Maison Law can answer any question you might have about the personal injury process in California. Our team of experienced lawyers understands what you’re going through when you get hurt, and how challenging the process can seem. Some cases last longer than others, but our team will be there to support you through it all. Contact us today to talk about your options.
How Long Do Personal Injury Cases Take?
One of the most difficult things about any personal injury case is figuring out how long they can take. There’s generally no timeline on a case: some resolve quicker, while others can take months.
However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t markers for figuring this out. So, if you’re wondering how long your personal injury case might take, here’s a few guidelines:
- How serious your injuries are – Usually, the more hurt you are, the more medical treatment you’ll need. This can make your case take longer because we need to fully understand your medical situation before resolving your case.
- How complicated liability is – If it’s clear who’s at fault, your case can move faster. But if figuring out who is responsible is complicated–like when multiple people are involved–it will take more time.
- The nature of your accident – Some accidents are more complex than others. If your accident involves many details or unusual factors, it can make the case take longer to resolve.
- How strong your evidence is – Strong evidence, like clear medical records and reliable witness statements, can help your case move quickly. Weak or unclear evidence can slow things down because we need more time to prove your case.
What’s important to understand is that building a strong case takes time. This is true even in more simple accidents, but in order to get the full amount of the compensation California law makes available to you, you need to understand how the claims process works.
What’s the Claims Process Like in an Injury Case?
Every accident has its own unique circumstances and process. But as a victim, you generally have two options for filing a claim: going through insurance or filing a lawsuit.
- Insurance claim – The first step in the process is usually filing a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Once filed, an adjuster will review the case and (most of the time) will offer you a settlement. Settling out of court can be faster and less expensive, but it might not cover all your damages, and the company decides the final amount.
- Lawsuit – Filing a lawsuit means going to court, which can take more time and resources. However, a lawsuit also potentially means more compensation in “damages.” We can help with filing paperwork, preparing for court, negotiating, and representing you at trial if necessary.
There’s no guarantee of success in any case, but our experienced team aims to maximize your chances of receiving fair compensation. This compensation, or “damages,” can include:
- Medical expenses and hospital bills
- Lost wages
- Costs for repairing or replacing damaged property
- Compensation for physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life and companionship
- Punitive damages in certain cases
- Expenses related to wrongful death
In California, you have to file your claim within two years of the date of the accident. Missing this deadline could mean losing your chance for these damages. Like your case’s timeline, the amount you recover depends on various factors, including the specifics of your accident, your level of fault, and the guidance of our team.
Will Having a Lawyer Make My Case Resolve Faster?
There’s no requirement in California that says you need a lawyer to file an injury claim. With that said, though, it can help in many different ways. This includes making the entire process more efficient–thus taking less time to wrap up.
Our experienced California personal injury lawyers understand what it takes for a strong injury claim. That’s why we help our clients by explaining their rights and options, and generally making the process easier. However, here’s how we can make your case resolve faster:
- Legal guidance – Our lawyers understand the legal system and know how to approach it more efficiently, avoiding common pitfalls and delays.
- Efficiency – Our lawyers are also skilled at collecting and organizing evidence quickly, which can help move your case along.
- Effective negotiation – With experience in negotiating with insurance companies and opposing parties, lawyers can often secure faster and fairer settlements.
- Reducing errors – Our lawyers and team can make sure all paperwork is filed correctly and on time, avoiding delays caused by errors or missed deadlines.
Remember, while having our lawyers on your side can make your case move along faster, there’s no guarantee once the claims process is undertaken. However, you can have confidence that our team will do everything they can to support your claim and make sure you have what you need for a successful outcome.
Contact Maison Law For Guidance and Support
If you’re injured in an accident in California, it can be challenging to know the next steps. At Maison Law, we are here to guide and support you throughout your claim. Trust our experience to protect your legal rights and get the financial support you need for your recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation.
