How Long Does a Personal Injury Case Take in California?

If you’ve been injured in an accident in California—whether in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, or anywhere across the state—one of the first questions you likely have is: “How long is this going to take?” The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all timeline for personal injury claims. Some cases are resolved in a few months, while others can take a year or more to reach a fair settlement or go to trial.

In this post, we’ll walk you through what affects the length of a personal injury case in California, outline typical timelines, and help you understand what to expect. At the end, we’ve included an FAQ section to answer some of the most common questions from clients who’ve suffered serious injuries in car accidents, slip-and-falls, or other negligence-related incidents across Southern California.

The Short Answer: It Depends on Several Factors

Most personal injury claims in California take anywhere from several months to over two years to resolve, depending on the complexity of the case and how willing the insurance company is to negotiate fairly.

The main factors that affect the timeline  of your personal injury case in California include:

• The severity of your injuries
• How long it takes you to reach maximum medical improvement (MMI)
• The amount of damages you’re seeking
• Liability disputes
• Whether the case settles or goes to trial
• The efficiency of the legal team handling the case

Phase-by-Phase Breakdown of a California Personal Injury Case

Let’s look at the general steps in a personal injury case and how long each may take. Note that many factors will influence the outcome of your own case, but here are some typical timelines for each phase.

1. Medical Treatment and Recovery (Weeks to Months)

Before your attorney can begin demanding compensation, you need to reach a stable point in your recovery known as maximum medical improvement (MMI). This means your condition has either resolved or plateaued, and your doctor has a clear view of any long-term effects.

Why is this important? Because settling too early—before the full extent of your injury is known—can leave you undercompensated for future costs like physical therapy or ongoing pain management.

In Los Angeles, for example, where traffic accidents often result in complex orthopedic injuries, reaching MMI could take several months or longer depending on the type of treatment required.

2. Investigation and Demand Letter (1 to 3 Months)

Once your treatment is complete or significantly underway, your attorney will gather all supporting documents: medical records, bills, police reports, wage loss data, and more. Then they prepare a demand letter, which outlines your injuries, how the accident occurred, and the total amount of compensation being requested.

In California, preparing a strong demand package may take a few weeks to a couple of months, especially if multiple providers or insurance carriers are involved.

3. Negotiation with the Insurance Company (1 to 6 Months)

After receiving the demand letter, the insurance company will review the claim and make an initial offer. This often leads to a series of negotiations. Many cases settle during this phase—especially if liability is clear and your documentation is solid.

However, in cities like Beverly Hills, where medical treatment can be expensive and damages higher, insurance companies may dig in and make lowball offers. If negotiations stall, your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit.

4. Filing a Lawsuit and Discovery Phase (6 Months to 1 Year or More)

If your case cannot be resolved through settlement, it will move into litigation. This means filing a formal lawsuit in civil court, most commonly in the Superior Court of Los Angeles County if the incident occurred in or near LA.

Once the lawsuit is filed, the discovery process begins. This involves:

• Depositions
• Interrogatories (written questions)
• Requests for documents
• Expert evaluations

Discovery can take several months to over a year, depending on the case’s complexity and how cooperative both parties are.

5. Mediation or Trial (1 Day to Several Weeks)

Many personal injury cases in California are resolved through mediation, where both sides meet with a neutral third party to try to reach a compromise before trial. Mediation usually occurs after discovery and can lead to settlement in just one day.

If mediation fails, the case proceeds to trial, which can take several days to multiple weeks. Court availability in counties like Los Angeles, Orange, or Ventura may also impact when your trial is scheduled. In recent years, pandemic-related backlogs have extended wait times in some jurisdictions.

Even though many personal injury claims settle within 6 to 12 months, those that involve litigation may take 18 to 24 months or longer, particularly in high-value or disputed cases in busy California court systems.

What Can You Do to Help Speed Things Up?

While certain delays are out of your control, there are steps you can take to help keep your personal injury case moving:

• Follow your medical treatment plan and attend all appointments
• Provide documents promptly when your attorney requests them
• Avoid delays in communication with your legal team
• Be honest and thorough when describing your symptoms and limitations
• Work with a personal injury law firm experienced in California law, such as B|B Law Group, that knows how to apply pressure to insurance companies and navigate the local court system

Why Having an Experienced California Personal Injury Attorney Matters

Working with an experienced personal injury attorney in California can significantly impact the timeline and success of your case. A lawyer familiar with Los Angeles-area courts, local insurance practices, and California personal injury statutes can better anticipate obstacles and push for fair, timely resolutions.

For instance, B|B Law Group has extensive experience handling accident claims in cities like Los Angeles, Sherman Oaks, Burbank, Glendale, and throughout Southern California. We help clients build strong cases, avoid costly mistakes, and stay informed every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I settle my case without going to court?

Yes. Most California personal injury claims settle out of court. An experienced attorney can often resolve your case during negotiations or mediation without the need for a trial.

What’s the statute of limitations for personal injury in California?

Generally, you have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in California. However, some exceptions apply (such as claims against government entities, which may have shorter deadlines).

Will hiring a lawyer delay my case?

No. In fact, hiring a skilled attorney often speeds up your case by ensuring it’s handled efficiently and that pressure is applied at the right points to move things forward.

 What happens if I need more treatment after I settle?

Once you accept a settlement, your claim is closed, and you usually can’t go back for more compensation. That’s why it’s important not to settle until you understand the full extent of your injuries.

How can I get updates on my case progress?

Ask your attorney for regular updates. At B|B Law Group, we believe in keeping clients informed through consistent communication—whether your case is in Los Angeles or anywhere across California.

Conclusion

While every personal injury case in California is different, most follow a similar timeline with several key phases: medical recovery, investigation, negotiation, litigation (if necessary), and resolution. Factors like injury severity, court availability, and insurance company tactics can all influence how long your claim will take. Trust your personal injury case in California to our team.

If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence—whether in a Los Angeles car accident, a Glendale slip-and-fall, or another incident—our team at B|B Law Group can help you understand your options and navigate the legal process from start to finish.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and get answers tailored to your situation. We’re here to fight for the compensation and peace of mind you deserve. Our lawyers work hard on behalf of injured California clients.