Car accident trials in Missouri can vary in length depending on case complexity; simpler cases may conclude in a few days, while those involving severe injuries or multiple parties can take significantly longer.
The exact duration depends on factors like the number of witnesses, whether fault is disputed, and how much evidence needs to be presented to the jury.
If you’re facing the possibility of taking your car accident case to trial, you’re probably wondering what to expect and how long the process will take.
The timeline involves much more than just the trial itself. You’ll need to understand the pre-trial preparation phase, what happens each day in court, and the steps that follow after a verdict is reached.
What Factors Affect Trial Length?
Several key factors determine how long your car accident trial will last. The complexity of your case is the biggest factor, especially when liability is disputed.
Case complexity affects trial duration in these ways:
- Number of witnesses: The role of witness testimony in Missouri car accident claims requires additional time for each person to testify.
- Expert witnesses: Medical experts and accident reconstructionists may each require additional time to present testimony.
- Disputed liability: If liability is disputed, allow extra days in court for additional arguments.
- Technical evidence: Video footage or black box data requires extra time for setup and explanation
The court’s schedule also plays a role. Some courts are busier than others, which can affect when your trial actually starts. Judge availability and courthouse scheduling can push your trial date back even after all pre-trial work is complete.
Insurance companies often use delays to their advantage. They know that waiting can pressure you to accept a lower settlement, so they may drag out the process intentionally.
What Happens Before Trial That Affects Timing?
Your case goes through extensive preparation before reaching trial. This pre-trial phase typically takes much longer than the trial itself.
Discovery is the longest part of the process. This is when both sides exchange evidence, take depositions, and gather information about your case. Understanding the importance of evidence helps explain why this phase takes so long. Discovery is the phase when both sides exchange evidence and gather materials such as medical records, accident reports, and witness statements.
The pre-trial timeline typically includes:
- Discovery phase: 6-12 months of evidence gathering and depositions
- Motion practice: Pretrial motion practice addresses disputes over which evidence may be admitted.
- Mediation attempts: 1-2 full-day sessions trying to reach a settlement
- Pre-trial conference: Final meeting with the judge about 30 days before trial
Each phase has court-ordered deadlines. If either side misses a deadline or needs more time, it can push your trial date back months. Weather, judge illness, or courthouse emergencies can also cause delays.
Most cases settle during this pre-trial period. The preparation work often reveals the strength of each side’s case, leading to negotiations about settling vs going to trial.
What Happens Each Day Of Trial?
Trial days follow a predictable schedule in Missouri courts. Court sessions are generally scheduled during regular business hours and include a lunch break and short recesses.
Jury Selection
The first step is choosing your jury through a process called voir dire. Jury selection can take varying amounts of time depending on how many potential jurors must be questioned.
During jury selection, attorneys ask potential jurors about their backgrounds and opinions. The goal is to find people who can be fair and impartial about your case. You and your attorney will work together to identify the best possible jury.
Opening Statements
Once the jury is selected, each attorney gives an opening statement outlining what they expect the evidence to show. This is like a roadmap of what they expect the evidence to show during trial.
Your attorney will outline your case and explain what happened in the accident. The defense attorney will present their version of events. You won’t testify during opening statements.
Plaintiff’s Evidence
Your side presents evidence first, beginning with the plaintiff’s testimony and supporting witnesses. You’ll likely testify about the accident, your injuries, and how they’ve affected your daily life.
Your medical providers may testify about your treatment and prognosis. Expert witnesses might explain how the accident happened or calculate your future medical needs. Each witness faces cross-examination from the defense attorney.
Defense Evidence
The defense then presents their case, which may take several days. They may call their own medical experts to challenge your injury claims or accident reconstruction specialists to dispute fault.
Your attorney will cross-examine their witnesses to challenge their testimony. The defense might argue that your injuries aren’t as severe as claimed or that you were partially at fault for the accident.
Closings And Jury Instructions
After all evidence is presented, attorneys give closing arguments summarizing their key points for the jury. Your attorney summarizes why you deserve compensation, while the defense argues against your claim.
The judge then reads legal instructions to the jury. These instructions explain the laws the jury must follow when making their decision.
Jury Deliberations And Verdict
The jury deliberates in private to reach their verdict. Jury deliberations in car accident trials can last a few hours, while particularly complex cases may require significantly more time.
Once they reach a decision, everyone returns to the courtroom for the verdict announcement. The judge polls each juror individually to confirm their decision.
How Long After Trial Until Payment Or Appeal?
Winning at trial doesn’t mean immediate payment. Several steps must happen before you receive compensation.
The judge must formally enter the verdict as a judgment before it can be enforced. Both sides then have 30 days to file post-trial motions asking the judge to change the verdict.
