How Long Does a Personal Injury Case Take in California? 2025

It’s a good idea to understand the basics about how long a personal injury case could take in case you’re ever part of a claim. Certain factors might impact the timeframe for your specific case. You might be ready to pursue justice, but you may still be wondering, “How long does a personal injury case take in California?”

California Personal Injury Case Timelines

Each California personal injury case is unique. As a result, there isn’t really a straightforward answer about how long your case might take. There are a variety of reasons why your case might be either shorter or longer than you anticipated. Cases for personal injuries, like car accidents or slip and falls, can take from a few months to several years to conclude.

The exact timeline often depends on the case’s complexity, the seriousness of the injuries sustained, and how the case is resolved.

The Case’s Complexity

A more straightforward case, where liability is easily proven, can take a shorter period to wrap up. However, more complicated cases involving severe injuries and multiple parties typically last longer.

From 2023 to 2024, over 4.8 million cases were filed across California’s superior (or trial) courts. Based on the available data, approximately 80% of civil cases filed with the California Superior Courts from 2014 to 2024 concluded within 24 months.

An experienced California-licensed attorney can discuss whether your case is complex and how that might impact its timeframe.

The Seriousness of Your Injuries

If the injuries involved in your specific case are substantial, then it might take a significant amount of time for the parties to complete the discovery needed to build a case. Discovery in a case means that the parties collect evidence to support their arguments.

Most plaintiffs want to make sure they have reached what doctors call “maximum medical improvement” before attempting to resolve their claim. That way, they can make sure the amount they may obtain accurately reflects the full extent of their medical bills. If you resolve a case without reaching your full recovery, you may lose out on some of the money you need.

Cases with serious injuries can take longer to reach maximum medical improvement. It’s important to figure out the full extent of your injuries and expenses. Generally, more serious injury cases tend to last longer.

The more support you have to build your injury claim, the better. Consequently, it can take time to gather important documents, like:

• Accident reports
• Witness statements
• Medical records and professional reports
• Accident photographs/videos

Complex cases that involve substantial losses or where liability is contested can take time. It’s important to fully collect every piece of relevant evidence to build a strong case, even if it adds to the case’s overall timeline.

How the Case Is Resolved

If your case concludes through negotiations and a settlement, that can take a shorter amount of time. However, even negotiations can last a few rounds before an agreement is reached, which can lead to longer wait times.

An experienced personal injury lawyer can negotiate zealously for you. However, one side is sometimes unwilling to negotiate in good faith, and the case may have to move toward trial.

Also, if you weren’t at fault, you’re often entitled to compensation. Therefore, it’s important to remain patient and allow your attorney time to build a strong case. They may need a while to collect sufficient evidence for your case. Pursuing financial recovery can often take time, but it can also be worth the wait.

As you can see, some cases can be resolved quickly, while others may take longer. There are many reasons why this can happen. If you need aid with a specific personal injury matter, consult a trusted California attorney.

FAQs

Do More Serious Injuries Make a Case Take Longer?

Yes, personal injury cases for serious injuries often take longer to conclude. This is because it can take time to determine the full extent of the injuries and damages. If a case lasts longer, it lets the parties determine the full amount of the damages, which can boost the overall value of a claim.

Are Settlements Usually Faster in California Than Trial Cases?

Yes, settlements in California generally take less time than going through a trial and waiting for a verdict award. An attorney can make sure that either process moves efficiently throughout your case. They can investigate your case, prepare court documents, and document your damages.

However, while a settlement can speed up the process, moving through a case quickly doesn’t always benefit your financial recovery. An attorney can review your case’s details to maximize your recovery.

What’s the Average Time It Takes to Settle a California Personal Injury Case?

The average time it might take to settle your personal injury case depends on several factors, like:

• The details of the case
• The injuries involved
• Whether there was any property damage
• Whether liability is disputed
• Whether your case goes to court

It can take a short time to settle your case with a settlement check, or you could end up with more recovery if you take it a little bit slower and your case goes to court.

Should I Settle My Personal Injury Case?

Whether you settle your specific case should be based on several case-specific factors, like:

• The complexity of your case
• The injuries you’ve suffered
• Whether the parties are willing to negotiate
• Whether the evidence supports your side of the case
• Whether you’ve considered all your options for resolving your case

An attorney can explore whether a settlement is a beneficial option so you can make an informed decision.

Contact Corrales Law Group Today: Protect Yourself With a California Accident Attorney

Corrales Law Group can discuss the anticipated timeframe for your California personal injury case. Our firm has proudly represented victims of personal injury accidents since 2012, and we can pursue the compensation you deserve to move forward. We can also go over any concerns you might have.

Corrales Law Group is a bilingual law firm, so contact us for a consultation with an experienced, compassionate attorney.