How Long Will My Car Accident Case Take To Settle in Houston, TX?

Have you been injured in a car accident in Houston, Texas? Zehl & Associates can help when you call (888) 603-3636. We offer a free consultation with a Houston car accident lawyer who can explain your rights and help you understand what to expect from the claims process.

Settlement timelines vary depending on the severity of your injuries and how much pushback you get from the insurance company. At Zehl & Associates, we know how to keep your case moving without sacrificing its value. 

Let us guide you through the process and fight for the recovery you deserve.

Table of Contents

• Why Choose Zehl & Associates To Handle Your Car Accident Case?
• Typical Timelines for Car Accident Settlements in Houston
• You May Need To Reach Maximum Medical Improvement Before You Can Settle
• The Stages of a Houston Car Accident Case
• Contact a Houston Car Accident Lawyer Today

Why Choose Zehl & Associates To Handle Your Car Accident Case?

At Zehl & Associates, we’re known for standing up to insurance companies and delivering results that matter. When the stakes are high, clients turn to us for our trial experience, record-setting outcomes, and unwavering commitment to justice. 

Here’s why clients in Houston, TX, rely on us:

• Billions Won: We have recovered billions of dollars for clients by pursuing the maximum compensation possible — not low or rushed settlements that leave money on the table.
• 100% Success Rate: Our lawyers have never lost a case at trial. This track record gives us unmatched leverage in negotiations and in the courtroom.
• Maximum Compensation, No Exceptions: We will always refuse any settlement offer that doesn’t fully compensate our clients for all their injuries and losses. If the defendant won’t pay what you truly deserve, we’ll take them to court — and win.
• No Upfront Costs: We work on a contingency fee basis, so clients owe nothing unless we win compensation on their behalf.
• We Don’t Just Win — We Set Records: Our team has secured some of the largest verdicts and settlements in Texas history for car and truck accident victims.

Our focus is always on securing the maximum compensation possible, but our proven track record and reputation for taking cases to trial often lead to faster, more favorable outcomes. Insurance companies know that when they’re up against Zehl & Associates, delays and lowball tactics won’t work — which means our clients can often move forward sooner with the financial security they deserve.

If you need help, call today to schedule your free consultation with a Houston personal injury attorney.

Typical Timelines for Car Accident Settlements in Houston

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Houston, the timeline for settling your claim can vary significantly depending on the circumstances. Here’s a general breakdown of how long different types of cases typically take:

• Minor accidents: These cases often involve only property damage with no serious injuries. If the fault is clear and the insurance company is cooperative, a settlement may be reached within 4–6 weeks.
• Accidents with serious injuries or disputed liability: When medical treatment is ongoing or there’s disagreement about who caused the crash, settlements usually take much longer—often 12 to 18 months or more.
• High-stakes cases involving catastrophic injuries or wrongful death: These complex claims can take years to resolve, particularly if expert witnesses, accident reconstruction, or litigation are required.

It’s understandable to want closure quickly after a crash—but rushing to accept a low settlement can leave you responsible for unpaid medical bills and ongoing financial hardship.

You May Need To Reach Maximum Medical Improvement Before You Can Settle

One of the most important milestones in any injury case is reaching Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). This means your condition has stabilized enough that doctors can predict your future medical needs. Settling before you reach MMI can be risky. 

If complications arise after you’ve signed off on a settlement, you’ll be left covering those costs yourself. For this reason, many serious injury cases take longer because it’s critical to understand the full scope of your damages before finalizing any agreement.

The Stages of a Houston Car Accident Case

Most car accident cases in Houston follow a general process. Each stage impacts how long your case may take. Stages may include:

• Medical treatment and recovery: Your priority should always be your health. Settlement negotiations usually don’t begin until you’ve reached MMI.
• Investigation: Your attorney will collect police reports, interview witnesses, analyze crash data, and secure medical records. In complex cases, your attorney may work with accident reconstruction experts and other specialists. This stage can take weeks or months, depending on how much evidence needs to be reviewed.
• Demand letter: Once your damages are fully documented, your lawyer will send a demand package to the at-fault driver’s insurer. This demand will include medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses.
• Negotiations: Insurance companies rarely pay the full amount right away. Negotiations often involve back-and-forth counteroffers, which can stretch over weeks or months.
• Filing a lawsuit (if needed): If negotiations stall, filing a lawsuit may be the only way to push the insurer to take your claim seriously. Even after a lawsuit is filed, most cases still settle before trial. However, the litigation process (i.e., discovery, depositions, motions) adds time to your case.
• Settlement and payment: Once a settlement is reached, insurers usually issue payment within a few weeks. Your attorney will handle paying medical liens and case expenses before distributing the remainder to you.

Each of these stages plays a role in determining how long your case will take. To better understand your specific situation and protect your rights, consider scheduling a free consultation with a Houston personal injury attorney.

Contact a Houston Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you were injured in a car accident in Houston, Texas, don’t let the insurance company pressure you into settling for less than you deserve. At Zehl & Associates, we have the experience, resources, and results to hold negligent drivers and their insurers accountable. 

Call us today for a free consultation with an Undefeated Houston car accident lawyer. Let us fight for you while you focus on healing.