At Holzman & Dickriede Attorneys at Law, we know how stressful the aftermath of a car crash can be. Between injuries, medical bills, and missed work, clients are often desperate for resolution. One of the most common questions is, “How long will it take to settle my car accident case?”
The truth is, there’s no universal answer. Every case is different, and several variables determine how quickly—or slowly—a car crash settlement will come together in Maryland.
As your trusted Baltimore car accident lawyer, our goal is to help you understand the whole process and set realistic expectations. Below, we break down the average timeframes, what can delay a settlement, and what you can do to speed things up.
The Average Timeline for a Car Accident Settlement
Most car accident settlements in Maryland take a few months to over a year. Simple claims—where fault is apparent, minor injuries, and insurance companies cooperate—may resolve within 3–6 months. However, more complicated cases involving serious injuries, disputed liability, or insurance delays often stretch 12–18 months or longer.
The key stages that influence how long your claim takes include:
- Medical treatment and recovery period
- Insurance investigations and responses
- Settlement negotiations
- Whether the case must be filed in court
We explain each of these below with tips to avoid unnecessary delays.
Key Factors That Affect How Long a Settlement Takes
1. Severity of Your Injuries
Car wreck claims involving serious injuries typically take longer to resolve. That’s because it’s risky to settle a case before the full extent of your injuries and necessary treatments are known. If you require ongoing care, surgery, or long-term rehab, we’ll want to wait until you’ve reached “maximum medical improvement” (MMI) to calculate full damages.
For example, settling a whiplash claim may take 3–6 months. But if you suffer a spinal injury or traumatic brain injury, your case may take a year or more to resolve.
2. Disputes Over Fault
In Maryland, contributory negligence law makes fault disputes particularly impactful. Under this strict rule, if you are found even 1% at fault for your crash, you can be barred from recovering compensation entirely. That’s why insurance companies in Baltimore are often quick to shift blame or question your actions.
If liability is in dispute, we’ll need to conduct a thorough investigation—collecting surveillance footage, witness statements, police reports, and expert testimony—to prove the other driver’s fault. This extra step can add weeks or months to your claim.
3. The Insurance Company’s Tactics
Unfortunately, not all insurers are quick to cooperate. Some drag their feet, deny valid claims, or make lowball offers to pressure victims into quick, unfair settlements. As an experienced auto accident attorney in Baltimore, we’re well aware of these tactics and know how to fight back.
If an insurance adjuster delays or refuses to settle in good faith, we may need to file a lawsuit to pressure them into negotiating fairly. This will add time but protect your right to full compensation.
4. Length of Medical Treatment
It is best to delay negotiations if you’re still receiving treatment or awaiting a specialist referral. Accepting a settlement before knowing the full cost of your injuries could leave you without enough money for future care.
We often advise clients not to settle until they are fully recovered or have a clear prognosis from their doctors. This ensures that your settlement covers all past, present, and future medical expenses related to the crash.
5. Filing a Lawsuit
While many car accident claims settle without going to court, some require litigation. In Maryland, the civil court process can take 12–24 months, depending on the court’s schedule and the case’s complexity.
Even when we file a lawsuit, most cases still resolve through pre-trial mediation or settlement conferences, often after the discovery phase.
Maryland’s Statute of Limitations
It’s important to note that Maryland imposes a strict deadline for filing car accident lawsuits. Under Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 5-101, you generally have three years to file a personal injury claim from the crash date. You may lose your right to compensation entirely if you miss this deadline.
Don’t wait until the last minute. Early legal action allows us to gather fresh evidence, locate witnesses, and build a strong case.
What Is the Average Settlement Amount in Maryland?
The amount you receive in a car crash settlement depends on the facts of your case. However, average ranges in Maryland often fall into the following categories:
- Minor injuries (soft tissue): $15,000–$25,000
- Moderate injuries (fractures, surgery required): $50,000–$150,000
- Severe injuries (spinal damage, brain injury): $200,000+
Of course, we’ve helped clients recover significantly more in complex cases. A top-rated accident lawyer in Baltimore, MD, can help assess the actual value of your claim based on medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future damages.
