How long does a settlement take in AZ?
For many Phoenix accident victims, the most frustrating part of the legal process isn't
the paperwork—it's the waiting. When bills are piling up, "How long will this take?" is the
question we hear most.
In Arizona, a typical car accident settlement can take anywhere from 4 months to over
a year. While every case moves at its own pace, the timeline is almost always dictated
by one critical medical milestone: Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI).
What is MMI and Why Does It Control the Clock?
Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) is the point in your recovery where a doctor
determines that your condition has stabilized. It doesn't necessarily mean you are 100%
healed or "pain-free"; it means that further medical treatment is unlikely to result in
significant functional improvement.
Why we wait for MMI:
If we settle your case before you reach MMI, we are essentially guessing what your
future medical costs will be.
The Risk: If you settle today and find out next month that you need a $50,000
spinal surgery, you cannot go back and ask for more money.
The Strategy: We wait for your doctor to declare MMI so we can accurately
calculate the full value of your past, present, and future medical needs.
The Typical Phoenix Settlement Roadmap
Phase 1: Treatment & Recovery (Weeks to Months)
The clock starts the day of the accident. Your primary job is to attend every doctor’s
appointment, from your initial visit at an ER like Banner – University Medical Center to
follow-up physical therapy. This phase lasts until you reach MMI.
Phase 2: The Demand Package (2–4 Weeks)
Once you hit MMI, our team gathers every single medical record, bill, and proof of lost
wages. We draft a formal "Demand Letter" to the insurance company. This letter tells
your story and presents the evidence for the compensation we are seeking.
Phase 3: Negotiation (1–3 Months)
Under Arizona law, insurance companies are expected to acknowledge claims promptly,
but the "back-and-forth" of negotiation takes time.
The adjuster will review our demand.
They will likely make a low initial offer.
We counter-offer based on the strength of your MMI report and pain and
suffering.
Phase 4: Settlement or Litigation (Variable)
If we settle: Once an agreement is reached, it typically takes 30 to 60 days to
resolve medical liens (negotiating down what you owe your doctors) and get a
check in your hand.
If we sue: If the insurance company refuses to be fair and we file a lawsuit in
Maricopa County Superior Court, the timeline can extend by 12 to 24 months
due to court schedules and the "discovery" phase.
Factors That Can Speed Up (or Slow Down) Your Case
1. Clarity of Fault: A rear-end collision on the I-17 is easier to settle than a multi-
car pileup where everyone is blaming each other.
2. The Insurance Company: Some insurers in the Valley are known for "delay and
defend" tactics, while others negotiate more reasonably.
3. Severity of Injuries: Generally, the more serious the injury, the longer it takes to
reach MMI and value the claim correctly.
Our Promise: We Don't Rush Great Results
It is tempting to take a "quick check" from an insurance adjuster two weeks after an
accident. However, those early offers are almost always a fraction of what your case is
truly worth. We prioritize getting you the right amount, not just the fastest amount.
Wondering where your case stands or how close you are to MMI? At Hartley Law, we provide regular status updates so you’re never left in the dark.
📞 Call 844-844-1444 or
📝 visit https://hartleylawusa.com/contact-2/ for a free, urgent case review.