How long does a personal injury case take to settle?

The timeline for a personal injury case can vary widely. A straightforward car accident claim might settle in a few months, while a complex case involving severe injuries or disputed liability could take a year or longer – especially if it goes to trial. In our experience serving clients in San Bernardino County, many cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it may go to court to ensure we are ready to fight for you as long as it takes to achieve a fair result.

What is the average settlement for a car accident claim?

There is no one-size-fits-all settlement amount for a car accident claim. Settlement values depend on several factors, including the severity of injuries, medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Minor accidents might settle for tens of thousands of dollars, whereas catastrophic injury cases can result in six- or seven-figure settlements. Our firm has recovered anywhere from $100,000 to millions of dollars for car accident victims. We focus on maximizing your compensation based on the unique details of your case.

What should I do after a car accident?

If you’re involved in a car accident, first ensure safety and call 911 to report any injuries. Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor, as some symptoms can appear later. Document the scene by taking photos and gathering contact information from other drivers and witnesses. Notify your insurance company of the accident, but avoid giving a detailed statement until you speak with an attorney. It’s wise to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible – our firm can guide you through the process, communicate with insurance companies on your behalf, and help preserve crucial evidence for your claim.

How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in California?

In California, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims – including car accidents – is two years from the date of the injury. This means you generally have up to two years to file a lawsuit if you wish to pursue compensation, or you may lose your right to recover damages. However, there are exceptions: for example, claims against a government agency often require a notice of claim to be filed within 6 months. Because legal deadlines can vary, it’s important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after an injury. We ensure all filings are completed timely so our clients’ rights are protected.

Justin King Obtains $3.2 Million Settlement with CSU San Bernardino

Justin King recently finalized a $3.2 million settlement with California State University, San Bernardino in a personal injury car accident case involving a university police officer who was a distracted driver.

“My client was on her way to a training to help her learn how to do her job better when a clearly distracted driver broke the law he is sworn to uphold causing her life-long injuries,” said attorney Justin King.

Before the accident, the woman was highly active who loved the outdoors and hiking. She was also a loving grandmother who played with her grandchildren and volunteered at her local YMCA. However, the fallout from the injuries she suffered caused her to be bed-ridden and in need of serious medical assistance for months.

Case Facts

In a case involving injuries that never should have happened, a woman who was an employee of San Bernardino County was driving her car along the 210 freeway on her way to a work-training that was being put on by the County of San Bernardino. A Cal State officer was driving behind her when he struck her vehicle from behind, sending her crashing into the car in front of her, across several lanes of traffic and then down into a ravine on the south side of the 210 freeway. She ultimately wound up hitting a tree in the ravine.

Although she was lucky to escape with her life, the woman and her family were appalled when they learned why the accident occurred. A truck driver testified that the officer was looking down at his cell phone shortly before the crash. The officer was on his way to work at Cal State San Bernardino and was in full dress uniform driving an unmarked police vehicle owned by the California State University Police.

As a result of the crash, the woman suffered multiple broken ribs on her left side, a burst compression fracture to her spine, an injured right knee, an open fracture to her right ankle which included a fracture of the talus bone in her ankle and a complete severing of the talofibular ligament in her right ankle. She also suffered a broken nose as well as a deviated septum which makes it difficult for her to breathe through her left nostril.

After the accident, she was transported by ambulance to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center and was there for 4 days undergoing various surgeries to repair her ankle. Her ankle remained in a boot for more than a month and her upper torso was placed in a brace she had to wear on a 24-hour basis for three months. After the initial 4-day hospital stay, she was transferred to Loma Linda University Medical Center Acute Rehab Center for another 2 weeks. She used a walker for several months and then used a cane for several more months. She required 24 hours, around the clock care until her upper torso brace was removed. She needed 17 months of physical therapy on her back and right ankle and she suffered significant pain, instability and limitation of movement in her ankle.

