The Law Offices Of Jonathan C. Capp Esq.

How Long Does A Personal Injury Claim Typically Take To Get Resolved?


When I am asked how long it typically takes to resolve a personal injury claim, I encourage people not to rush the process. Don’t think that you’re going to get some quick, easy money, because if you do, then you’re normally not going to get as much. In order to maximize the recovery, sometimes we have to be in it for the long haul. In California, most cases typically go to trial within a year, simply because we have trial reduction rules in California. We are fairly quick in California. The rule of thumb is eight to 12 months until both the insurance company and the plaintiff’s attorney have analyzed and come to a reasonable evaluation of the case. At that point, the case should settle. However, it does vary from case to case.

What Are Some Things People Do That Can Potentially Harm Their Personal Injury Claim?

The worse thing that they could do is start emailing insurance adjusters. It’s extremely important to talk to an attorney straightaway and don’t start emailing the insurance adjusters. This is because the insurance adjusters will be the first people to exploit or misinterpret anything you say. I would say that’s the major error that I see clients making. They might think that they can get a quick settlement by entering into negotiation with the insurance adjuster, but they’re normally mistaken. Generally speaking, insurance adjusters are only interested in denying cases and saving money for the insurance company. This is something that people should never lose sight of- the insurance adjuster is not the injured person’s friend.

Can Someone Even Afford An Experienced Personal Injury Attorney?

Typically, we would take cases on contingency, meaning that we would advance all of the hard cost for medical experts, jury fees, depositions, etc., and then we would be compensated based on a percentage of recovery. The cost to the plaintiff would be minimal, so it’s certainly something that you can afford. Also, you can’t afford not to get proper legal advice.

What Makes Your Firm Particularly Suited To Handling Personal Injury Claims?

Our firm is extremely tenacious and extremely dedicated. We’re not one of those law firms that seek a quick settlement, and we’re not looking to turn over a lot of cases. We handle every case as if it will go to trial, and we represent our clients accordingly.

Do Most Personal Injury Attorneys Avoid Taking Cases To Trial?

Most personal injury attorneys absolutely avoid taking cases to trial. There are a lot of lawyers who are simply scared of going to trial. They don’t have the confidence or the ability to take a case to trial, or else they are just too lazy to go to trial. That’s a big red flag. You need to ensure that if you retain a personal injury attorney, that it is somebody who has experience trying cases and is prepared to go to trial. That’s the first thing the insurance company will ask themselves.

For more information on Resolution Of A Personal Injury Claim, a free initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (760) 231-6498 today.

Jonathan C. Capp, Esq.

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(760) 231-6498