Exact timelines vary, but a car accident case typically resolves within one to three years. 

A personal injury lawsuit begins with the injured party filing a summons and complaint. Next, the at-fault driver files an answer. The judge will then schedule a pretrial conference to set deadlines for the case, which may include the following: 

• Gathering and producing evidence.
• Filing motions.
• Scheduling mediation.

At any stage of the process, the parties may agree to settle. This will, of course, cut the timeline short. However, cases that proceed to trial take an average of one to three years to resolve.