How Long Does a Car Insurance Claim Take After an Accident?

 Posted on January 15, 2026 in Car accidents

There is no single answer to how long a car insurance claim takes. Some claims settle in a few weeks, while others take months or even longer. The timeline depends on the details of the crash, the injuries involved, and how the insurance company responds. As of 2026, Illinois car accident claims still require clear proof of fault, complete medical records, and careful negotiation with insurance companies. Rushing or missing steps can slow the process even more.

Delays are common, even in straightforward cases. In fact, according to the 2025 J.D. Power U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study, the average cycle time for repairable vehicle claims was about 19.3 days. Injury claims often take much longer. If you are waiting on a claim, a Skokie, IL car accident lawyer can help you understand what is reasonable and when delays may signal a problem.

Why Shouldn’t You Rush a Car Insurance Claim in Illinois?

It is important to reach maximum medical improvement before settling your claim. This means waiting until your doctors can say what your long-term condition is likely to be.

Settling too early can leave future costs unpaid. Ongoing treatment, lasting pain, or limits on your ability to work may not be fully known right away. Once you accept a settlement, you usually cannot go back and ask for more money later.

Can a Lawyer Help Speed Up the Insurance Process for a Car Accident in Illinois?

Having a lawyer handle your claim often helps keep the process moving. Attorneys understand common insurance delay tactics and know how to respond.

A lawyer can send formal demand letters, track deadlines, and push for timely answers. When an insurance company knows you have legal representation, it is often more motivated to take the claim seriously and negotiate instead of delaying.

What Factors Can Delay an Illinois Car Insurance Claim?

Several issues can slow down a car insurance claim. Some relate to how the crash happened, while others involve insurance coverage or legal questions.

Multiple Vehicles Involved

When more than two vehicles are involved in a crash, fault is harder to sort out. Each driver’s insurance company may argue that someone else caused the accident. This often leads to longer investigations, more statements, and delays while insurers compare evidence.

Multi-vehicle crashes may also require accident reconstruction or expert review, which adds more time to the process.

Uninsured or Underinsured Drivers

If the at-fault driver does not have insurance or does not carry enough coverage, the claim becomes more complicated. You may need to pursue compensation through your own uninsured or underinsured motorist policy.

In these cases, your own insurance company may question the value of the claim or dispute fault. This can lead to delays, additional paperwork, or formal disputes.

Partial Fault Under Illinois Law

Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116. Insurance companies often argue that you share some responsibility for the accident.

Even when fault is only partly disputed, negotiations may slow down. Insurers may reduce offers or wait to see how evidence develops before making a decision.

Third-Party Liability

Sometimes a car accident involves more than just the drivers. A trucking company, employer, vehicle manufacturer, or government agency may share responsibility.

Identifying third-party liability requires additional investigation. Records must be requested, and legal responsibility must be established, which can extend the timeline.

Ongoing Medical Treatment

Injury claims often take longer when medical treatment is ongoing. Insurance companies usually wait until your condition stabilizes before discussing a final settlement.

If treatment lasts several months or involves future care, the insurer may delay resolution until the full impact of the injuries is known.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Illinois?

After a car accident, Illinois law gives injured people only a limited time to file a lawsuit. Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, most personal injury cases must be filed within two years from the date of the crash. If that deadline passes, the court will usually dismiss the case, even if the injuries are serious.

Waiting too long can also weaken a claim. Evidence may disappear, witnesses can become harder to locate, and details about the accident may be forgotten. Acting sooner helps protect both your legal rights and the strength of your case.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Skokie, IL Car Accident Attorney

If your car insurance claim is taking longer than expected or you are unsure how to move forward, Quinn Law Group, LLC can help. Attorney Patrick Quinn has been a trial lawyer for over a decade and has tried numerous cases to verdict. That experience helps him identify unnecessary delays and take action when insurers fail to treat claims fairly.

Call 847-232-7180 to schedule a free consultation with our Skokie, IL car accident lawyer and get clear guidance on your insurance claim timeline and next steps.