When someone rear-ends you, the last thing you want is a long, drawn-out legal process. Many people wonder how long a rear-end collision settlement takes in Arizona. The truth is, there isn’t one clear answer. Every accident is different, and even small details can dramatically change how long a
car accident settlement takes to reach a resolution.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Rear-End Collision?
In most cases, an Arizona car accident settlement takes between 2 and 18 months to resolve. Simple cases may wrap up quickly, but when disputes arise, the process can take longer. In fact, complex claims might stretch to 18–24 months or more if a lawsuit becomes necessary. The best way to think about it is this: the more complicated your case, the longer the settlement will likely take.
What Factors Affect How Long a Car Accident Settlement Takes?
Several factors influence how quickly or slowly a rear-end collision claim moves forward. Understanding the issues that affect the timeline can help you know what to expect.
The Severity of the Injuries
If your injuries are minor and you recover quickly, your case may resolve faster. When injuries take longer to heal, it often extends the timeline for how long a rear-end collision settlement will take, since your
car accident lawyer will want a clear picture of your future medical needs before finalizing the claim.
Arizona law allows you to recover compensation for future medical care, but only if those future needs are documented by medical evidence. Often, your lawyer will wait until you reach maximum medical improvement – the point where your condition has stabilized – so the settlement covers all current and future treatment costs. This ensures that your claim reflects the full cost of your medical care and future needs.
Disputes Over Liability
Rear-end collisions often seem straightforward, but sometimes insurance companies argue that the driver who was rear-ended was partially at fault. Arizona is a pure comparative negligence state, meaning any percentage of fault assigned to you will reduce your compensation by that same percentage.
An insurer might claim you contributed to the crash (for example, by suddenly stopping without reason or having non-functional brake lights) to minimize their payout. These disputes slow down the settlement process because more investigation, evidence and sometimes expert testimony are required to prove fault and assign responsibility.
Negotiations With the Insurance Company
Settlement talks usually begin
after a demand letter is sent to the insurance company outlining damages. Insurance companies are known for dragging their feet and offering low settlements at first. If negotiations move smoothly, your case may settle quickly. But if the insurer refuses to pay what’s fair, your attorney may need to push harder, which can extend the timeline.
Property Damage and Repair Disputes
While property damage is usually easier to resolve than medical claims, disagreements over repair costs or vehicle value can add delays. Drivers who are not at fault can also pursue a diminished value claim, which is compensation for the loss in market value of a vehicle even after quality repairs.
If the insurance company disputes the repair costs or your car’s post-repair value (including any diminished value), it can prolong the settlement negotiations. Settling the property damage aspect of the case is important because it’s tied directly to the overall compensation package.
How Long Does It Take To Get Your Settlement Check After Signing a Release?
