One of the most common questions personal injury clients ask is: "How long will my case take?" The honest answer is that it depends — on the severity of your injuries, the complexity of the liability issues, and whether the case settles or goes to trial.

Here is a realistic timeline for a Florida personal injury case.

The most important thing after an accident is getting the medical treatment you need. Your case cannot be fully valued until you have reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) — the point at which your condition has stabilized and your long-term prognosis is clear.

Rushing to settle before MMI is one of the most common mistakes accident victims make. If you settle before you know the full extent of your injuries, you may be leaving significant compensation on the table.

Timeline: Weeks to a year or more, depending on the severity of your injuries.

Once you hire an attorney, they will:

• Gather evidence (police reports, medical records, photographs, witness statements)
• Investigate liability
• Identify all potentially liable parties and insurance policies
• Send preservation letters to ensure evidence is not destroyed
• Notify the at-fault party's insurer of your claim

Timeline: 2–8 weeks after hiring an attorney.

After you reach MMI, your attorney will prepare a demand package — a comprehensive document that includes:

• A summary of the accident and liability
• Your complete medical records and bills
• Documentation of lost wages and other economic damages
• A demand for a specific settlement amount

The insurer then has time to review the demand and respond. Pre-suit negotiations can resolve many cases without filing a lawsuit.

Timeline: 1–6 months after the demand is sent.

If pre-suit negotiations fail to produce a fair settlement, your attorney will file a lawsuit. In Florida, you generally have 2 years from the date of the accident to file.

Filing a lawsuit does not mean the case will go to trial — the vast majority of cases settle after a lawsuit is filed but before trial.

Timeline: Lawsuit filed within the 2-year statute of limitations.

Discovery is the formal process of exchanging information between the parties. It includes:

• Interrogatories: Written questions that must be answered under oath
• Requests for production: Requests for documents (medical records, employment records, insurance policies)
• Depositions: Sworn testimony from parties and witnesses
• Expert disclosures: Identification of expert witnesses and their opinions

Discovery can take 6–18 months in a complex case.

Florida courts require mediation in most civil cases before trial. Mediation is a structured negotiation facilitated by a neutral mediator. Most cases settle at or after mediation.

Timeline: Typically 12–24 months after filing.

If mediation fails, the case proceeds to trial. Florida civil trials can be scheduled 18–36 months after filing, depending on the court's docket.

Trial itself typically lasts 3–7 days for a personal injury case.

More serious injuries require longer treatment periods before MMI is reached, which delays the demand and negotiation phases.

When the at-fault party disputes responsibility for the accident, more investigation and litigation is required.

Cases involving multiple defendants (trucking companies, property owners, manufacturers) are more complex and take longer.

Some insurers delay claims as a negotiating tactic, hoping claimants will accept low settlements out of financial desperation.

Florida courts in some counties have significant backlogs, which can delay trial dates.

It can be tempting to accept a quick settlement offer to get money in your hands. But early settlements almost always undervalue your claim — before the full extent of your injuries is known and before the insurer has felt the pressure of litigation.

Clients who are patient and work with an experienced attorney typically recover significantly more than those who settle quickly.

Juan Cordero Lawyers handles personal injury cases throughout Florida, including Car Accident Lawyer Florida, Slip and Fall Lawyer Florida, Truck Accident Lawyer Florida, and Wrongful Death Lawyer Florida claims. Call 305.525.8957 for a free consultation — available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.