California Motion to Intervene in Personal Injury Cases: Explained In California, a Motion to Intervene in Personal Injury cases is a legal tool used by individuals or entities seeking to become parties to an existing lawsuit. It allows them to join the case as additional plaintiffs or defendants based on their interest or stake in the outcome of the matter at hand. This motion is typically filed when a third party believes that their rights may be affected by the ongoing litigation. There are two main types of California Motion to Intervene in Personal Injury cases: 1. Permissive Intervention: This type of intervention is discretionary and allows a non-party to join an ongoing personal injury lawsuit if their presence would not unduly delay or prejudice the rights of the existing parties. To succeed in a permissive intervention motion, the petitioner must demonstrate a direct interest in the litigation's subject or have a claim that shares common questions of law or fact with the existing case. For example, suppose a bystander who witnessed a car accident in California believes they hold crucial information that could impact the outcome of the ongoing personal injury lawsuit. In that case, they may file a permissive intervention motion to become a party to the case and present their testimony or evidence. 2. Compulsory Intervention: This type of intervention, also known as necessary intervention, is mandated under certain circumstances dictated by the law. A third party can file for compulsory intervention if their absence from the lawsuit would render the final judgement incomplete or legally ineffective. To be granted compulsory intervention, the petitioner must demonstrate a legal interest in the subject of the personal injury case, such as a contract or insurance agreement requiring their involvement. For instance, suppose an insurance company is obligated to provide coverage for injuries sustained in a California personal injury accident but is not named as a party in the initial lawsuit. In that case, they can file a compulsory intervention motion to ensure their presence and protect their rights and obligations. In both types of intervention motions, the court ultimately decides whether to grant or deny the intervention request after considering various factors, including the potential impact on the existing parties, the need for judicial economy, and the relevance and merits of the petitioner's claims. Overall, a Motion to Intervene in Personal Injury cases serves as a mechanism to protect the rights and interests of individuals or entities with a direct connection to the subject of the ongoing litigation in California. It allows for their participation, ensuring a fair and comprehensive resolution of the personal injury dispute.