Coronavirus, or COVID-19, has caused uncertainty across the country as states grapple with the pandemic. Currently, California is under shelter-in-place orders. All non-essential businesses are closed and residents have been ordered to stay home as much as possible. So what does COVID-19 mean for your personal injury case? What is the impact on your case if your local courthouse is closed for the foreseeable future?
In essence, these are hard questions to answer. Court policies and procedures are being very fluid because of changes occurring sporadically and without much notice. At Law Offices of Braid Pezzaglia, we are continuing to provide the best legal services that we can during this difficult time. We recommend that anyone with a pending claim contact an attorney immediately.
How Will COVID-19 Affect My Pending Personal Injury Case?
The spread of COVID-19 has led to court closures across California. Currently, the courtrooms are highly restricted. Most civil matters are being summarily rescheduled.
As far as California state court cases go, each county seems to have its own temporary policies in place to address coronavirus. These policies may address the calculation of time affecting:
- Deadlines
- Hearings
- Case Management
- Trials
In addition, on March 23, 2020, California Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye issued a statewide order suspending all jury trials for 60 days. Also, the time period to begin civil trials is extended for 60 days. However, courts may conduct earlier trials if there is good cause or through remote technology if and when appropriate.
What does this mean for you? This means that your case may not be resolved as quickly as it should. However, your attorney can still pursue your claim if they have the resources to do so. Work can be done on your case outside of the courtroom. Speaking with our San Jose personal injury attorney can help you understand your situation and the next steps forward.
Santa Clara County Superior Court and COVID-19
The Santa Clara County Superior Court has suspended all non-essential functions for three weeks from March 17, 2020. This date is pending and can easily change depending on Santa Clara County’s shelter in place orders and the Governor’s orders. You can find more information on the Court’s COVID-19 page.
I Just Got Into an Accident. Can I File a Personal Injury Claim During the Coronavirus Pandemic?
Yes, you can file a personal injury claim. If you have been injured in an accident, we recommend that you contact an attorney as soon as possible. Evidence can disappear quickly. Do not wait because of coronavirus. Waiting could hurt your potential claim or cause you to lose your chance to file a claim.
Though our office is currently not scheduling in-person meetings, we are available by phone or email during regular business hours. During a free consultation, we can answer your questions and help you understand your best legal options.
Contact Our San Jose Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you have questions about how coronavirus may affect your legal matters, do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are happy to answer your questions and discuss your legal options during a free consultation. Call us at (408) 650-8955 or contact us online and we will be in touch with you soon.
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