If you’ve been injured in an accident in New York, one of the first questions that probably comes to mind is: “How long will my case take?” It’s a fair question—you’re dealing with medical bills, time off work, and the stress of recovery. You want to know when you can expect compensation and move forward with your life.
At Proner & Proner, with over 60 years of experience handling personal injury cases across New York, we’ve guided thousands of clients through this exact process. Here’s what you need to know about timelines for accident cases in New York:
The Short Answer: It Depends
Most accident cases in New York take anywhere from several months to two years to resolve. However, some straightforward cases might settle in just a few months, while complex cases involving severe injuries, multiple parties, or disputed liability could take three years or more.
Factors That Affect Your Case Timeline
1. The Severity of Your Injuries
One of the biggest factors is your medical situation. Before pursuing maximum compensation, you need to:
- Reach maximum medical improvement (MMI)
- Have a clear understanding of all future medical needs
- Document how your injuries affect your daily life and ability to work
Cases involving serious injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or permanent disabilities typically take longer because the full impact needs to be assessed.
2. Insurance Company Cooperation
Insurance companies are in business to make money, not to pay claims. Many insurers use delay tactics to pressure injured victims into accepting smaller settlements. Mitchell Proner and his experienced team know these tactics well and have built a reputation for standing firm against insurance companies that try to lowball our clients.
3. Negotiation or Trial
About 95% of personal injury cases settle before trial, but the timing varies:
- Pre-suit settlements: 3-9 months
- Settlements during litigation: 1-2 years
- Cases that go to trial: 2-3+ years
The Proner & Proner team prepares every case as if it will go to trial, which ironically often leads to faster and better settlements because insurance companies recognize we’re serious.
The amount of time you’re getting treatment, the quality and quantity of visits to doctors, the type of treatment that you get, whether it’s injections, whether you need a surgery, whether you, in fact, have that surgery, diagnostic testing, X-ray, MRIs that come back positive, all these factors will increase the value of your claim.
The Typical New York Accident Case Timeline
While every case is unique, here’s a general timeline you might expect:
Day 1
- Going to hospital / getting medical attention
- You hire an attorney
- You collect the first evidence
Immediate aftermath (1-2 months):
- Medical treatment begins
- Initial investigation starts
- Insurance companies are notified
Case preparation (2-6 months):
- Medical treatment continues
- Evidence is gathered
- Witness statements are collected
- Medical records and bills are compiled
Demand and negotiation (3-8 months):
- Your attorney prepares a demand letter
- Initial settlement discussions begin
- Further documentation may be requested
Demand and negotiation (3-8 months):
- Lawsuit is filed
- Discovery process (depositions, document requests)
- Mediation or settlement conferences
- Trial preparation
- Trial (typically 1-2 weeks)
- Possible appeals (can add 1+ years)
Get Advice From An Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
All You Have To Do Is Call 212-986-3030 To Receive Your Free Case Evaluation.
Why Mitchell Proner and His Team Make a Difference
With more than 60 years of combined experience, Mitchell Proner and his team of skilled attorneys understand how to move cases forward efficiently while still fighting for maximum compensation.
“Many firms take the first offer that comes in, or they drag cases out unnecessarily,” says Mitchell Proner. “At Proner & Proner, we find the right balance—we don’t rush cases before we understand the full extent of our clients’ damages, but we also don’t let insurance companies use delay tactics to wear down our clients.”
Our firm’s extensive experience with construction accidents, traffic collisions, slip and falls, and workplace injuries means we’ve seen virtually every type of case and know how to navigate New York’s complex legal system efficiently.
Is a Faster Resolution Always Better?
While everyone wants their case resolved quickly, rushing can be costly. Settling too early, before you understand the full extent of your injuries, can leave you with insufficient compensation for long-term or unexpected medical needs.
The Proner & Proner team will advise you on the right balance between speed and maximum compensation based on your specific situation. Sometimes, a slightly longer timeline results in a significantly better outcome.
We will fight for you
While we can’t guarantee exactly how long your specific case will take, we can promise this: Mitchell Proner and his team will work tirelessly to move your case forward as efficiently as possible while fighting for every dollar you deserve.
If you’ve been injured in an accident in New York, don’t navigate this complex process alone. Contact Proner & Proner today for a free consultation. Our experienced team will give you a realistic timeline for your specific case and start working immediately to get you the compensation you deserve.
Remember: the sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we can start moving your case forward.
We return our clients’ phone calls. We are available 24/7, 365 days a year. I give out my personal cell phone number to all my clients, and I tell them they can feel free to contact me at any time. That’s what makes us different.
