The time varies widely depending on the injury, evidence, whether responsibility is accepted and how long medical treatment takes. A straightforward claim may settle within several months, while a serious or disputed claim can take a year or longer and may proceed to court. Your solicitor should explain the likely stages and keep you updated, but no firm timescale can be guaranteed. Limitation rules apply, so seek advice promptly from a solicitor regulated by the SRA and check the relevant rules for where your claim arose.