How Long Will My Personal Injury Case Take in San Angelo?

In San Angelo, the average personal injury case may take 3–9 months if it settles before trial and 12–24 months or longer if it proceeds through litigation. The timeline depends on factors like medical recovery, liability disputes, insurance limits, and court schedules. Texas-specific laws, such as the two-year statute of limitations and expedited trial procedures for certain claims, also affect how quickly a case moves forward.

This blog explains the phases, deadlines, and influencing factors in Texas personal injury cases, helping you understand why patience is often part of the process.

Why Case Timelines Vary in San Angelo

Every case is unique. While some settle quickly, others require extended investigation and courtroom litigation. In San Angelo, courts handle cases under Texas law, which sets both strict deadlines and flexible timeframes.

Factors That Shape Timelines

Liability and Evidence

If fault is clear (for example, in a rear-end collision), insurers may settle quickly. But when liability is disputed, or when multiple parties are involved, disputes can add months to the process.

Medical Recovery

Lawyers and insurers wait until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) to calculate damages fairly. Ongoing treatment delays final valuation.

Insurance Negotiations

Insurance companies may delay resolution, especially in larger cases. Texas’s Stowers doctrine can push insurers to settle when a proper time-limited demand is made within policy limits, but only after documentation is complete.

Court Schedules

Local rules in Tom Green County (San Angelo) set disposition goals of 12 months for non-jury and 18 months for jury trials, but congested dockets and contested motions can extend cases further.

Texas Deadlines That Matter

Two-Year Statute of Limitations

Most Texas personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the injury date. Waiting too long to file can bar recovery entirely.

Notice Deadlines for Government Claims

If your case involves a government agency (like a city vehicle in San Angelo), the Texas Tort Claims Act requires notice within six months, though some municipalities have even shorter deadlines.

Healthcare Liability (Medical Malpractice) Claims

Medical malpractice cases involve extra steps:

• 60-day pre-suit notice
• Expert reports due within 120 days after defendants file an answer

These requirements extend the early phases of litigation.

The “Expedited Actions” Track in Texas

Texas has a streamlined process for certain cases.

• Rule 169 (Expedited Actions): Applies when the amount in controversy is $250,000 or less.
• Rule 190 (Discovery): In expedited cases, discovery lasts 180 days, and the court must set a trial date within 90 days of discovery closing if requested.

For qualifying cases in San Angelo, this means trial may occur in under a year—much faster than standard litigation.

Phase-by-Phase Timeline of a Personal Injury Case

Pre-Suit Investigation and Negotiations (1–6+ months)

• Collecting police reports, medical records, and evidence.
• Sending a demand letter to the insurance company.
• Engaging in settlement negotiations.

In straightforward cases, this stage may resolve claims without ever filing a lawsuit.

Filing a Lawsuit (1–3 months)

Once filed, the defendant must be served with the petition. Service can be quick or delayed if the defendant is difficult to locate.

Discovery (6–12+ months)

• Exchange of documents, medical records, and testimony.
• Depositions of parties, witnesses, and experts.
• Expert evaluations, especially in catastrophic injury cases.

For expedited cases, discovery closes in 180 days; for others, it may last a year or more.

Mediation and Settlement

Courts often require mediation before trial. Many cases settle here, once discovery clarifies liability and damages.

Trial and Appeal (12–24+ months total timeline)

If a case goes to trial, scheduling depends heavily on the court’s docket. Trials in Tom Green County may occur within 18 months but can stretch beyond two years for complex cases. Appeals extend the process further.

Why Patience Can Add Value

Delaying settlement until treatment is complete ensures all damages are considered—past, present, and future. Texas law also allows prejudgment interest on past damages, which may encourage insurers to resolve cases sooner as time passes.

FAQs About Case Duration in San Angelo

Can my case be resolved quickly?

Yes, some cases with clear liability and complete medical documentation settle in a few months.

Why do serious injury cases take longer?

Complex injuries require multiple experts and higher damages, which insurers fight harder to contest.

What if my case involves multiple defendants?

Shared liability and comparative fault arguments often extend litigation.

Does filing a lawsuit always mean trial?

No. Most lawsuits still settle before trial, but litigation ensures your rights are preserved if settlement fails.

Final Thoughts

Every personal injury case is unique, and timelines in San Angelo vary widely. What remains consistent is that Texas law sets important boundaries—such as the two-year statute of limitations—and provides opportunities to expedite smaller claims. For larger, more complex cases, expect a longer process that may ultimately lead to trial.

At Webb, Stokes & Sparks, our team has decades of experience navigating Texas courts, negotiating with insurers, and standing up for injury victims in San Angelo. Whether you’re dealing with a car accident, workplace accidents, or wrongful death, we are here to guide you every step of the way.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For legal guidance tailored to your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney.