November 11, 2025 | Car Accidents
Many car accident victims want to know how long their case will take after an accident. The answer depends on many factors, such as the severity of your injuries. Understanding the general stages of a car accident case can help you set realistic expectations for the process.
Keep reading to learn more about each phase to get an idea of how long it might take to resolve your car accident case in Vero Beach.
Phase 1: Medical Treatment, Initial Investigation, and PIP Claims
Florida is a no-fault state, which means your first source of coverage after a crash is your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. This typically pays up to 80% of your medical bills and 60% of your lost wages, up to your coverage limit, regardless of who caused the accident.
In this period, a lawyer may:
- Collect medical records and bills to document all treatment and out-of-pocket expenses
- Determine eligibility for additional claims if your injuries are permanent, disabling, or disfiguring
- Begin preserving police reports, photos, witness statements, and other evidence
A lawyer can also help you prepare a third-party claim if your injuries meet the “serious injury” threshold.
Phase 2: Pursuing Compensation Beyond PIP
You can file a claim against the at-fault driver’s liability coverage if your PIP benefits are exhausted. You can also file this claim if your injuries qualify as serious under Florida law. This claim seeks compensation for losses that PIP does not cover, such as pain and suffering.
A lawyer at this stage may:
- Prepare a detailed demand package with evidence of fault, medical records, and total damages.
- Negotiate with the at-fault driver’s insurer to reach a fair settlement.
- Consult experts, such as accident reconstructionists or doctors
Insurance companies sometimes delay or make low offers, hoping financial stress will push you to settle quickly.
Phase 3: Filing a Lawsuit if Settlement Talks Fail
You may need to file a personal injury lawsuit in civil court if the insurance company refuses to make a reasonable offer.
Several steps occur during litigation:
- Pleadings: All sides file legal documents outlining claims and defenses.
- Discovery: Lawyers exchange evidence, take depositions, and question witnesses under oath.
- Motions and hearings: The court resolves disputes about evidence or legal issues.
- Settlement conferences: The court may require both sides to attempt settlement before trial.
- Trial: If all else fails, your case goes before a jury to determine fault and damages.
Filing suit does not mean you will go straight to trial. However, litigation adds structure and deadlines that can motivate parties to negotiate.
Factors That May Influence How Long Your Car Accident Case Takes
Every case is different, but certain factors commonly affect the timeline in Florida. Recognizing these early can help you manage expectations and reduce frustration.
Factors that can delay your case include:
- Ongoing medical treatment or rehabilitation, which must be complete before valuing long-term damages
- Disputed fault or shared liability, especially under Florida’s modified comparative negligence rule
- Multiple parties or insurance policies are involved
- Court delays, which vary by county, or slow trial scheduling
It is tempting to settle early, especially when bills pile up and insurers pressure you with “take it or leave it” offers. Accepting a quick settlement can prevent you from claiming additional compensation later. Even if your injuries worsen over time, you only have one chance to recover.
Contact Our Vero Beach Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you have been hurt in a Florida car accident, you do not have to navigate the claims process alone. A Vero Beach car accident lawyer can guide you toward potential compensation. Call Graves Thomas Injury Law Group to schedule a free consultation and find out how we can help. We have three convenient locations in Florida, including Vero Beach, St. Petersburg, and Port St. Lucie.
Graves Thomas Injury Law Group – Vero Beach
2651 20th St
Vero Beach, FL 32960
(772) 758-5735
Graves Thomas Injury Law Group – Port St. Lucie
10805 SW Tradition Square Unit 024A
Port St. Lucie, FL 34987
(772) 617-8814
