How Long Does a Car Accident Claim Take in Ohio? Understanding Your Timeline

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Ohio, you’re probably wondering: How long will it take to get my settlement? Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer—each case is unique, and the timeline depends on multiple factors, including the severity of your injuries, insurance negotiations, and whether a lawsuit is required.

At SELPH LAW, we’ve helped countless accident victims in Columbus and throughout Ohio get the compensation they deserve. If you’re frustrated with the claims process or need help speeding up your settlement, call (614)-453-0971 for a FREE case review.

Factors That Affect How Long a Car Accident Claim Takes in Ohio
While some car accident cases settle within a few months, others take a year or longer—especially if they go to court. Here are the key factors that determine how long your claim will take:

1. The Severity of Your Injuries
More serious injuries usually mean longer cases. If you suffered broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), or permanent disabilities, your case will take longer because:

You need longer medical treatment, and settlement negotiations should account for future medical costs.

Insurance companies fight harder against high-value claims.

Your lawyer needs to gather extensive medical records and expert testimony to prove the full extent of your damages.

✅ Pro Tip: Never settle before finishing medical treatment. Accepting an early offer could leave you with unpaid future medical bills.

2. How Quickly You File Your Claim
Waiting too long to start the process can delay your settlement. Ohio has a two-year statute of limitations for car accident claims—if you miss this deadline, you lose your right to compensation.

✅ Pro Tip: Call an attorney ASAP after your accident to avoid unnecessary delays.

3. Insurance Company Delays & Negotiation Tactics
Insurance companies delay claims on purpose to wear you down and pressure you into accepting a lower settlement. Common delay tactics include:

❌ Taking weeks to respond to emails or calls.
❌ Repeatedly requesting unnecessary documentation.
❌ Blaming you for the accident to reduce their payout.

✅ Pro Tip: Hiring a lawyer forces insurance companies to take your claim seriously and respond faster.

4. Whether Liability is Disputed
If the other driver admits fault, your claim will move much faster. However, if they deny responsibility—or if multiple parties are involved—your case will take longer because:

Investigations are needed to prove fault.

Witness statements, police reports, and expert opinions must be gathered.

Lawsuits may be required to force the at-fault driver’s insurer to pay up.

✅ Pro Tip: Always call the police after an accident. A police report can be strong evidence in proving fault.

5. Whether Your Case Goes to Court
Most Ohio car accident claims settle out of court, but some go to trial, adding months (or even years) to the timeline. A lawsuit may be necessary if:

The insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement.

Liability is being aggressively disputed.

Your damages are extremely high (e.g., permanent disability, wrongful death cases).

✅ Pro Tip: Hiring an experienced trial lawyer signals to insurance companies that you’re serious—and may encourage them to settle faster.

General Timeline of an Ohio Car Accident Claim
While every case is different, here’s a general step-by-step timeline for a personal injury claim in Ohio:

Step 1: Seek Medical Treatment (Immediately After the Accident)

Your health comes first. Always see a doctor—even if you feel okay—to document your injuries.

Step 2: File an Insurance Claim (1-3 Weeks After the Accident)

Your attorney will file claims with the at-fault driver’s insurance and possibly your own insurer if you have underinsured motorist coverage.

Step 3: Investigation & Evidence Collection (1-3 Months)

Your lawyer gathers medical records, police reports, witness statements, and expert opinions to build your case.

Step 4: Negotiation With the Insurance Company (3-6 Months)

Most cases settle at this stage—but only if the insurance company offers a fair payout.

Step 5: Filing a Lawsuit (If No Fair Settlement is Offered) (6+ Months)

If negotiations fail, your attorney will file a lawsuit, which can add months to years to the process.

Step 6: Settlement or Trial (Varies)

Most cases settle before trial, but if a trial is necessary, it can take over a year to conclude.

✅ Pro Tip: The sooner you hire an attorney, the faster your case will move.

How to Speed Up Your Car Accident Settlement
While you can’t control everything, you can take steps to speed up your settlement:

✔️ Get medical treatment ASAP and follow all doctor’s orders.
✔️ Hire an experienced car accident lawyer to handle negotiations.
✔️ Keep all evidence organized, including medical records, receipts, and witness information.
✔️ Avoid giving recorded statements to the insurance company without legal guidance.
✔️ Stay off social media—insurers can use your posts against you.

Call SELPH LAW for a Free Case Review – Don’t Let Insurance Companies Delay Your Claim!

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Ohio, don’t wait. SELPH LAW will fight for your rights, handle all negotiations, and help you get the maximum compensation as quickly as possible.

📞 Call (614)-453-0971 now for a FREE case review. Let’s get your case moving today!

How Long Does a Car Accident Claim Take in Ohio? Understanding Your Timeline

How Long Does a Car Accident Claim Take in Ohio? Understanding Your Timeline

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