Waiting for a personal injury (PI) case to settle can cause a lot of anxiety because you’re not in control of the timeline. It’s normal to feel uncertainty and wonder if there’s any end in sight for your case. While every PI case is unique, there are certain patterns and seasonal factors that can influence when a personal injury case in Texas might settle. Here are some variables that can affect the settlement of a case like yours.

The End of the Year Often Sees a Spike in Settlements

The months of October through December are commonly more active for case resolutions. Why? Because insurance companies often want to close out claims before the end of their fiscal year. Similarly, attorneys and law firms may push to resolve older cases before the new year, and clients may want to settle before the holidays or tax season for peace of mind and financial reasons.

If you’re near the end of medical treatment or negotiation during the fall, it’s possible that a settlement may happen faster than expected.

Court Calendars Affect Timing, Too

If your case involves litigation or the potential of a lawsuit, the court system’s schedule will affect your settlement timeline. For example, in busy jurisdictions like Austin, holidays and court slowdowns can delay progress temporarily, but movement often resumes in the spring after the court backlog clears.

Alternatively, if you have a scheduled trial date on the calendar, it’s also possible that the insurer may increase their offer in the weeks or months leading up to trial to avoid the cost and risk of court.

Your Treatment Timeline Still Comes First

Regardless of the time of year, most attorneys will not recommend settling your case until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement (MMI). This is the point at which your doctors believe your condition has stabilized.

Typically, this means you’ve completed most or all of your treatment, you understand your future medical needs and you (and your attorney) can calculate accurate damages, including lost wages and future care.

Contact Us at McKinney Vos with Questions

There’s no one time of year when personal injury cases tend to settle in Texas, but trends show more settlements tend to happen toward the end of the year and before key court dates. That said, the biggest factor will always be your medical recovery and how strong your claim is.

If you’re unsure where your case stands or whether an offer is fair, consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer who can defend your rights and ensure equal representation. Our experienced attorneys at McKinney Vos are here to fight for you. Call our Austin office at 512-457-8991 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.