How long does a settlement take in AZ?
For many Phoenix accident victims, the most frustrating part of the legal process is not the paperwork. It is the waiting.
When medical bills start piling up, the question we hear most often is simple and urgent: “How long will this take?”
In Arizona, a typical car accident settlement can take anywhere from four 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, commonly referred to as MMI.
What Is Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)?
Maximum Medical Improvement is the point in your recovery when your doctor determines that your condition has stabilized.
MMI does not mean:
• You are fully healed
• You are pain free
• You no longer need care
It means that further treatment is unlikely to result in significant functional improvement.
Why MMI Controls the Settlement Timeline
Waiting for MMI is not about delay. It is about protecting you.
If a case is settled before MMI is reached, your future medical needs become a guess. That guess can be extremely costly.
The risk:
If you settle today and discover next month that you need a $50,000 spinal surgery, you cannot reopen your claim and ask for more compensation.
The strategy:
We wait until your doctor declares MMI so we can accurately calculate the full value of your past, present, and future medical needs. This includes ongoing treatment, long-term limitations, and pain and suffering.
The Typical Phoenix Car Accident Settlement Roadmap
Phase 1: Treatment and Recovery (Weeks to Months)
The process begins on the day of the accident. Your primary responsibility is to focus on your health and attend every medical appointment. This may include emergency care at a facility such as Banner – University Medical Center, follow-up visits, imaging, and physical therapy.
This phase continues until you reach MMI.
Phase 2: The Demand Package (2 to 4 Weeks)
Once MMI is reached, our legal team gathers every relevant document, including medical records, medical bills, and proof of lost wages.
We then prepare a formal Demand Letter to the insurance company. This letter outlines your injuries, your treatment, and the compensation being sought, supported by clear evidence.
Phase 3: Negotiation (1 to 3 Months)
Under Arizona law, insurance companies are required to acknowledge claims promptly. That said, negotiation takes time.
Typically:
• The adjuster reviews our demand
• A low initial offer is made
• We counter based on medical evidence, your MMI status, and the impact of your injuries
Strong MMI documentation is one of the most powerful tools in this phase.
Phase 4: Settlement or Litigation (Variable)
If we settle:
Once an agreement is reached, it usually takes 30 to 60 days to resolve medical liens, negotiate outstanding balances with providers, and issue payment.
If we file a lawsuit:
If the insurance company refuses to be fair and litigation becomes necessary, the timeline can extend by 12 to 24 months. This is due to court schedules, discovery, and procedural requirements in Maricopa County Superior Court.
Factors That Can Speed Up or Slow Down Your Case
Several variables affect how quickly a case resolves:
1. Clarity of fault
A rear-end collision on I-17 is generally easier to resolve than a multi-vehicle accident where fault is disputed.
2. The insurance company
Some insurers use delay-and-defend tactics, while others negotiate more reasonably.
3. Severity of injuries
More serious injuries usually mean a longer recovery period before MMI can be reached, which extends the timeline but often increases the value of the claim.
Our Promise: We Do Not Rush Results
It can be tempting to accept a quick settlement offer just weeks after an accident. Those early offers are almost always a fraction of what the case is truly worth.
At Hartley Law, we prioritize the right outcome, not just the fastest one.
Want to Know Where Your Case Stands?
If you are unsure how close you are to MMI or want an honest update on your case timeline, we are here to help. We provide regular status updates so you are never left guessing.
📞 Call 844-844-1444
📝 Visit https://hartleylawusa.com/contact-us/ for a free case review.