Short answer: it depends — mostly on the injuries and how the insurance company behaves.

There isn’t a standard timeline that applies to every case. Some resolve quickly. Others take much longer. Here’s how it actually works in Delaware and Pennsylvania.

In general, a car accident case can settle anywhere from six months to two years . That range applies in both Delaware and Pennsylvania.

Why such a big spread? Because a case usually isn’t ready to settle until two things happen:

1. Medical treatment is done (or close to done)
2. The value of the injuries is clear

Until then, no one really knows what the case is worth.

Cases don’t usually settle while someone is still actively treating. You need to know:

• How long the injuries lasted
• Whether there are lasting problems
• Whether more treatment is expected

If someone finishes treatment in a few months, the case may move quickly. If treatment takes a year or more, the case usually takes longer.

Even when liability is clear and injuries are real, insurance companies don’t always agree on value.

If the insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement, the case may need a lawsuit. That adds time — sometimes a lot of time — because you then have to go through:

• Filing suit
• Discovery
• Motions
• Settlement conferences

That process alone can push a case well past a year.

Sometimes clients want to settle sooner because:

• They’re under financial pressure
• They want closure
• They don’t want to deal with a lawsuit

That’s a personal decision. But settling early often means settling for less, especially if injuries turn out to be more serious than expected.

There’s no meaningful difference between Delaware and Pennsylvania when it comes to how long cases take to settle. The same factors apply in both states:

• Injury severity
• Length of treatment
• Disputes over fault or value
• Whether a lawsuit is necessary

If you’re asking how long your case will take, the honest answer is: no one can give you an exact timeline at the beginning.

A reasonable expectation is anywhere from six to twenty-four months , depending on the injuries and how hard the insurance company fights. The more complicated the case, the longer it usually takes.

If you want a realistic estimate for your specific situation, it requires looking at your injuries, your treatment, and the insurance issues involved — not just the calendar.

If you were injured in a car accident and aren’t sure what your case may be worth or how long it could take, a conversation with a lawyer can help set realistic expectations. A consultation costs nothing and can give you clarity before you make decisions that are hard to undo.