If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Missouri, one of the first questions you probably have is: “How long is this going to take?”
The answer is one that attorneys find themselves giving frequently: “It depends.” Some cases settle in a few months, while others can take years. But most cases follow a similar timeline. Here is what you can realistically expect from start to finish:
Step 1: Immediate Medical Treatment
Right after the crash, your focus should be on your health. This includes:
• Emergency room visits
• Follow-up appointments
• Physical therapy or chiropractic care
• Possible imaging (X-Ray, MRI, CT scans)
Why this matters: You don’t want to settle your case until you understand the full extent of your injuries. If you settle too early, you can’t go back and ask for more money later.
Step 2: Investigation and Evidence Gathering
While you’re treating, your attorney should be building your case. This includes:
• Obtaining the police report and other police investigative materials
• Collecting medical records and bills
• Gathering photos and videos
• Speaking with witnesses
• Reviewing insurance coverage
In more serious cases, this may also involve:
• Accident reconstruction
• Black box (event data recorder) analysis
• Early retention of experts
Step 3: Reaching Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)
This is one of the most important parts of your case. Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) means:
• You’ve either fully recovered, or
• Doctors believe your condition is as good as it’s going to get from a treatment standpoint.
At this point:
• Future medical needs can be estimated
• Permanent injuries can be evaluated
This is when your case’s value becomes much clearer.
Step 4: Demand Package Sent to Insurance
Once treatment is complete (or stable), your attorney will send a demand package to the insurance company. This typically includes:
• A summary of the accident
• Medical records and bills
• Proof of lost wages
• Photos and evidence
• A demand for settlement
The insurance company will then review and respond.
Step 5: Negotiation Phase
After receiving your demand, the insurance company will usually:
• Make a lower offer
• Try to dispute liability or injuries
From there, negotiations begin. A majority of cases settle during this stage, but not all.
Step 6: Filing a Lawsuit (If Necessary)
If the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement, the next step is filing a lawsuit. his doesn’t mean your case is going to trial. In fact, most cases settle before trial. But filing suit does:
• Increase pressure on the insurance company
• Allow formal discovery (depositions, records, etc.)
Step 7: Litigation and Discovery
During this phase, both sides exchange information. This may include:
• Depositions (sworn testimony)
• Written discovery
• Expert witnesses
With the help of an experienced attorney, this is often where the case becomes stronger and more valuable.
Step 8: Mediation
Before trial, some cases benefit from mediation. This is where:
• Both sides meet with a neutral third party, trained in mediating disputes
• A final effort is made to settle the case
Step 9: Trial
If no settlement is reached, the case goes to trial. At trial, it is up to a jury to decide fault and damages. In Missouri, this can include compensation for:
• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
What Can Slow Down a Settlement?
Several factors can delay your case:
• Ongoing medical treatment
• Disputes over fault
• Insurance company delays
• Lack of documentation
• Serious or permanent injuries
Why Patience Often Leads to Better Results
Insurance companies move quickly when:
• They think your case is weak
• They believe you’re desperate to settle
They move slower when:
• You have strong documentation
• You’re willing to wait for fair value
While delays can be frustrating, rushing a case is often a mistake. In many cases, waiting and gathering additional evidence and information leads to a significantly higher settlement.
What You Can Do to Help Your Case
If you want your case to move as smoothly as possible:
• Follow all medical advice
• Keep all appointments
• Be honest about your symptoms
• Save receipts and documentation
• Stay off social media about the accident
These small steps can make a big difference.
Final Thoughts
A Missouri car crash settlement doesn’t happen overnight, but there is a process.
Understanding that process helps you:
• Set realistic expectations
• Avoid costly mistakes
• Maximize the value of your case
If you’ve been injured in a car crash, the goal isn’t just to settle quickly—it’s to settle fairly.
