If you’re thinking about filing a lawsuit after a car accident, you may want to know about the timeline. You will have mounting medical bills, lost income, and other expenses. Any delays can mean more frustration and waiting. But sometimes, a trial is unavoidable.

So, how long does a car accident trial last? From start to finish, a case can take several months to over a year to resolve. Sometimes, this is even longer, depending on the circumstances.

Here is what you need to know about how long these car accident cases can take.

What Can Affect the Length of a Trial?

While some trials wrap up in just a few days, others can take longer. A variety of factors can influence the overall timeline. When you know what can cause delays, that can help set realistic expectations and reduce some of the uncertainty that comes with going to trial.

Case Complexity

Some car accident cases are clear-cut, and the trial may move quickly in those instances. But things tend to take more time when the facts are more complicated. If the accident involved multiple vehicles, commercial drivers, or disputed liability, the court may need extensive time to sort out what happened.

Court Scheduling and Judicial Availability

The court’s calendar may be full even when your case is ready for trial. Courts, especially in busy counties like Prince George’s County, have crowded dockets. Many times, it is not unusual for civil trials to be rescheduled or delayed because criminal cases take priority or the judge is handling another matter.

Witness and Expert Availability

Trials rely heavily on testimony from certain individuals, including eyewitnesses, treating physicians, and professional experts. However, coordinating these appearances can be challenging. Doctors may have full patient schedules. Accident reconstruction experts might be in court on other cases. Even lay witnesses can be difficult to pin down if they’ve moved out of state or have limited availability.

The court will accommodate scheduling conflicts where possible but securing live testimony may lead to pauses or rescheduling during trial.

Ongoing Settlement Negotiations

Even once a trial is underway, that does not mean both sides stop talking. It is common for negotiations to continue right up until the verdict. Seeing how the evidence unfolds can sometimes bring one side back to the table with a more reasonable offer. When that happens, both parties may ask the judge for time to negotiate and pause the trial.

Unforeseen Complications

Finally, unexpected developments can arise that impact how long the trial lasts. For example:

• A new piece of evidence might surface that requires additional legal arguments.
• A witness might become unavailable or contradict earlier statements.
• The judge might rule that certain issues must be addressed in separate proceedings.

Your legal team will need to prepare for as many contingencies as possible. When going to trial, you want to be flexible and ready to respond to surprises.

What to Expect During the Trial

If your case does go to trial, you might be worried about waiting months or years to reach a decision.

Here is how the timeline usually breaks down:

Jury Selection

The first day or two of a trial is spent selecting a jury. Both sides want jurors who can be fair and impartial. With the process of questioning and elimination, it can take a few days to get there.

Opening Statements

Once the jury is selected, each side gives an opening statement. This is where your attorney describes what happened, the evidence they plan to show, and why you deserve compensation. Think of this as setting the stage for the case. Sometimes, opening statements wrap in one day, but other times, it can drag on for a couple of days.

Presenting Evidence

This part can last a few days to a week or more. This will depend on how much evidence is in the case.

Your side will go first. The lawyer will present witness testimony, medical records, accident reconstructions, and expert opinions. After that, the defense has their turn to present their side of the story.

Closing Arguments and Jury Deliberation

After all the evidence is presented, both attorneys give closing arguments. The judge gives the jury instructions, and they head off to deliberate. Jury deliberation might take a few hours.

However, it could take several days, especially if the case is complicated.

The Verdict

Once the jury reaches a decision, the verdict is read in court. Depending on the outcome, there could be additional motions or even appeals. In most cases, this is when you will know whether you have won and what compensation you’re entitled to receive.

Should I Be Worried About How Long the Trial Takes?

This can be frustrating when dealing with delays, especially if you are facing medical bills, lost income, and the emotional stress that often follows a serious accident.

Keep in mind that you don’t want to rush the process. You and your legal team need to take the time to fully prepare and present your case properly. This can make all the difference in the outcome.

We’re Here to Guide You

At GDH Law, we work hard to keep things moving while always putting your best interests first. That means being thorough and strategic and keeping you informed every step of the way.

If you are facing the possibility of a trial after a car accident, our team has handled countless cases like yours. We know what it takes to get results.

Whether your case resolves through settlement or goes to trial, we’re with you every step.