If you have been in a car accident in Sacramento, you should work with a personal injury lawyer to ensure that you are properly compensated for your injuries and damages. A settlement amount can vary significantly depending on the severity of your injuries and the extent of your losses, including past, present, and future medical expenses; lost wages; destroyed property; deformation or disability; and emotional distress and pain and suffering. The length of time it takes to resolve a case also varies depending on the specific circumstances and how complicated the legal process is. In general, it can take anywhere from a few months to a few years.
The timeline of a lawsuit is determined in part by statutes of limitations, which are set deadlines for filing a claim or lawsuit. If a claim is not filed within the statute of limitations, it will be barred from consideration in court. A car accident lawyer can help clients comply with statutes of limitations by reviewing their claims and providing guidance on how long to wait to file a lawsuit.
After the initial consultation, a personal injury lawyer will work with their client to gather evidence on how the accident occurred and any related damages. This includes working with medical and economic experts to evaluate the client’s losses. This may include examining the client’s past, current, and future medical expenses; calculating their loss of income and earning capacity; and analyzing any property damage.
Once the legal investigation and documentation is complete, a lawyer will draft a demand letter to the at-fault party’s insurance company. This will contain the facts of the case and a legal argument why their insured is liable. It will then request compensation for the victim’s losses.
If the parties are unable to agree on a settlement during this phase of the litigation, mediation will be ordered by the judge overseeing the case. During mediation, a neutral third party (usually a retired judge or experienced attorney) reviews the case and hears arguments from both sides. The goal of mediation is to help the parties come to an agreement on a car accident settlement. This usually occurs between nine and eighteen months after the lawsuit is filed.
If the parties still cannot reach an agreement on a car accident settlement during mediation, the case will be scheduled for trial. At this point, both sides will have the opportunity to call witnesses and present their case before a judge. The jury will then decide on a verdict. If the jury finds in favor of the plaintiff, a judge will issue a final judgment for compensation. If the defendant is found liable, they will be required to pay compensatory damages to the plaintiff. If they are found not liable, they will be required to pay a penalty or fine to the plaintiff. For more information about the car accident lawsuit process, contact a Sacramento accident lawsuit process attorney today.