoing
The injured party receives medical care and the claim stays open while treatment continues. Demand packages are typically not sent until the claimant reaches maximum medical improvement (MMI).
Know: Gaps in treatment are frequently used by insurers to argue that injuries were not serious or not caused by the accident.
4
After MMI
Demand Letter Sent
A formal demand package — including medical records, bills, lost wage documentation, and a settlement figure — is submitted to the insurer. Insurers typically have 30–45 days to respond.
Know: The demand amount is a starting position, not a binding figure — negotiation follows in most cases.
5
Weeks to Months
Negotiation / Counter-Offers
The insurer responds with an offer, and the parties exchange counter-proposals. Multiple rounds are common; mediation may be used to bridge gaps without litigation.
Know: The statute of limitations continues to run during negotiations — a looming deadline can affect leverage on both sides.
6
Variable
Settlement Reached or Litigation Filed
Negotiations either conclude with an agreed settlement — typically paid within 30 days of a signed release — or break down and a lawsuit is filed in civil court. The majority of personal injury claims resolve before trial.
Know: Accepting a settlement and signing a release typically extinguishes all future claims arising from the same incident.
7
Months 6–18+ (if litigated)
Discovery
Both sides formally exchange evidence — interrogatories, depositions, document requests, and expert disclosures. Discovery often surfaces information that leads to a settlement before the case reaches trial.
Know: Deposition testimony is given under oath and can be used at trial — preparation with counsel is standard practice.
8
1–3+ Years (if litigated)
Resolution — Settlement, Verdict, or Dismissal
The case concludes through a negotiated settlement, a jury or bench verdict, or a dismissal. Post-trial motions or appeals may follow a verdict in some cases.
Know: Attorney fees in contingency arrangements are typically calculated as a percentage of the gross recovery before expenses.