Steps in the Car Crash Settlement Process
Here’s a general breakdown of the process we follow as your car wreck law firm in Baltimore:
- Initial Consultation – We review your case, gather basic facts, and explain your rights.
- Investigation – We collect evidence, including photos, police reports, witness statements, and medical records.
- Demand Letter—Once we understand your damages, we send a detailed demand letter to the insurance company outlining your injuries and the compensation you seek.
- Negotiation – Insurers often make a counter-offer. We negotiate aggressively on your behalf to reach a fair settlement.
- Lawsuit (if necessary) – We may file suit if negotiations fail. Discovery, depositions, and pre-trial motions follow.
- Mediation or Trial—Most cases resolve through mediation, but we are fully prepared to take your case to trial if necessary.
How Long Each Stage Takes
- Medical Treatment & Evaluation – 1 to 6 months
- Investigation & Documentation – 1 to 3 months
- Negotiation Process – 1 to 3 months
- Litigation (if needed) – 6 to 24 months
Adding these together, a relatively simple case may settle in 3–6 months, while more complex cases involving legal action can take 18 months or more.
What You Can Do to Speed Up the Process
You can help move your case forward by doing the following:
- Seek immediate and consistent medical care
- Keep records of all appointments and expenses
- Follow your doctor’s treatment plan
- Provide the requested documents to your lawyer promptly
- Avoid discussing your accident or injuries on social media
The sooner we have all the necessary information, the faster we can pursue a full and fair settlement on your behalf.
Why Hiring a Baltimore Car Accident Lawyer Matters
At Holzman & Dickriede, we know how to deal with aggressive insurers and delay tactics. We’ve spent decades representing injury victims across Baltimore and throughout Maryland, and we’re not afraid to take a case to trial when needed.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and no legal fees unless we win your case. This allows you to focus on recovery while we focus on results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accident Settlements in Maryland
How soon should I contact a lawyer after a car accident in Baltimore?
As soon as possible. Early involvement allows us to gather critical evidence, speak with witnesses while memories are fresh, and begin building your case. Waiting too long can weaken your claim, especially if key documentation is lost or missed deadlines.
What happens if the insurance company denies my claim?
If your claim is denied, we can challenge the decision. This may involve submitting additional documentation, appealing the denial, or filing a lawsuit if the insurer refuses to settle in good faith. We’ve successfully reversed denials for many clients by building strong, evidence-backed cases.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Maryland follows a strict contributory negligence rule. You could be barred from recovery if you’re found even 1% at fault. Hiring a skilled Baltimore car accident lawyer who can present strong evidence proving the other party’s fault is especially important.
Will my case go to court?
Most car accident cases settle without a trial. However, filing a lawsuit may be necessary if the insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement. Even then, many cases are resolved during mediation or settlement negotiations before trial.
How much does it cost to hire your firm?
We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront; we only get paid if we recover your compensation. This allows you to access quality legal representation with no financial risk.
How can I get started?
Just give us a call or fill out our online contact form. We’ll schedule a free consultation to discuss your case and next steps.
Patience Can Pay Off
Accepting a quick offer is tempting when you’re overwhelmed with bills and stress. But remember—once you accept a settlement, you can’t return for more if your injuries worsen. Our job is to ensure you aren’t left shortchanged by rushing the process.
We’re here to help you make smart decisions and get the compensation you deserve.
Call Holzman & Dickriede Today
If you were injured in a crash, don’t try to navigate the system alone. Contact our experienced accident lawyer in Baltimore, MD, today for a free consultation. We’ll explain your rights, assess your case, and build a strong strategy immediately.
Let us stand up to the insurance companies so you can focus on healing. Call Holzman & Dickriede Attorneys at Law now to learn how we can help you pursue justice and fair compensation.
