If you were injured in a crash, one of the first questions you probably have is simple.
How long does a car accident settlement take in Texas?
The honest answer is that every case is different. Some Texas car accident claims settle in a few months, while others take a year or longer. The timeline depends on the severity of injuries, medical treatment, insurance negotiations, and whether a lawsuit is necessary.
Understanding the typical Texas car accident settlement timeline can help you set realistic expectations and avoid costly mistakes that delay compensation.
Here is what most Houston accident victims should know.
Average Car Accident Settlement Timeline in Texas
For many straightforward cases, a car accident settlement in Texas takes:
- 3 to 6 months for minor injuries
- 6 to 12 months for moderate injuries
- 12 months or longer for serious or disputed claims
If liability is clear and injuries are minor, your case may resolve quickly. But if fault is contested or you require ongoing medical care, the settlement process takes longer because the full value of the claim must be calculated.
Insurance companies rarely rush to pay. Their goal is to settle for as little as possible, not as fast as possible.
Medical Treatment and Maximum Medical Improvement
The biggest factor that affects how long a Texas car accident claim takes is medical treatment.
Before settling, you need to understand:
- Total medical bills
- Future treatment costs
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
If you settle too early, you cannot go back and ask for more money later.
Most personal injury attorneys wait until you reach maximum medical improvement, which means your condition has stabilized and doctors understand your long term prognosis. This ensures your car accident settlement value reflects the true cost of your injuries.
This stage alone can take weeks or months depending on recovery.
Investigation and Evidence Collection
A strong Houston car accident settlement depends on evidence.
Your attorney will gather:
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Photos and videos
- Witness statements
- Vehicle damage estimates
- Insurance information
If the crash involves multiple vehicles, commercial drivers, or disputed fault, the investigation takes longer.
Complex cases naturally extend the timeline, but stronger evidence often leads to a higher settlement.
Insurance Negotiations and Demand Letter
Once treatment is mostly complete and evidence is gathered, your lawyer sends a demand package to the insurance company outlining:
- Liability
- Injuries
- Damages
- Settlement demand
This begins the car accident settlement negotiation process.
Insurance companies often:
- Delay responses
- Make low initial offers
- Request additional documentation
Back and forth negotiations can take several weeks or months. Quick settlements are often lowball offers that do not fully cover medical bills or lost income.
Patience often results in better compensation.
Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit in Texas
If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, filing a Texas personal injury lawsuit may be necessary.
Filing a lawsuit does not mean you will go to trial. In fact, most car accident cases still settle before court. However, litigation adds leverage and shows the insurer you are serious.
Once a lawsuit is filed, timelines may extend to:
- 12 to 18 months
- Sometimes longer for serious injuries
While this takes more time, it can significantly increase the value of the case.
Factors That Slow Down a Texas Car Accident Settlement
Several issues can delay your settlement:
- Serious or permanent injuries
- Disputed liability or shared fault
- Multiple insurance companies
- Commercial or truck accidents
- Missing medical records
- Insurance bad faith or claim denials
Insurance companies sometimes intentionally delay claims hoping victims will accept less. Having an experienced Houston car accident lawyer helps prevent these tactics.
How to Speed Up Your Car Accident Claim
You can help your case move faster by:
- Seeking medical treatment immediately
- Following doctor recommendations
- Keeping all receipts and records
- Avoiding recorded statements to insurance
- Hiring a Texas car accident attorney early
Early legal guidance keeps the process organized and reduces unnecessary delays.
Talk to a Houston Car Accident Lawyer About Your Timeline
So how long does a car accident settlement take in Texas?
For many cases, several months. For serious injury claims, a year or more. The key is not speed but securing full and fair compensation.
If you were injured in a Houston car accident, speaking with a personal injury lawyer can help you understand your specific timeline and protect your rights.
A quick consultation can clarify what your case is worth and how long your settlement may take. Contact PM Law Firm today for a Free Consultation.