How Long Will My Case Take?
Most injury cases follow the same stages. Pick where you are now to see what usually comes next, then talk to a Georgia injury attorney free.
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How Long Will My Case Take?
Pick where you are now to see what usually comes next.
- 1Free case reviewDay 1
You are here. Tell us what happened. An attorney explains your options, free.
What happens in this step
You: Call or fill out the form. Bring any photos, the police report number and insurance info you have.
Us: Listen first, explain your options and tell you if we can help. Free, no obligation.
Can slow it down: Waiting weeks to call. Evidence and memories fade.
- 2InvestigationFirst few weeks
You are here. We gather the police report, photos, witnesses and insurance details.
What happens in this step
You: Keep your appointments and save every letter from insurers.
Us: Request the police report, photos, video and witness statements, and notify the insurers.
Can slow it down: Missing records, or a dispute over who caused the crash.
- 3You finish medical treatmentOften the longest step
You are here. We usually wait until your doctor says you’ve improved as much as expected, so the claim includes all your costs.
What happens in this step
You: Follow your doctor’s plan and keep a pain journal.
Us: Track your treatment and bills, and handle the insurers so you can focus on healing.
Can slow it down: Gaps in treatment, or needing surgery or specialists.
- 4Demand packageA few weeks after treatment
You are here. Your records, bills and lost wages go to the insurer with a written demand.
What happens in this step
You: Review the demand with us before it goes out.
Us: Gather every record and bill, total your losses and send a written demand.
Can slow it down: Slow medical offices sending records.
- 5NegotiationOften 1–3 months
You are here. Many cases settle here. You approve any offer before it’s accepted.
What happens in this step
You: Decide on offers with our advice. Nothing is accepted without you.
Us: Push back on low offers with evidence and negotiate.
Can slow it down: Low policy limits, liens, or an insurer that won’t move.
- 6Lawsuit, if neededGenerally filed within 2 years of the crash
You are here. Discovery, depositions and mediation can take many months.
What happens in this step
You: Answer written questions and possibly give a deposition, with us beside you.
Us: File suit before the deadline, exchange evidence and prepare for mediation.
Can slow it down: Court schedules and the other side’s delays.
- 7TrialOnly if it doesn’t settle
You are here. Few cases go this far, but we prepare every case as if it will.
What happens in this step
You: Testify if needed. We prepare you.
Us: Present your case to a jury.
Can slow it down: Court calendars; trials can be scheduled months out.
Every case is different. These are common ranges, not promises. General information, not legal advice.
What changes the timeline
What Speeds a Case Up, and What Slows It Down
Every case is different. These are the factors we see most often.
Steady treatment
Keeping appointments helps. Gaps give insurers a reason to stall.
Clear fault
Rear-end crashes with a clear police report often move faster.
Disputed fault
When the other side blames you, more investigation is needed.
Policy limits
Low limits can mean looking for other coverage, like UM.
Medical liens
Hospitals and health plans may need to be paid back first.
Insurer behavior
Some insurers stall until a lawsuit is filed.
Free attorney help
We can help you understand every stage.
Ask us what usually comes next in your case and what can help keep it moving. Free case review, no attorney fee unless we recover for you.
See an example
What a Demand Letter Looks Like
After treatment, your claim is sent to the insurer in a letter like this. The numbers show what goes in it.
Sample for illustration only. This is not a real document or a real client’s case. Personal details are blacked out to show what to look for.
FAQ
Common Questions
Why does medical treatment take so long?
Settling before you finish treatment can leave future costs unpaid. We usually wait until your doctor says you’ve improved as much as expected.
Can I speed my case up?
Keep every appointment, send us records and letters right away, and don’t post about your case online.
Do most cases go to trial?
No. Most injury cases settle. We prepare every case as if it could go to trial, which helps in negotiations.
What is the deadline to file a lawsuit in Georgia?
Generally 2 years from the crash for injury claims, with exceptions. Claims against a city, county or the state can have much shorter notice deadlines.
General information, not legal advice.
4.9 · 500+ Google reviews
"Alexis and Landon were amazing! They communicated very well throughout the process and took really good care of me."
— Steffon M., Google review
4.9 · 500+ Google reviews
"I had an excellent experience with Gunn Law Group. Landon and Laura were both great — professional, knowledgeable, and truly dedicated to helping their clients."
— Itoo B., Google review
Empathy isn’t a slogan here. It’s how we build your case.
As the son of a doctor, Harrell learned early that an injury changes every part of your life. That’s why the attorneys here return your calls, read your medical records, and treat your case like it matters. Because it does.
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