How Long Does It Take to Settle a Personal Injury Case in California?

If you were recently injured by another party, you may have grounds for a personal injury case. Success with the case could yield compensation for any economic and non-economic damages you suffered, but how long does it take to settle a personal injury case in California? It’s natural to worry about your case’s timeline and how long you will likely need to wait to receive recompense for your damages.

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Personal Injury Case in California?

An experienced attorney at Duque & Price can be a valuable asset for building your personal injury case in California. They can gather the evidence you will need to prove liability for the injury and assist you with calculating the full scope of the damages you are eligible to claim from the defendant. It is vital to speak with a personal injury attorney at your first opportunity after your accident so they can begin building your case as quickly as possible.

Some of the most common causes of personal injury cases in California include slip and fall accidents, medical malpractice, and motor vehicle accidents. The National Safety Council reported that in 2022, there were more than 5.2 million medically consulted injuries from vehicle accidents throughout the United States. It’s possible to recover from a vehicle accident with auto insurance, but many injured victims must file personal injury cases.

The US Department of Justice reports that there are nearly 400,000 personal injury claims filed primarily in state courts throughout the United States each year. It’s possible for these cases to be resolved through litigation, but about 95% of personal injury cases filed in the United States end in pretrial settlement negotiations. Settlement is generally faster than litigation and provides all parties involved with more influence over the final outcome.

Benefits of Settling Your Personal Injury Case in California

During settlement negotiations, the parties involved meet privately and attempt to reach mutually acceptable terms to resolve the case and avoid a trial. As long as both parties are willing to compromise, it could unfold relatively quickly. However, some cases could take several weeks to several months to reach a settlement. By comparison, litigation could take more than a year in a contested case.

An experienced attorney can help their client secure a strong negotiating position in settlement negotiations. California personal injury laws may influence how these negotiations unfold. The defendant may dispute the amount the plaintiff seeks in damages or attempt to settle for less than the plaintiff expects, but the right attorney can help the plaintiff achieve a positive outcome. Some settlements require compromise on the total amount of compensation in exchange for expediency.

You may have suffered severe injuries in your recent accident, which in turn have led to expensive medical bills and further financial strain due to the inability to work. Whatever your case entails, the right attorney can be a valuable resource for helping you not only win your case but also maximize your recovery.

The attorneys at Duque & Price excel at resolving difficult personal injury cases for clients throughout California. If you believe you have grounds to file a personal injury suit, we can help you gather the evidence needed to build a compelling case that encourages the defendant to seek a swift settlement. You have limited time to pursue your recovery, so it’s important that you reach out to our team at your first opportunity so we can get started working on your case.

FAQs

Q: Do I Need to Hire a Lawyer to Settle a Personal Injury Case?

A: It is crucial to have legal counsel on your side to settle a personal injury case in California. Even if fault for the accident appears clear and you understand the damages you are eligible to claim, you are significantly more likely to reach a favorable settlement when you have an experienced attorney negotiating for you.

Q: What Damages Can I Seek in a Personal Injury Settlement?

A: The damages you can seek in a personal injury settlement can include any economic losses you suffered because of the defendant’s actions, such as property losses, medical bills, and lost income, and you can also claim compensation for projected future losses like lost earning capacity. Additionally, you have the right to seek pain and suffering compensation that reflects the severity of the harm you suffered.

Q: When Should I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?

A: Ideally, you should hire a personal injury lawyer soon after your accident so your attorney has as much time as possible to gather the evidence needed to prove fault for the injury. You have limited time to file your personal injury case, and some of the evidence you may need to prove fault may not be available for very long. It is always optimal to start building your case with an attorney’s help as quickly as possible after an accident.

Q: Will I Win a Larger Settlement if I Hire a Personal Injury Attorney?

A: You are likely to win a larger settlement if you hire a personal injury attorney. Even if you think you understand the full scope of the damages you suffered, you could unintentionally settle for far less than you legally deserve if you do not have legal counsel advising you. Your attorney can not only increase your chances of securing favorable settlement terms, but they can also uncover forms of compensation you didn’t know you could claim.

Q: What Does It Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?

A: The cost to hire a personal injury lawyer will depend on the lawyer’s billing policy. Many personal injury attorneys throughout California accept these cases on a contingency basis. This means that instead of paying upfront and ongoing attorney’s fees, a client is charged a percentage of their final case award or settlement, and only if their attorney wins their case.

Schedule Your Confidential Consultation Today

The team at Duque & Price can help you make sense of your options for resolving a personal injury case in California. If you are wondering how long it takes to settle a personal injury case, hiring legal counsel you trust will significantly improve your case’s timetable, and you will be more likely to maximize your settlement offer. Contact Duque & Price to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help with your case.

Recommended Read:

California Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

Are Personal Injury Settlements Taxable in California?

Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in California

About The Author

Brent A. Duque

From humble beginnings and son of hard-working immigrant parents, Brent Duque was raised in La Puente, California. After graduating from West Covina High School and Mt. San Antonio College, Mr. Duque went on to graduate from Cal State University Fullerton with a Bachelors degree in Political Science. After obtaining his undergraduate degree, Mr. Duque did his graduate studies in Education and Public Administration at California Polytechnic University Pomona. After working for other firms, Mr. Duque knew that if he opened his own firm, he could provide more aggressive representation, better communication with clients, and secure larger settlements and verdicts for his clients. In 2006, he started his firm and has had a remarkable and successful career that he attributes to his firm’s aggressive and relentless pursuit of justice for his clients. As owner and managing attorney of the firm, Mr. Duque has fought for and secured millions of dollars for his clients.

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