FAQ Category: FAQs About Personal Injury Attorneys in California

In California, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is two years from the date of the injury, meaning you have two years to file a lawsuit. However, if your case involves a government entity, you must file a claim within six months. Missing these deadlines could result in losing your right to seek compensation, so it’s important to act promptly and consult with a personal injury lawyer to understand the specific timelines that apply to your case.

Yes, personal injury lawyers are worth it because they bring experience that can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Insurance companies will exploit your situation without a lawyer and offer the minimum compensation. We’ve seen it happen too many times, and people deserve someone to fight for them!

A personal injury lawsuit typically begins with filing a complaint in court, outlining your case and the damages you’re seeking. The defendant then has a chance to respond, and the discovery process follows, where both sides gather evidence. This stage may involve depositions, document exchanges, and expert testimony. Most cases are settled before trial, but if an agreement can’t be reached, the case goes to court, where a judge or jury decides the outcome. Throughout this process, your lawyer will guide you, handle negotiations, and represent your best interests.

A lawyer knows all the twists and turns of the legal process, so you don’t have to stress over paperwork or figuring out how to deal with insurance companies. They’re there to handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on what matters: getting better. Plus, their experience can often give you a much better outcome than going it alone. It’s about having someone in your corner who’s got your back every step of the way.

We occasionally get this question, and the answer depends on several factors. Each personal injury case is unique. A simple example would be looking at a car accident. Was it a fender bender with minor injuries or a multi-vehicle collision with people in critical condition being airlifted to the nearest hospital? As you can see, these are two very different circumstances with degrees of injuries. 

The short answer is some cases take longer because there’s more work that needs to be done. Gathering all the necessary evidence, such as medical records and expert testimony, also takes time. Additionally, court schedules and legal procedures can extend the timeline if the case goes to trial. While it may sometimes be frustrating, you need to hire an attorney you trust and can handle your case responsibly.