At the Law Office of Dale Gribow, we represent victims injured in accidents — including those harmed by drunk or distracted drivers — and we also defend individuals accused of DUI. This outline explains the typical stages of a Personal Injury (PI) accident case so you understand what to expect from beginning to resolution.

SILENCE IS GOLDEN

DON’T talk, give statements, or settle with ANY insurance company, without your lawyer’s permission. It’s not what’s said. It’s what they thought you said.

If contacted, politely say: “I would be happy to speak with you, but my lawyer has instructed me not to discuss anything without his permission.” Get their name and number and we will handle all communications. It is our policy that accident clients don’t speak directly with insurance adjusters. Insurance companies are trained to minimize payouts.

YOU NEED TO:

Prepare a Written Summary: Describe your condition from the top of your head to the bottom of your feet and explain, How the accident happened; How you felt immediately after, and How you feel now.

  1. Self-Check for Injuries:
    • Gently touch different parts of your body to identify pain or tenderness.
    • Notice discomfort when moving, bending, sitting, or sleeping.
    • Sometimes symptoms appear days later.
  2. Medical Updates:
    • Inform us of all medical providers.
    • Continue treatment as recommended.
    • Gaps in treatment can hurt your case.

We are always happy to meet at your convenience, and will provide directions upon scheduling.

IMPORTANT NOTE: A PI case may settle at any stage. This outline describes what happens if settlement is not reached early. We stay in contact with our clients throughout the process so you always know your case status.

STAGES OF A PERSONAL INJURY CASE

  1. Retainer Agreement
  2. Medical Treatment:We collect medical records once treatment concludes, or when appropriate for settlement discussions.
  3. Settlement Demand: We prepare and send a formal demand package to the defendant’s insurance company seeking fair compensation.Many cases resolve at this stage.
  1. Filing a Lawsuit…If:
  • The insurance company refuses to be reasonable, or
  • The two-year Statute of Limitations (from the accident date) is approaching,

We file a Summons and Complaint to protect your legal rights. The defendant must then file an Answer within 30 days of being served.

  1. Discovery Phase may take 6 months or longer: Both sides exchange information, including:
  • Interrogatories (written questions)
  • Requests for Documents
  • Depositions
  • Requests for Admissions
  • Independent Medical Examination (IME)
  1. Arbitration: The court may order non-binding arbitration.
  • Typically scheduled 3–4 months out
  • Arbitrator issues a decision within 30 days and both sides have 30 days to request a Trial de Novo (a new trial before a judge/jury).
  1. Mandatory Settlement Conference (MSC): Before trial, the court schedules an MSC — a final formal attempt to settle before the judge.Many cases resolve here.
  2. Trial: If no agreement is reached, a final verdict is rendered…absent appeal.

COURT DELAYS

The Riverside County Superior Court, (PS and Indio) experienced case backlogs. Justice delayed often benefits insurance companies — not injury victims…and thus the reason they Delay.

AFTER SETTLEMENT OR VERDICT

  1. We receive the insurance settlement draft, which can take 30+ days.
  2. Insurance companies often “deny and delay” to retain interest, “the float”, on their money.
  3. Upon receipt:
    • Draft is signed, with client approval.
    • Deposited into our Trust Account
    • A detailed Disbursement Sheet is prepared showing: Gross settlement; Attorney fees; Costs; Medical liens and the Net to client.
  4. Client reviews /signs the Disbursement Sheet.
  5. Net funds are issued to the client.
  6. Provider checks, doctors, are mailed.

Consult your CPA regarding tax implications as most personal injury recoveries are tax-free, but confirm professionally.

ABOUT DALE GRIBOW

For over 30 years, Dale Gribow has defended the rights and dignity of accident victims and those accused of DUI in the Coachella Valley.

Recognitions Include:

  • 40+ Career Top Lawyer Awards
  • “Top Lawyer” – Palm Springs Life (2011–2026)
  • “Top Lawyer” – Inland Empire Magazine
  • 5-Star |10.0 | AVVO Rating |“Preeminent” Martindale AV Rating …the highest possible.

10-Man of the Year | 5-Dale Gribow Days

  • Founding Member – American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys
  • 10 Best Attorneys for Client Satisfaction (California – DUI Law)
  • 14-year “Accidentally Yours” Talk Show Host | 1,000 Legal Columns | 15-year Desert Sun Society Reporter:

PHILOSOPHY

“Often referred to as a PI/DUI criminal defense lawyer, I don’t view my clients as criminals. I see good, honest people in a frightening situation. My job is to protect their Constitutional rights.”

However, when representing injury victims harmed by drunk drivers…“I change hats, and sue negligent drivers.”

FINAL WORD

DRINKING/TEXTING CAUSE ARRESTS AND ACCIDENTS.

Being “intexticated” is as dangerous as being intoxicated.

Don’t drink/ drive or text.
A Taxi/Uber are far cheaper than  me…760-837-7500

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