“This poor woman couldn’t even go to the bathroom by herself for months, let alone enjoy a hike with the lover of her life or wrestling around with her grandkids,” said attorney King. “Car accident injuries like this are often deadly and could have been prevented had an officer of the law just obeyed the law.”

The case is Diane Lynne Lee v. Cal State San Bernardino, San Bernardino County Superior Court, Case No. CIVDS1905109.

Categories : Local News, San Bernardino, Settlements

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By Justin H. King, Esq. | Posted on December 3, 2020

Kayla Lopez

20:43 30 Mar 25

Kristina Z

08:00 26 Mar 25

cece banuelos

00:21 12 Mar 25

I can’t say enough good things about Justin king and his team! After my accident, I was overwhelmed and unsure of what to do, but they made the entire process so easy and stress-free. From the very beginning, they were kind, professional, and incredibly hardworking. They kept me informed every step of the way and made sure I got the best possible outcome. I truly felt like they cared about me and my case. If you’re looking for a lawyer who will fight for you and treat you with respect, this is the team you want on your side! Highly recommend!

Savannah Gill

16:50 08 Mar 25

I can't say enough good things about The Law Offices of Justin H. King. After my car accident, I was overwhelmed dealing with the insurance companies. They really took a weight off my shoulders. The team was fantastic – always responsive and patient, answering all my questions whenever I called. They fought hard for me and got me a settlement I was really happy with. It was such a relief knowing they were in my corner. I highly recommend them to anyone needing help with a car accident case!

Kaylee McFarland

21:21 20 Dec 24

I hired J King Law to represent me when I was hit by a car walking into a grocery store in Hesperia, Ca. When I explained the situation to Justin and his firm they were extremely understanding and reassuring that this will be taken care of and they will fight for me. Throughout the process the whole team was very attentive and honest about everything that came up. I have nothing but, great things to say about this law firm. I highly recommend them to anyone that has suffered any injury whether it’s major or minor. The thing I appreciated most were the updates given almost every 2 weeks. They broke everything down to help me understand it all and I’m just so grateful for them. Thank you so much J King Law!

17:05 25 Oct 24

Thank you so much to Oliver King and Garrett Tuckerman for helping me with my case. They've been outstanding. Although the process was overwhelming, I felt reassured, supported, and listened to. I highly recommend the Law offices of Justin King to anyone who needs help.

Savana Martinez

18:30 04 Sep 24

The team at Law Office of Justin King went above and beyond with my case.It was my first big automobile accident while being 6 months pregnant and I was terrified. I called them the same day and they took on my case immediately.Throughout the whole process they were communicative and on top of everything. I would recommend to everyone and would go back to them again if need be.Thank you to this amazingly firm !

Hate Nine

06:01 04 Sep 24

Wow! I can't say enough good things about the Law Offices of Justin King. Attitude starts at the top, & this firm is top tier. They represented me (& yes we won!) for an injury I sustained while riding my motorcycle westbound on the 10. Someone changed lanes without looking, which resulted in a knee injury, a lot of physical therapy, & a totaled motorcycle. I wasn't sure what to do or if this were even something worth pursuing. I found Justin's webpage & sent a quick message to him on a Saturday night then thought nothing of it. My first call from Justin was Sunday morning. I was immediately impressed. After hearing a bit of my story & asking a few questions I was ready to have Justin represent me. My first question was "How much do I need to come up with to get this started? Justin replied, you don't owe anything until we win. Not unless, until. That set the tone of the next 2 years of my life. As your case progresses it'll require work from you & a whole team working to represent you. Staci will call & let you know she's emailing documents that require signatures; Garrett will call to ask for details they need to understand & yes, he will call to remind you that you forgot to sign a document 3 days earlier. These are great people who genuinely care. They will take time to understand your needs & they communicate every step of the way. If you are injured, you need to call Justin & his team right away. You will not be disappointed!Google only allows 5 stars, but these guys deserve 10!

