How Long Will My Personal Injury Case Take?

personal injury law

How long a personal injury case takes can depend on a number of things, but if you are looking for an average we would say that most lawsuits of this type last around one to three years. While you cannot be sure of exactly how long your lawsuit will take, you can be sure that a San Mateo County, California motor vehicle accident lawyer is working hard to help you and your family secure the compensation that you deserve that entire time.

When Should I See a Personal Injury Lawyer?

You should see a personal injury lawyer as soon as you possibly can. Get the medical care that you need, and then schedule a consultation. The sooner you find the right attorney, the sooner you can begin the legal process and start fighting for the compensation that you deserve.

What Are the Stages of a Personal Injury Case?

Generally, a lawsuit like this goes through a few different phases. The steps include:

Engaging an attorney: Meeting with a personal injury attorney is the beginning of the process. Once you hire a lawyer, they can file a complaint and serve the defendant with a summons.

The discovery process: Both sides exchange information and can interview witnesses or parties involved in the case. This can give each side an idea of what kind of case the other side can build.

Pre-trial motions: Both sides can file motions before a court case begins.

Negotiations: Your lawyer will begin negotiating a settlement with the defendants. If a settlement can be reached, the case ends. If not, the trial begins.

The trial: A civil trial in front of a judge or jury will proceed. A verdict will be reached at the end, and either party can appeal if they disagree with the verdict.

Will My Personal Injury Case Go to Trial?

It is actually somewhat rare for a personal injury case to go to trial. Many of these cases settle during the negotiation phase. However, if the defendant in your case is not willing to settle and your lawyer is confident that going to trial can get you more money, going to trial can be advantageous even if it makes your lawsuit take longer.

What Can an Attorney Do For Me?

You are not required to hire an attorney, but a lawyer who is experienced at trying personal injury cases can be extremely helpful to you and your family in this difficult time. A personal injury attorney can:

  • Gather evidence needed to make your case
  • Interview witnesses
  • Negotiate for fair compensation and field settlement offers
  • Prepare you and your loved ones for testimony and depositions
  • Defend you from any accusations of wrongdoing
  • Build a case that can succeed in court, if necessary

Schedule a Consultation Today

When you are ready to pursue a personal injury case, do not delay another moment. Contact the Law Offices of Allister R. Liao and schedule your consultation today. We can tell you more about the legal process and how our attorneys can be of assistance.

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