John W. Redmann | June 24, 2025 | Car Accidents
If you have been injured in a car accident in Louisiana, you may need to file a lawsuit for rightful compensation. It is natural to wonder what the average car accident lawsuit timeline is. Every case is unique, but most car accident lawsuits follow a similar timeline from start to finish.
This timeline includes:
1. Initial Investigation and Medical Recovery
The first phase following a car accident involves receiving medical treatment and initiating an investigation. This is a critical time to preserve evidence, document injuries, and begin forming the foundation of your claim, and it may take weeks or months to complete. Be sure to seek prompt medical attention in the days and weeks following a crash.
A car accident lawyer can help you:
- Gather accident reports
- Obtain accident photographs or surveillance footage
- Collect witness statements
- Get copies of medical records
Your recovery period may slow your case if your injuries are severe, but it is necessary to determine long-term damages. This stage may seem simple, but it plays a vital role in determining the strength of your case.
The more thorough your documentation and treatment, the better your chances of full compensation.
2. Submitting a Car Accident Insurance Claim
It is generally recommended to file a claim against the at-fault party or their insurance carrier once your condition has stabilized. This typically begins with submitting a demand letter. Insurance companies in Louisiana typically respond within a month, but more complex or disputed cases can take longer.
Your claim may resolve quickly if your injuries are minor and fault is clear. However, if liability is unclear or damages are substantial, negotiations may extend over several months.
3. Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit
You may need to file a formal lawsuit if negotiations fail. In Louisiana, you only have two years from the date of the accident to file under the state’s statute of limitations. After filing, the defendant has about 21 days to respond from the date of service.
This marks the beginning of the discovery phase, during which both parties exchange information, request documents, take depositions, and may potentially retain expert witnesses. This can be a lengthy process, especially for serious injury cases or those with multiple parties.
It may take months or even years to complete, allowing both sides to build their case.
4. Participating in Mediation, Trial, or Appeal
The court may encourage or require mediation to settle your case without trial. If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to trial, which can add many more months to the timeline. In Louisiana, trial scheduling depends heavily on the court’s calendar.
Even after the trial, the losing party may file an appeal, further delaying the final resolution. However, many cases settle just before trial, often because insurance companies want to avoid the risk and cost of a jury verdict.
Going to trial adds time, but it can be an important tool to obtain the compensation you deserve.
5. Receiving Your Settlement or Award
You can typically expect payment within 30 to 60 days after a negotiated settlement or trial award, unless there is an appeal. This time allows the insurer to process the payment and your lawyer to resolve any outstanding medical liens or legal fees.
If an appeal is filed, however, you may not receive funds until the appellate process concludes, which can take months or even years. Your lawyer can help you understand what to expect and prepare for potential delays.
Factors That May Affect the Timeline
Several variables can impact how long your car accident case takes. While some factors are within your control, others are not. Potential factors include:
- The severity of injuries and how long it takes to reach maximum medical improvement (MMI)
- Disputes over fault or liability
- The number of parties involved
- Delays in evidence gathering or expert testimony
- Whether your case goes to trial or settles early
Working with an experienced Louisiana car accident lawyer can help you avoid unnecessary delays. The legal process can feel slow, but patience is often key to maximizing your settlement.
Contact the Metairie Car Accident Lawyers of The Law Office of John W. Redmann, LLC for Help Today
If you were injured in an accident in Metairie or Gretna, Louisiana, and need legal help, contact our car accident attorneys at The Law Office of John W. Redmann, LLC, to schedule a free case review today.
We serve Jefferson Parish County and Louisiana’s surrounding Areas
The Law Office of John W. Redmann, LLC – Metairie, LA Office
2901 N Causeway Blvd, STE 202
Metairie, LA, 70002
(504) 500-5000
The Law Office of John W. Redmann, LLC – Gretna, LA Office