In the moments after an injury, things move fast—ambulances, paperwork, insurance calls. But the legal process moves differently. It’s more structured, with defined stages that can confuse even the most organized person. At that point, William Rawlings and Associates becomes your advocate, clarifying each step and fighting for what matters most. With years of personal injury experience, their team works to clarify what’s ahead and fight for a fair outcome. If you’re searching for a trusted accident lawyer, this timeline offers the clearest picture of what’s coming next.
While every case has its own rhythm, most follow the same path: litigation, discovery, deposition, mediation, and—if necessary—trial. William Rawlings and Associates not only walks you through this journey but builds your case at each stop, preparing you for the best outcome possible.
The first formal step in a personal injury claim is litigation. Once William Rawlings and Associates gather the facts, file the complaint, and serve the other party, the clock starts ticking. This stage is critical. It sets the tone and opens the door for evidence-gathering, negotiations, and strategy. A seasoned accident lawyer knows how to file swiftly and precisely.
Claims might involve anything from vehicle collisions to slip-and-fall cases to serious pedestrian injuries. When a client works with a Utah pedestrian injury attorney from William Rawlings and Associates, they’re getting more than just paperwork help—they’re securing someone who knows how to align the litigation strategy with state-specific timelines and precedents. It’s not just about filing—it’s about filing with purpose.
Once the case is active, both sides begin discovery. This is the exchange of evidence—photos, statements, medical records, expert reports. Depositions are part of this stage. That’s when parties, witnesses, and even doctors give sworn testimony outside of court.
If you’re wondering, “what is the next step after deposition”, here’s your answer: It depends on what’s revealed. A strong deposition can lead to favorable settlement talks. A weak one might mean heading straight to mediation or trial. William Rawlings and Associates doesn’t just attend depositions—they prepare clients thoroughly, anticipating the tough questions and making sure answers are clear and consistent.
That attention to preparation pays off, especially in cases involving complex medical recovery or long-term impact. Whether the client is a cyclist, pedestrian, or motorist, this phase can reveal exactly what a case is worth—or what evidence needs shoring up.
Mediation is often the last stop before trial. It’s a confidential process guided by a neutral third party. For many, it’s also a welcome alternative to the emotional and financial costs of going to court.
But mediation isn’t just about sitting in a room and hoping for compromise. It requires strategy. William Rawlings and Associates enters every mediation with a game plan: documented injuries, clear liability arguments, insurance breakdowns, and expert support if needed. Their accident lawyer team doesn’t push clients into fast deals—they advise based on real case strength.
And here’s the thing: many cases settle in mediation. It’s efficient, private, and less stressful. But when talks break down, trial preparation begins immediately. That seamless transition is something the firm prioritizes—ensuring clients are never left guessing what comes next.
Trials don’t happen overnight. It can take months to get on the docket. But once it begins, everything matters—jury selection, opening arguments, witness credibility, closing statements. And it’s during the trial that having a skilled accident lawyer becomes invaluable.
William Rawlings and Associates has handled hundreds of trials in Utah. Their trial attorneys understand how local judges operate, how insurance adjusters behave under pressure, and how to deliver persuasive narratives backed by evidence. From reconstructing a high-speed crash to documenting traumatic injuries, they bring everything to the table.
Clients often ask, “I was rear ended should I get a lawyer?” The answer is yes. Even a low-speed rear-end crash can lead to long-term pain, missed work, or costly medical treatment. A lawyer ensures those losses are accounted for, not overlooked.
The legal process is never one-size-fits-all. That’s why William Rawlings and Associates tailors its approach for every client. Here’s what that looks like in action:
And if you’re wondering, “how much car accident lawyer charge”, the answer is: most work on contingency. That means you don’t pay unless they win. William Rawlings and Associates follows that model because legal help should be accessible, not intimidating.
A personal injury case isn’t just about what happened. It’s about what can be proven, how it’s presented, and who’s doing the talking. And when each stage of litigation builds upon the last, there’s no room for shortcuts.
Working with a firm like William Rawlings and Associates means having a team that treats timelines seriously, respects your recovery process, and prepares as though trial is inevitable—even if it’s not. Their involvement adds structure, credibility, and peace of mind.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, only about 3% of personal injury claims go to trial. That means the vast majority are resolved in the litigation, discovery, or mediation stages. But having trial-ready representation increases the chances of a fair settlement before court becomes necessary.
When an injury interrupts your routine, it can feel like life is stuck in neutral. But with the right accident lawyer, the legal path ahead doesn’t have to be confusing or overwhelming. Every step—from filing to resolution—becomes more manageable when guided by experience.
Whether this is your first claim or you’re unsure what to expect next, William Rawlings and Associates is ready to help. Backed by a proven track record, local insight, and clear communication, they bring more than representation—they bring trusted partnership.
Take the next step today. Call William Rawlings and Associates at (801) 553-0505, connect through live chat, or submit your case using the online form. With the right accident lawyer, you don’t have to wait in the dark—you move forward with confidence.