Once you file a lawsuit, you may have already spent years on your case. Then, at the trial stage, how long a personal injury lawsuit takes depends on the facts of the accident. Your attorney needs time to: 1. Compile evidence supporting your pursuit of damages 2. Go through the discovery phase to review the other side’s case 3. Conduct depositions of witnesses and experts 4. Brainstorm a strategy for representing you in court 5. Continue negotiating in the hope of settling