How Long After a Demand Letter Does a Settlement Take in California?

Accidents caused by negligence can cause complex legal battles. If you’ve been injured in an accident and you believe someone else was at fault, you may sue the liable party and recover compensation for your damages. Although filing a claim with your insurance may be a quicker way to receive a settlement, your insurance likely won’t offer you the maximum amount you deserve.

A Sacramento personal injury lawyer from Crowell Law Offices can help pinpoint the at-fault party in your case. Once you’ve done the initial work of submitting a demand letter, you must wait for the defendant to take action. Patience is key when pursuing a settlement because, if you take the time to fight for what you deserve, the result can be well worth the wait.

Negotiations with the Defendant

After sending a demand letter to the defendant stating why you’re suing them and how much money you hope to recover, the defendant will either deny the letter, pay your desired settlement, or enter negotiations. More than likely, they’ll try to negotiate with you to avoid going to court. If you negotiate with the defendant and can’t come to an agreement, then trial may be necessary.

Going to Trial for Your Personal Injury Lawsuit

The trial process can take as long as a few months or as short as a week, depending on the complexity of your case. You and your personal injury attorney in Sacramento can prepare for court by gathering evidence, building strong arguments, and staying confident. If the judge asks you questions during trial, you should answer them concisely, but your attorney will do most of the talking.

Both sides will present their arguments, bring witnesses forward, and cross-examine witnesses before the jury deliberates and delivers a verdict. The judge will then explain the settlement awarded to you if you win your case.

Reach Out to a Sacramento Personal Injury Attorney

There’s no specific timeline for personal injury cases because some cases are more complex than others. If you believe you deserve a settlement for injuries you’ve suffered in an accident, moving forward with a lawsuit can be worth the time and effort required.

If you’d like to discuss your options with a Sacramento personal injury lawyer from Crowell Law Offices, fill out the contact form below or call 916-303-2800 to schedule a free consultation.