Car accidents can cause serious injury. In these cases, victims may consider holding a driver that caused the accident responsible for his or her actions through a personal injury lawsuit. It is likely that victims have questions before moving forward with such a lawsuit. These questions may include:

• How long do I have to file a claim? Many states have a statute of limitations. A previous post notes that California is one of these states. Essentially, this means that there is a time limit to when a victim can file a claim against the person who is responsible for his or her injuries. When it comes to injuries from car accidents, this is generally a two year time limit.
• What is the difference between a lawsuit and a settlement? A settlement is one potential outcome of a lawsuit. It is essentially an agreement between the two parties that is decided outside of court. Most car accident lawsuits in California end in a settlement. If the case were to go to court, it would likely end with a jury verdict.
• What does a lawsuit cover? Personal injury lawsuits can result in monetary compensation for the victim and/or the victim's family members. This can include compensation for past and future medical bills, prescription and medical device expenses, repairs to a damaged vehicle and pain and suffering as well as lost wages.

A personal injury lawsuit is a viable option for those who are seriously injured in an auto accident. This process can result in monetary awards that provide the funds needed to rebuild your life. Contact an experienced auto accident attorney to discuss your options.