When you file a personal injury claim, you expect fair compensation within a reasonable timeframe. Unfortunately, many cases take longer than expected due to legal, medical, or insurance-related obstacles. Delays not only cause frustration, but they can also increase financial stress while you’re trying to recover from your injuries.
At GLG Personal Injury Lawyers, our Phoenix personal injury attorneys understand how important it is to keep your case moving forward. Below, we explain the most common causes of delays and what you can do to avoid them.
What Causes Delays in Personal Injury Cases?
Personal injury claims often take longer than expected because multiple factors can slow down the process. Some delays are unavoidable, like court scheduling, while others are caused by missing evidence or insurance company tactics. Understanding the most common causes can help you prepare and avoid unnecessary setbacks.
- Incomplete or Missing Medical Records
Insurance companies require detailed proof of your injuries. If treatment notes or medical reports are delayed, negotiations often stall. - Disputed Liability
When the at-fault party denies responsibility, investigations, expert opinions, and legal arguments can stretch the timeline significantly. - Court Backlogs in Arizona
With thousands of cases filed each year, limited court resources and hearing dates often create unavoidable delays. - Insurance Company Tactics
Insurers may intentionally drag out the process by requesting excessive documents, questioning medical treatment, or making lowball offers to pressure you into a quick settlement.
How Can You Avoid Delays in a Personal Injury Claim?
The most effective way to avoid delays is to act quickly and stay organized. Seek medical care immediately after the accident and follow your treatment plan without gaps. This ensures your injuries are well-documented and linked directly to the accident.
Next, gather evidence early, police reports, witness statements, photos, and accident records all strengthen your claim. Avoid communicating directly with insurance adjusters, who may use your words against you. Instead, let your attorney handle these conversations and ensure deadlines under Arizona’s two-year statute of limitations are never missed.
How Do Insurance Company Tactics Delay Personal Injury Cases?
Insurance companies are businesses focused on protecting their bottom line. One common way they achieve this is by slowing down the claims process. These delays are designed to wear victims down, hoping financial stress will force a quick and smaller settlement. Knowing these tactics makes it easier to recognize and fight back.
- Requesting Excessive Documentation
Insurers may ask for unnecessary or repetitive records to drag out the timeline and frustrate victims. - Disputing the Severity of Injuries
Companies often downplay or challenge medical reports to justify paying less. - Dragging Out Negotiations
Adjusters may take weeks or months to respond to offers, forcing claimants to wait. - Using Financial Pressure
By delaying payment, insurers count on victims accepting a lowball offer just to cover bills.
At GLG Personal Injury Lawyers, we recognize these tactics and act quickly to keep pressure on insurers. Our team ensures you don’t get trapped by delay strategies and pushes for fair compensation without unnecessary setbacks.
Can Medical Treatment Affect the Timeline of Your Case?
Medical treatment plays a major role in how long your personal injury case takes. Insurers and courts want to know the full extent of your injuries before placing a value on your claim. That means your case usually cannot settle until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) the point at which your doctors believe your condition has stabilized, even if ongoing care is needed. While this may feel like a delay, it actually protects you from settling too soon and leaving future medical costs uncovered.
- Ongoing Treatments Extend the Process
If you need surgeries, physical therapy, or long-term care, your case may remain open until those treatments are completed or fully planned. - Accurate Damage Calculations Require Time
Settlement negotiations should account for both current and future medical bills, including rehabilitation and medication. - Risk of Settling Too Early
Accepting a payout before knowing the true costs of your recovery can leave you financially vulnerable later.
By waiting until MMI, your attorney ensures your settlement reflects the real impact of your injuries not just the immediate costs.
How Do Court Backlogs in Arizona Slow Cases Down?
Even when both sides are fully prepared, your personal injury case can still be delayed simply because of court scheduling. Arizona courts, especially in Maricopa County, face some of the busiest dockets in the state. With thousands of civil cases filed each year and limited judicial resources, it’s common for hearings, motions, or trial dates to be scheduled months out. These systemic delays can add frustration, but they are often unavoidable parts of the legal process.
While court congestion is largely out of your control, your attorney can take proactive steps to keep your case moving forward. For example, your lawyer may request status conferences, push for mediation, or continue negotiating directly with the insurance company while waiting for a court date. This ensures valuable time isn’t wasted and can sometimes lead to earlier settlements. Having a legal team that knows how to navigate Arizona’s court backlogs makes a big difference in avoiding unnecessary stalls and protecting your right to timely compensation.
Don’t Let Delays Cost You — Call GLG Personal Injury Lawyers Today
Dealing with delays in a personal injury claim can feel overwhelming, especially when medical bills and lost wages are piling up. But you don’t have to handle the process alone. At GLG Personal Injury Lawyer, our Phoenix personal injury attorneys know how to fight delay tactics, keep cases moving, and maximize your compensation.
With decades of combined experience and a track record of success, we help Arizona accident victims get the justice they deserve. Call us today for a free consultation and let us protect your future.
FAQsHow long does a personal injury case usually take in Arizona?
Many personal injury claims in Arizona can be resolved within several months if liability is clear and injuries are straightforward. However, cases involving serious injuries, disputed fault, or trial preparation can take a year or more. The timeline often depends on medical treatment, since insurers won’t settle until your recovery or maximum medical improvement (MMI) is reached. An attorney can help keep the process moving by pushing insurers for timely responses and exploring settlement options before trial.
Can I speed up my case by accepting the first settlement offer?
You can, but it’s rarely in your best interest. Insurance companies often make quick, lowball offers hoping victims will accept out of financial pressure. While taking the first offer may provide fast relief, it usually doesn’t cover long-term medical care, lost income, or pain and suffering. An attorney evaluates the true value of your claim and ensures you don’t settle for less than what you’ll need in the future.
What if I was partly at fault for the accident?
Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover damages even if you share fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. For example, if you are found 30% at fault, your award will be reduced by 30%. Having an attorney is especially important in these cases, because insurance companies often exaggerate your share of fault to lower their payout.
Do I need a lawyer to avoid delays?
Yes. While you can technically handle a claim on your own, most delays happen when insurers challenge evidence, request unnecessary documents, or wait until deadlines pass. A skilled lawyer ensures all paperwork, records, and deadlines are handled correctly, while also countering insurance company stalling tactics. At Gallagher Law Group, our attorneys not only prevent delays but also strengthen your case to maximize the compensation you receive.
