When someone suffers an injury due to someone else’s carelessness—whether from a car crash, slip and fall, or unsafe property—the road to justice can feel confusing. Clients ask, “What does litigation mean in a personal injury case?”. It’s a fair question we often hear from clients here in Fresno. Simply put, litigation refers to the formal process of resolving a personal injury dispute in court when informal settlement talks fall through. At SSD Law Firm PC: Star Accident Injury and Immigration Law Firm, Fresno personal injury attorney and founder Sarwinder Dhanjan will guide you through every step, treating you like a person with a story, not a case file with a number.

When Does a Personal Injury Case Go Into Litigation?

A personal injury case moves into litigation when the parties involved can’t agree on a fair settlement.

This typically happens when:

• The insurance company denies fault.
• The offered compensation doesn’t cover medical bills or lost income.
• Liability is disputed between multiple parties.
• The claim involves complex or permanent injuries.

It’s worth noting that most personal injury cases don’t end up in court. Only a small number of cases actually go to trial. But when they do? It’s often because the other side simply won’t budge unless forced. And that’s where real legal action matters.

What Does Litigation Mean in a Personal Injury Case?

Litigation is the legal process of taking your injury claim to court when informal resolution fails. It’s a structured and rule-bound process where we present evidence, call witnesses, and argue your case in front of a judge—or sometimes a jury.

Here’s what litigation often involves:

• Proving fault by showing the other party caused the injury.
• Laying out your damages, from medical expenses to lost wages and emotional stress.
• Backing everything up with records, testimony, and expert input.

But going to court doesn’t always mean going to trial. Filing a lawsuit can be the push that gets the other side to take your case seriously. Settlement discussions can continue during the litigation phase, and many cases resolve before the trial date.

Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Litigation Process in California

Litigation sounds intimidating. But once you understand how the process unfolds in California, it becomes much easier to face.

1. Filing the Complaint
We draft and file a legal document (the complaint) with the court, outlining your injury, who’s responsible, and the damages sought.

2. Service of Process
The defendant is formally notified and given a set period to respond.

3. Defendant’s Answer
They either admit, deny, or defend the claims raised, setting the stage for the issues to be disputed.

4. Discovery Phase
Both sides exchange evidence, interview witnesses, and may take depositions. It’s where much of the case groundwork happens.

5. Pre-Trial Motions
Either party may request the court to dismiss certain parts of the case or even the entire lawsuit.

6. Settlement Negotiations
Even during litigation, we remain open to resolving the matter out of court if a fair offer is made.

7. Trial
If unresolved, the case proceeds to trial. A judge (or jury) hears the facts and decides who wins and what damages will be awarded.

8. Judgment and Potential Appeals
Once the judge rules, the case concludes—unless an appeal is filed.

Do You Need an Attorney for a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Fresno, CA?

At SSD Law Firm PC: Star Accident Injury and Immigration Law Firm, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly things can spiral when clients try to take on insurance companies or legal deadlines themselves. We step in to take that pressure off your shoulders—and make sure your case is built to win.

Here’s what we bring to the table:

• Strong case-building backed by records, expert analysis, and real-world evidence.
• Draft and file legal documents with precision, avoiding technical mistakes that can delay or weaken your case.
• Challenge lowball settlement tactics used by insurers who hope you’ll accept less than you deserve.
• Skilled trial advocacy, if needed, with clear and compelling courtroom strategy.

And our results speak for themselves. We’ve recovered millions for injured clients, including:

• $4 million for a wrongful death case.
• $1.3 million for a car accident victim.
• $600,000 in a motorcycle crash claim 

These aren’t just numbers—they’re families regaining stability, workers getting back on their feet, and lives moving forward.

Start Your Case with a Legal Team That Puts You First

SSD Law Firm PC: Star Accident Injury and Immigration Law Firm is built on the belief that clients deserve personal attention and real results. That’s why we serve a diverse Fresno community with care, compassion, and a strong sense of accountability. You’re not just another file to us. You’re part of our extended family—and we fight like it. Contact a Fresno personal injury lawyer now at (559) 342-2000 to schedule your free consultation and take that first, confident step forward.