Vivian Garcia

01:00 15 Aug 24

I was involved in my first big automobile accident last year, in Yorba Linda. I was a bit overwhelmed as you can imagine. Friends suggested that I hire an attorney to handle my case and I was not quite sure how to proceed. I was very fortunate when I was referred to Justin King’s office.I met with Mr. King and found him to be very personable and he listened to my concerns. I felt very comfortable and confident that he would help me in getting a fair outcome to my case.I want to also thank Garrett Tuckerman for all he did in keeping me updated with everything going on with my case and for being there whenever I had any questions or concerns. I also want to mention Leoni Barrera who was always pleasant and supportive when I called.I highly recommend The Law Offices of Justin H. King for your personal injury needs. I feel that Mr. King and his whole staff, with their knowledge, expertise and professionalism will help make your experience a less stressful one.

Lisa Perchez

21:53 29 Jul 24

Last July I was struck by a falling case of liquor at Total Wine in Rancho Cucamonga which led to a slip and fall. My friends and family urged me to contact a lawyer after discovering I needed surgery to repair my broken wrist. A friend found Justin King on Google. Justin was compassionate, accessible, and took charge from the very first meeting. He was able to obtain the surveillance video capturing the entire incident, and made an appointment for me to see a prominent neurologist after the video showed the case struck the front of my head. The entire staff at The Law Offices of Justin H. King were very easy to work with, and I always felt like my case was getting personal attention. Thank you Garrett, Staci, and Leoni! My case went to mediation and settled for more than 3x what they originally offered. If you have been injured in an accident, I highly recommend The Law Offices of Justin H. King.

Leslie S.

18:26 13 Jul 24

I want to thank Justin and his amazing office. They made a very traumatic/ nightmare of a situation into a more bearable situation every step of the way. They kept us updated and we were reassured that we were in good hands. I want to also express my gratitude to Garrett for being so empathic and supportive through the ups and downs that comes with a case. We are so blessed to have had them handle our case. I would recommend them to anyone who is looking for a professional and dependable office. Thank you again Justin King Office!!!

Melinda Jordan

09:02 18 Dec 22

I went from feeling like a basket case from all the stress to feeling calm and collected after talking to Justin. He is a phenomenal personal injury lawyer and is a truly calming and reassuring presence. This firm helped me in ways I can't even adequately put into words, other than to say Thank You, Justin, to you and your awesome team.

Marjorie Harris

04:14 18 Dec 22

After an auto accident, I felt really nervous calling an attorney because I had never worked with one before. But from the first conversation I had with Jessica, I felt so at ease. Justin then called me and was so easy going and we had a nice conversation too. The entire staff took great care of me and I am very happy.

Sheila Hughes

03:45 18 Dec 22

I was in a car accident that was not my fault two years ago. A friend of mine had a family member who had been helped in the past by Justin King, and they suggested I call him. I'm so glad I did! Justin and his team took great care of my situation and got a great settlement for me. I highly recommend them if you have been in an accident. You will be very happy with what this firm. They are smart, hard-working, honest, and take great care of their clients.

Margaret James

04:43 01 Dec 22

Justin's entire staff is the best car accident lawyer team in Rancho Cucamonga. Justin, Oliver, Jessica, and Garrett all provided me with excellent service and treated me like family. They are all such great people, and always so honest and responsive to me. I gladly recommend them to anyone needing the services of a car accident lawyer in the Inland Empire.

Wm Holland

06:13 17 Nov 22

When I needed a lawyer following a car accident on the Interstate 15 Freeway in Rancho Cucamonga, Justin King, and his team were there for me. I appreciated how his entire staff always seemed happy to answer my questions and were so good about returning all my phone calls and emails. I could tell this firm has immense experience in helping people get their life back after an unfortunate car crash. I was so happy with the outcome of my case and the results Justin obtained from the insurance company on my behalf. I have recommended their office to all my family members and neighbors. I hope you never need to call them. But if you need the best car accident lawyers, I can vouch that they are excellent.

Justin King Obtains $3.2 Million Settlement with CSU San Bernardino

Case Facts

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