How Long Does an Alabama Car Accident Case Take — and When Do You Actually Get Paid?

By Benjamin Schoettker | J.D. | Barfoot & Schoettker, LLC | 25+ years | Personal Injury, Wrongful Death, Slip and Fall, Premises Liability, Car Accidents, 18-Wheeler Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents

Published: 2026-08-04 | Last updated: 2026-08-04

TL;DR: Alabama car accident cases can settle in a few months when injuries and fault are clear, or take a year or more with surgery or disputed liability. After a settlement is signed, the check, liens, and trust accounting usually take a few weeks before funds reach the client.

One of the first questions we hear from a hurt client in Montgomery is simple: how long is this going to take? The honest answer is that it depends on the injuries and on how hard the other side fights. A straightforward soft-tissue case with clear liability and cooperative insurance can wrap up in a few months. A case involving surgery, a disputed traffic crash report, or a carrier that refuses to accept fault can stretch a year or longer, and longer still if suit has to be filed. Alabama's contributory-negligence rule means insurers push hard on fault, so even minor disputes can slow things down.

The bigger driver of timing is usually medical, not legal. In most cases, a claim should not be settled until the client has reached what doctors call maximum medical improvement — the point where your treatment has plateaued and we actually know what your injuries are going to cost you long-term. While it is tempting to take an early offer and be done, it is important to understand that once you sign a release, you cannot come back for the surgery you needed two (2) months later. We would rather wait and value the case correctly than settle a case blind.

Once a settlement is agreed to, the money does not appear overnight, but it does not take forever either. The insurance company sends a release, the client signs, and the check is typically issued within a few weeks. From there the funds go into the firm's trust account, any hospital liens or health-insurance subrogation claims get resolved, the fee and case expenses are deducted, and a written settlement statement is prepared. Ultimately, most clients see their disbursement within a few weeks after the check clears. If a case goes to verdict instead of settlement, appeals and post-judgment motions can add time.

Every case is different. What we tell clients is this: do not chase a fast settlement at the expense of a fair one, but do not accept unexplained delay either. A good lawyer keeps the file moving, communicates the reason for each wait, and does not let a claim sit on an adjuster's desk. If your case has been stalled for months without a clear explanation, that is worth a second opinion.

“The biggest mistake we see is settling before you have any real idea what your injuries are worth. Once you sign that release, it is over — the surgery you need next month is on you.” — Benjamin Schoettker, Barfoot & Schoettker, LLC

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is my Alabama car accident case actually going to take from start to finish, and how long after we settle before I see any money?

Alabama car accident cases can settle in a few months when injuries and fault are clear, or take a year or more with surgery or disputed liability. After a settlement is signed, the check, liens, and trust accounting usually take a few weeks before funds reach the client.

Why can't I just settle my Alabama car accident case right now?

Because you do not yet know the full value of your injuries. Most cases should not be settled until you have reached maximum medical improvement. Once you sign a release, you cannot reopen the claim for treatment that becomes necessary later.

After I sign the settlement, when do I get my money?

Typically within a few weeks. The insurance carrier issues the check, funds are deposited into the firm's trust account, medical liens and subrogation claims are paid, fees and expenses are deducted, and the remaining balance is disbursed with a written settlement statement.

Talk to a Montgomery Car Accident Lawyer

If you were hurt in an Alabama car wreck and want a straight answer about how long your case should take and what to expect at each step, Barfoot & Schoettker, LLC is available at (334) 834-3444 for a free consultation. We handle Alabama car accident claims and will walk you through the timeline for your situation.

Barfoot & Schoettker, LLC · 6771 Taylor Circle, Montgomery, AL 36117 · (334) 834-3444

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