After a car accident, in addition to suffering injuries, you may feel confused and overwhelmed by what to do next. If the other driver was responsible for your injuries and property damage, you might be curious about an auto accident settlement timeline in California.
Although the facts making up each case vary, many follow the same general timeline.
As you struggle with mounting medical expenses, an inability to work, and recovery, understanding the process and timeline for handling a car accident case may make life easier by letting you know what to expect.
An essential first step in a car accident lawsuit timeline is to seek medical treatment. Even if you don’t think you’re injured, it’s still wise to seek a medical evaluation following a car accident. A prompt diagnosis by a physician creates a medical record that your attorney will use to support your claim for recovery.
Additionally, many injuries, such as whiplash, are not immediately apparent. So it’s important to make a record of your injuries by seeking medical treatment as soon as possible.
Another critical step in a car accident settlement timeline in California is retaining an attorney. Promptly consulting with a qualified personal injury attorney after an accident can make a massive difference in obtaining just compensation.
A skilled personal injury attorney understands the car accident settlement timeline process and negotiates with insurance adjusters and attorneys so you don’t have to.
Additionally, California follows a strict two-year statute of limitations on all personal injury claims. This means that you must file a lawsuit within two years from the date of the accident. A failure to file a lawsuit within the specified period likely bars you from filing at a later date.
Gathering evidence to support your compensation claim is important for the car accident lawsuit timeline.
Evidence used to support your claim include the following:
Medical reports are used to support your demand for compensation based on the injuries suffered in the accident. Your attorney uses police reports, witness statements, and photographs to establish the other driver’s fault.
California is a comparative negligence state. This means that even if you are deemed partially responsible for causing the accident, you are not barred from seeking compensation. Rather, your damages award is decreased by your percentage of fault.
For this reason, your attorney understands that a clear establishment of guilt on the part of the other driver helps prevent a reduction in your compensatory damages.
The following steps in the car accident settlement timeline in California occur when your attorney drafts a demand letter to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Generally, sending a demand letter prompts the negotiation process with the other driver’s insurance company.
A demand letter includes the following information:
Using the evidence gathered and analyzed in your case, your attorney determines a value for your case and includes this in the demand letter. Upon receipt, the at-fault driver’s insurance company then generally counters with their own offer.
Many personal injury cases settle during this stage, thus avoiding a lawsuit. However, this potential for a quick resolution changes if an insurance company fails to negotiate or refuses to pay anything.
Your attorney may file a lawsuit against the at-fault party if negotiations fail. A personal injury attorney knows that the statute of limitations for a personal injury lawsuit in California is two years from the date of the accident.
An experienced attorney also understands the tactics utilized by insurance companies. For example, some insurance companies may delay negotiations to run the statute of limitations and bar you from filing a lawsuit.
Discovery occurs after the filing of a lawsuit. In this stage, both parties attempt to seek information from the other in an effort to undermine the other’s position or strengthen their position.
Discovery takes many forms, including:
The discovery process is a lengthy but crucial tool for uncovering useful information. In some situations, information discovered in this stage prompts settlement discussions as it exposes the weakness of one party’s position.
Mediation refers to the stage in the car accident lawsuit timeline when both parties agree to negotiate a settlement with a neutral third party. With an agreement to split the cost of mediation, a retired judge or experienced lawyer reviews the case and hears from both sides. Through discussions, the mediator attempts to assist the parties in reaching an agreement.
The auto accident settlement timeline in California proceeds to a trial when the parties cannot reach an agreement. During trial, each party’s attorney presents their position to either a jury or the judge by introducing evidence, witnesses, and experts.
The process for handling a car accident case is complex and time-consuming. Missing essential deadlines or failing to uncover necessary evidence may have serious consequences for your case. That’s why you need a qualified personal injury attorney on your side.
The attorneys at Glotzer & Leib, LLP, do everything within their power to secure the compensation you need so you can focus on your recovery.
With over fifty years of experience in personal injury law, we know every step of the car accident settlement timeline process. You can rely on our firm whenever an accident involves you or your family.
We treat our clients like family and work tirelessly on their behalf to ensure they obtain the maximum value of an injury settlement or jury award.
Contact the attorneys at Glotzer and Leib today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
“Mr. Glotzer represented me after I was involved in a car accident. I was badly injured,but the insurance company refused to offer me a reasonable settlement. I decided to find an attorney and decided to hire Josh.
His law firm did a great job on my case. They were very responsive to all my questions and obtained a great resolution for me. I received way more money than was originally offered. I would recommend their firm to friends and family.”
“Mr. Josh Glotzer is a great attorney. Over the last 15 years he has helped me on a number of cases with professionalism, and more importantly a positive outcome in my favor. I have referred him to a number of friends and colleagues, all of which have been equally as happy with his legal representation. I trust him and confident in legal ability. I highly recommend his law firm.”
“Don’t try to deal with insurance companies on your own. They strung me along for almost two years before I gave the case to Glotzer & Leib. Josh and his team quickly obtained a settlement that netted me many times what the insurance company was offering. Thank You!”
“My wife was in a car accident last year and Josh did an amazing job representing her. It’s very refreshing to see someone in his profession that actually cares and puts his clients first. He’s the best in the business and I feel so fortunate that I was referred to him. Keep up the great work and thanks for everything you did for my family!”
“I was in a rear end car accident last year and hired Mr. Glotzer’s office. It wasn’t a big case but their office helped me with my property damage claim and did a good job resolving the injury portion of the case as well.”
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