A crash might be over in seconds, but the ripple effects can stretch for months—or even years. Bills pile up. Injuries take time to heal. And then out of nowhere, the mailbox delivers something unexpected: a subpoena. Yes, even a year after the crash. It’s not a scam. It’s not a mistake. It’s the legal system doing what it does—on its timeline. Working with an injury lawyer Los Angeles trusts can help clear up confusion like this. The team at Avrek Law has helped thousands of people deal with legal chaos after an accident. Whether it’s day one or year one, help is just a phone call or click away.
Why Timing Still Matters: What California Law Says
California’s civil court system allows people to file lawsuits for personal injury within two years of the date of the accident. That’s called the statute of limitations. But receiving a subpoena doesn’t always mean you’re being sued. You might just be called as a witness—or asked to provide documents or testimony in someone else’s case.
It’s completely legal to be subpoenaed months—or even a full year—after a crash. In some cases, it can even happen later. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that about 42,795 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2022. With so many crashes happening each year, it’s no surprise that legal cases can take time to unfold.
Delays can happen for many reasons:
- The original case may have been delayed due to medical recovery time.
- Insurance companies might dispute who’s at fault.
- New evidence could have surfaced—prompting new legal action.
What a Subpoena Means
A subpoena is a legal order to show up or provide information. There are two main kinds:
- Subpoena ad testificandum – orders you to appear and testify.
- Subpoena duces tecum – requires you to bring documents, records, or photos.
Getting one doesn’t mean someone is blaming you. But ignoring it? That can bring trouble.
Penalties for not responding could include:
- Contempt of court
- Fines
- Warrants
This is where working with a Los Angeles injury lawyer helps. Avrek Law can review the subpoena and explain what’s being asked—and how best to respond.
Why the Best Los Angeles Lawyer Knows Timing Is Everything
Every crash has two timelines:
- The physical one (recovery, car repairs, getting back to work)
- The legal one (claims, court filings, subpoenas)
These timelines don’t always match up. Someone might seem fine after a crash, but months later, they develop chronic pain or discover a more serious injury. That can restart or delay parts of the legal process.
The best Los Angeles lawyer stays on top of these timelines. That’s why having someone from Avrek Law involved early—whether it’s month one or month twelve—can change the outcome of a case.
What If It’s Not Your Case? Why You Still Might Get Pulled In
Some subpoenas go out to people who aren’t even part of the lawsuit. That could be:
- A witness at the scene
- Someone who posted a video online
- A passenger who gave a statement
It might seem strange to be pulled into something that doesn’t directly involve you, but it’s a normal part of court procedure. The courts aim to gather every piece of information to get the clearest picture.
Being prepared helps. Save any photos, texts, or reports from the day of the crash—even if months have passed. And if you’re unsure how to respond? A personal injury lawyer Los Angeles CA can explain your rights and obligations.
How Long Do These Legal Cases Last?
Some people think car accident cases wrap up in a few weeks. That’s rarely true. Most take months. Some stretch into years—especially if someone is badly hurt.
The court moves slowly for a reason. It wants full medical records, police reports, and time for investigations. Plus, backlogs in busy areas like Los Angeles slow things even more.
That’s one reason why personal injury settlement amounts are calculated over time tend to be higher in long cases. There’s more documentation, more proof of harm, and often more medical treatment.
If you’ve been named in a case or subpoenaed after a crash—even after a full year—there’s still a lot that a personal injury lawyer Los Angeles can do.
What a Personal Injury Lawyer Los Angeles CA Can Do if You’re Subpoenaed
Dealing with legal paperwork can feel overwhelming, especially if the crash already feels like old news. That’s where professional support matters. An injury lawyer Los Angeles CA, from Avrek, can help by:
- Reviewing the subpoena
- Explaining what’s required
- Talking to the opposing side’s attorney
- Helping avoid mistakes that could lead to fines
In some cases, the subpoena may be too broad or even invalid. Legal advice helps determine that fast.
Even if the case isn’t yours, you don’t have to handle it alone.
Avrek Law Supports Victims Beyond Court
Legal support isn’t just about trials or settlements—it’s about being there when it matters most. It includes answering questions, explaining next steps clearly, helping people feel more in control after something scary, and making sure no one feels left behind. That’s what it means when it’s said that Avrek Law supports victims beyond court.
The Real Cost of Missing Legal Help
Ignoring a subpoena or not preparing for it can lead to bigger problems down the line. But many people avoid reaching out for help because they assume it’s expensive or unnecessary.
The truth is, Avrek Law works on contingency. That means no payment up front. The legal team only gets paid if money is recovered on a client’s behalf. It’s an easy way to get help now—without worrying about the bill later.
Injury Lawyer Los Angeles Can Help You Move Forward
Being subpoenaed a year after a crash doesn’t mean something went wrong. It just means the legal process is still unfolding. Whether you were injured, witnessed the crash, or were just in the wrong place at the wrong time, there’s a right way to respond.
An injury lawyer Los Angeles from Avrek can guide you through it—calmly, clearly, and with the kind of care that puts people first. Questions get answered. Deadlines get met. And peace of mind finally returns.
To get started, call 866-598-5548 any time—day or night, start a live chat, or fill out the form online for a free case evaluation.
Don’t wait to get answers. The right help is already here.