How Long Does a Car Accident Case Take to Settle in Vallejo?

January 29, 2026 Brian Meyer

A car accident case can take anywhere from a few months to several years to settle, depending on the facts of the crash and how serious the injuries are. Some claims resolve quickly through insurance negotiations, while others take longer if liability is disputed or medical treatment is ongoing.

Vallejo is a city in Solano County, California, located in the northeastern part of the San Francisco Bay Area. It has busy highways, commuter traffic, and commercial routes, which increases the risk of motor vehicle accidents.

Because California follows specific injury and insurance laws, timelines for settlements in Vallejo often follow statewide legal standards. Many injured residents seek guidance from Jacoby & Meyers, Vallejo accident attorneys, to understand how long the process may take based on local court procedures.

What Factors Affect How Long a Settlement Takes?

Several factors influence how quickly a car accident case may settle. Each case follows its own timeline based on evidence, injuries, and insurance cooperation.

Key factors include:

The severity of injuries and length of medical treatment
Whether fault is clearly established
The number of vehicles involved
Insurance policy limits
Whether the case settles or goes to court

Cases involving minor injuries and clear liability usually settle faster than those involving permanent injuries or multiple responsible parties.

How Do Medical Treatment and Recovery Impact Timing?

Medical treatment plays a major role in settlement timing. A case should not settle until the injured person reaches maximum medical improvement.

If treatment is ongoing, it is difficult to calculate future medical costs. Insurance companies often wait until doctors confirm the long-term impact of injuries before discussing final settlement amounts.

This is why cases involving fractures, surgeries, or long-term therapy can take much longer to resolve.

How Long Do Insurance Companies Have to Respond?

California law sets standards for how insurance companies must handle claims. Insurers are required to acknowledge receipt of a claim promptly and respond within set timeframes once they receive necessary documentation.

However, these rules do not guarantee a quick settlement. Insurers may still dispute fault, question medical bills, or request additional records, all of which can extend the process.

Does Filing a Lawsuit Increase the Timeline?

Yes, filing a lawsuit often extends the timeline. While many cases settle before trial, litigation adds several steps that take time.

These steps include:

Filing court documents
Discovery and evidence exchange
Depositions and expert reports
Settlement conferences

In Solano County courts, scheduling and case management can add months or even years before a final resolution if the case proceeds to trial.

What Is the Average Timeline for Car Accident Settlements?

Although no two cases are the same, general timelines are common.

Typical settlement ranges include:

Minor injury cases: 3 to 9 months
Moderate injury cases: 9 to 18 months
Severe or disputed cases: 18 months or longer

Delays often occur when liability is unclear or when injuries require extended medical care.

Why Do Some Cases Settle Faster Than Others?

Cases settle faster when evidence is clear and damages are easy to calculate. Police reports, witness statements, and medical records help speed up negotiations.

On the other hand, cases slow down when insurers disagree on fault or argue that injuries were pre-existing. Disputes over lost income or future care costs also extend timelines.

Are There Legal Deadlines That Affect Settlement Timing?

California law sets a two-year statute of limitations for filing personal injury lawsuits. This deadline limits how long an injured person can wait before taking legal action.

While many cases settle before this deadline, approaching it can pressure insurers to negotiate more seriously. Missing the deadline can eliminate the right to recover damages entirely.

Final Key Takeaways