Suppose you want to pursue a personal injury claim in California and receive your compensation quickly. In that case, you should work closely with a personal injury attorney to take the proper steps and avoid mistakes that might prolong your claim.
Personal injury claims are a complex process, and many variables influence how long it takes to settle them. For example, the complexity of your case, along with the severity of your injuries, and the willingness of both parties to negotiate a settlement, all play a factor.
Since each case is unique, there is no specific timeline for personal injury claims, but you can expect to reach a settlement in a couple of months. Complex cases can extend for years. Here is what you should know!
Filing a Personal Injury Claim
To ensure that your personal injury claim goes smoothly and you don’t prolong the process, you have to file it as soon as possible. In California, personal injury claims are subjected to the statute of limitations, a timeframe for you to submit your claim.
In California, most personal injury claims must be filed within two years from the accident date. There are some exceptions to this, but generally, the sooner you file a claim, the faster you will reach your desired outcome.
Also, consider working with a personal injury lawyer to ensure that you understand all your legal options and prepare your case appropriately. This includes all the paperwork, so you are ready to take action with a legal advisor by your side should any issues arise.
The process starts once you file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. If you have a lawyer at this stage, you are more likely to solve your personal injury claim quickly since they already have prepared your case.
This includes gathering evidence, like police reports, medical reports, and other important documents. Your lawyer will be able to assess what you are entitled to based on the evidence and will negotiate with the insurance company to reach a favorable settlement.
When a Claim Becomes a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Having a personal injury lawyer by your side doesn’t mean your case will go to court—quite the opposite. It will help you reach a settlement faster since they will negotiate with the at-fault party and the insurance company using their legal knowledge and expertise to get a settlement.
If your lawyer cannot reach a settlement, your personal injury claim will take longer. However, since your lawyer worked with you from the beginning, they are prepared to represent you in court.
They will already know all the ins and outs of your case, and in general, no lawyer will risk taking a case to court unless they believe they have a good chance of wining. Also, most lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning they won’t charge a fee unless they win your case.