The timeline for a personal injury case in Houston depends on the complexity of the accident and the severity of your injuries. Straightforward cases with clear liability, such as a rear-end collision on the 610 Loop, may settle in three to six months. Most Houston cases resolve within 12 to 18 months. Complex claims involving severe injuries, multiple vehicles, or commercial trucks on I-10 or I-45 can take two to three years or more, especially once a lawsuit is filed in Harris County District Court. Harris County courts handle a heavy caseload, which can affect scheduling for hearings and trial dates. Your attorney cannot begin serious negotiations until you reach maximum medical improvement, meaning your doctors at Memorial Hermann, Methodist, or wherever you are treating have determined your condition has stabilized. Settling too early often leaves money on the table.