If you’ve been injured in an accident in Colorado and suffered a personal injury, you may be considering filing a personal injury claim. The claims process and litigation take time, and you may wonder how long the whole process will take. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer because every case is unique, we can outline the process and timeline so you know what to expect.

For a better idea of the exact steps and process for your unique case, it is best to schedule a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney.

Timeline of a Colorado Personal Injury Case

First Step in Pursuing A Personal Injury Claim

Before you begin to pursue a personal injury claim, it is important to first determine whether you have a claim. Simply sustaining an injury does not automatically mean you qualify to file a personal injury claim.

Typically, personal injuries are the result of another’s negligence or recklessness. To be sure you have a claim, it is best to consult with a personal injury attorney.

Examples of accidents that may result in personal injury include motor vehicle accidents like trucking accidents, dog bite injuries, slip and falls, and more.

Once you have determined you have a claim, the timeline of a personal injury case may go as follows.

Personal Injury Case Timeline

What to Expect During Your Legal Journey

1. Medical Care & Recovery

Evaluation and treatment following your doctor’s plan to establish an official record of the full impact of your injuries.

🟢 SPEED UP: Prompt treatment and clear medical documentation.

🔴 SLOW DOWN: Gaps in treatment or complications in recovery.

2. Investigation & Evidence

Gathering medical records, witness statements, video, police reports, and expert opinions to show fault.

🟢 SPEED UP: Quick access to records and available witnesses.

🔴 SLOW DOWN: Disputed fault or uncooperative witnesses.

3. Demand & Settlement

Presentation of a settlement demand. Many cases resolve here if a fair amount can be negotiated.

🟢 SPEED UP: Reasonable insurer and well-organized documentation.

🔴 SLOW DOWN: Low initial offers or causation disputes.

4. Lawsuit Filing

If negotiations fail, a formal lawsuit is filed in civil court to proceed through litigation.

🟢 SPEED UP: Clear legal issues and fewer parties involved.

🔴 SLOW DOWN: Motion practice and crowded court calendars.

5. Discovery & Preparation

Sides exchange information, take depositions, and prepare for resolution via settlement or trial.

🟢 SPEED UP: Cooperative scheduling and organized records.

🔴 SLOW DOWN: Scheduling conflicts or incomplete disclosures.

6. Trial

Presentation of evidence to a judge or jury, who decides final liability and damages.

🟢 SPEED UP: Narrow issues and strong evidence.

🔴 SLOW DOWN: Trial delays or complex expert disputes.

💡 Tip: The biggest drivers of your timeline are injury severity, recovery duration, and the other side’s willingness to negotiate in good faith.

Every case is different, but most Colorado personal injury claims move through the same core stages. This overview summarizes what typically happens at each stage and what can affect how long it takes.

How Long Will My Personal Injury Claim Take To Resolve?

How long a personal injury claim takes to resolve varies from case to case because every case is different. Some may take a few months, and some could take a few years if they are more serious injuries or disputed cases.

Every factor matters in your case and will need to be carefully examined. Factors that can influence the time it takes to resolve your claim include:

Severity of injuries
How long it takes to get evidence
The quality of evidence available
Whether or not you can reach a fair settlement with the other party
Investigation
Whether the defendant is open to a settlement
and more

If you are considering filing a personal injury claim in Colorado, contact an experienced Denver personal injury lawyer for guidance.