Simple personal injury cases with clear liability often settle within 3-6 months after medical treatment concludes. Complex cases involving severe injuries, disputed liability, or multiple parties can take 1-2 years or longer to resolve. The timeline depends on factors including medical treatment duration, insurance company cooperation, and court scheduling if litigation becomes necessary. Cases cannot settle fairly until you reach maximum medical improvement, allowing accurate assessment of future needs and permanent impacts. Discovery phases in litigation add months for depositions, expert evaluations, and document production. Some insurance companies deliberately delay hoping financial pressure forces you to accept inadequate settlements. Experienced attorneys use various strategies to expedite resolution while ensuring full compensation for all damages.