5.  The applicant was born in 1963 and lives in Celje. 6.  On 25 December 1996 the applicant was injured in a car accident. 7.  On 15 April 1998 the applicant instituted civil proceedings against the insurance company ZM in the Celje District Court (Okrožno sodišče v Celju) seeking damages in the amount of 2,019,000 Slovenian tolars (approximately 8,420 euros) for the injuries sustained.
Between 25 September 1998 and 16 October 2001 the applicant lodged four preliminary written submissions and/or adduced evidence.
Between 22 January 1999 and 25 April 2000 he made four requests that a date be set for a hearing.
Of the three hearings held between 23 November 1999 and 23 October 2001, none was adjourned at the request of the applicant.
During the proceedings, the court appointed two medical experts.
At the last hearing, the court decided to deliver a written judgment. The judgment, upholding the applicant’s claim in part, was served on the applicant on 20 November 2001. 8.  On 4 December 2001 the applicant appealed to the Celje Higher Court (Višje sodišče v Celju). ZM cross-appealed.
On 8 January 2003 the court partly upheld both appeals.
The judgment was served on the applicant on 10 February 2003. 9.  On 5 March 2003 the applicant lodged an appeal on points of law with the Supreme Court (Vrhovno sodišče).
On 22 April 2004 the court dismissed the applicant’s appeal.
The judgment was served on the applicant on 12 July 2004.