Post-trial timeline typically follows this schedule:
- Judgment entry: 1-2 weeks after the verdict
- Post-trial motions: 30-day window for either side to challenge the verdict
- Appeal deadline: 30 days after the judgment becomes final
- Payment without appeal: Payment without appeal typically occurs shortly after the judgment becomes final.
- Payment with appeal: Payment may be delayed while the appellate process is pending.
Missouri law allows the losing party to appeal your verdict to a higher court. Appeals focus on legal errors, not re-examining the facts of your case. If they appeal, you won’t receive payment until the appeal is resolved.
Most defendants don’t appeal unless the verdict is very large or they believe significant legal errors occurred during trial.
Will My Case Settle Before Trial Or During Trial?
Many Missouri car accident cases settle before going to a full trial. Settlement can happen at any point, even in the middle of trial proceedings.
Cases often settle when one side realizes their position is weaker than expected. Strong evidence revealed during discovery frequently leads to settlement offers. Mediation sessions result in settlements in many cases.
Common settlement timing includes:
- After discovery: When evidence clearly shows fault and damages
- At mediation: The most frequent time for settlements
- Pre-trial conference: Last chance before trial begins
- During jury selection: When attorneys see how jurors react to the case
- Mid-trial: If testimony goes poorly for one side
Preparing for trial often motivates settlement offers. Insurance companies prefer avoiding the uncertainty of jury verdicts. Settlements provide guaranteed outcomes and faster payment than waiting through trial and potential appeals.
Your attorney will advise whether settlement offers are fair based on your case’s trial value.
Do I Need To Worry About Filing Deadlines?
Yes, Missouri’s statute of limitations gives you five years from your accident date to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline means losing your right to compensation forever.
Waiting too long seriously weakens your case even if you’re still within the five-year limit. Evidence disappears and witness memories fade quickly after accidents.
Delays hurt your case because:
- Witness memories fade: Details become unclear after 6-12 months
- Evidence vanishes: Surveillance footage is often overwritten or becomes unavailable after a relatively short period.
- Medical records disappear: Providers may destroy older records
- Insurance cooperation decreases: Companies become less helpful as deadlines approach
Some situations have shorter deadlines. Claims against government entities often must be filed within 90 days to two years, depending on the specific government body involved.
Filing sooner protects your rights and helps build a stronger case with fresh evidence and clear witness memories.
Don’t Wait Protect Your Rights Now
At Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, we focus exclusively on Missouri auto accident law. We’ve been helping injured people for decades and have secured substantial compensation for our clients.
We understand that facing a trial feels overwhelming when you’re already dealing with injuries and medical bills. Our job is to handle the legal complexity so you can focus on recovery.
Our trial preparation includes:
- Managing all deadlines: We track every court deadline and filing requirement
- Thorough preparation: We prepare you completely for testimony so you feel confident
- Expert witnesses: We work with top medical and accident reconstruction specialists
- Courtroom experience: We’ve tried hundreds of cases in Missouri courts
We know how insurance companies operate and what tactics they use to minimize payouts. When they won’t offer fair settlements, we’re prepared to take your case to trial and fight for full compensation.
You don’t pay attorney fees unless we win your case. We offer free consultations to review your situation and explain your legal options. Our team is available 24/7 to answer questions and provide guidance.
The sooner you contact us, the better we can protect your rights and build your case. Don’t let deadlines or insurance company delays jeopardize your recovery.
FAQs
Do Most Missouri Car Accident Cases Actually Go To Trial?
No, fewer than 5% of Missouri car accident cases go to full trial. Most cases settle during negotiations, mediation, or pre-trial preparation when both sides reach an acceptable agreement. Understanding how long Missouri car accident claims take to settle can help you plan accordingly.
How Many Hours Each Day Will I Spend In The Courtroom?
Plan to be in court for most of the day on trial days. Court sessions are typically held during regular business hours and include a lunch break and short recesses.
Must I Attend Every Single Day Of My Trial?
Yes, you must attend every day of your trial as the plaintiff. The jury expects to see you present, and your absence could seriously damage your case and reduce your compensation.
Can My Case Still Settle After The Trial Begins?
Yes, cases frequently settle during trial when one side realizes the evidence or jury reactions aren’t favorable. Settlement negotiations can continue right up until the jury announces their verdict.
How Long Do Missouri Juries Take To Reach Car Accident Verdicts?
Jury deliberation times in Missouri car accident trials vary depending on the case’s complexity. Complex cases with multiple issues or large damage claims may require additional time for jury deliberation.
When Will I Actually Receive Money After Winning At Trial?
If no appeal is filed, payment will be made after the judgment becomes final. The amount you receive depends on various determining factors. A judgment becomes final once any post-trial motions and appeal deadlines have been resolved; check with your attorney or the court for the exact timing in your case.
What Happens If The Insurance Company Appeals My Trial Victory?
An appeal can significantly extend your case timeline and may delay payment until the appeal is resolved. However, you may be able to negotiate a settlement during the appeal process to receive compensation sooner.
