I only had to appear at the final hearing and it turned into a settlement agreement instead.
There are usually letters, calls and depositions taken by attys that you don't need to be there for.
But I have only gone thru the system to a hearing one time - and that took 2.5 yrs- my case probably was simpler than more detailed and more severe injury cases.

I remember Tam saying she has gone to a few for her case.