How long a motorcycle accident takes to settle will ultimately depend on the complexity of the accident and the strength of your evidence against the liable party. An out-of-court settlement is how most personal injury claims resolve, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS). This can be quicker than in a case that ends up going all the way to trial.
Still, it can take time to negotiate a settlement that addresses your damages. A straightforward motorcycle accident claim could settle in a few weeks if you and the at-fault party’s insurance company quickly reach an agreement. However, a complex claim could potentially drag on for many months.
We can help encourage a timely resolution of your claim by building a strong case and negotiating aggressively with the insurance company.
Factors that Can Determine How Long a Motorcycle Accident Claim Takes to Settle
In every motorcycle accident claim, certain factors will determine how long it takes before a victim receives damages. These factors include but are not limited to:
Determining the At-Fault Parties in Your Motorcycle Accident Case
In order to recover compensation, the claimant first needs to determine who is responsible for their accident. This may not be as easy as it seems. There could be several liable parties in a motorcycle accident case in addition to the negligent driver, including:
- A trucking company or similar business, if the at-fault driver was on the clock at the time of the crash
- A government agency, if the accident happened due to damaged roads
- A parts or vehicle manufacturer, if one of the vehicles involved malfunctioned
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Even if your motorcycle accident claim seems clear-cut, it can be difficult to secure the settlement you want. Consider that the liable parties and their insurance companies will likely fight any claims vigorously and try to deny you compensation. This can lead to lengthy negotiations and delays.
Some insurers may dig in their heels and try to keep payouts as low as they possibly can or deny a claim altogether, leaving victims to deal with the rest of their costs and worries. This is just one area where a motorcycle accident lawyer from our firm can help.
We can take over all communications with the insurance company and their policyholder, including negotiations. Our team understands what it takes to stand up to insurers during the claims process, which includes showing that we are prepared to take a case to court on our client’s behalf. Insurance companies often shy away from potentially long and expensive legal battles, especially when victims have a strong claim.
Valuing Your Current and Future Damages from the Collision
If you suffered debilitating or disabling injuries and need long-term medical treatments, receiving a settlement can take longer. In order to recover comprehensive damages on your behalf, we will work to estimate your future medical needs and expenses correctly.
While it is understandable to want fast compensation—especially when a stack of medical bills is waiting to be paid—agreeing to a quick settlement can potentially leave you paying out of pocket later on.
Claims are typically resolved and settled when the accident victim receives a prognosis or is close to fully recovering from their injuries. This can take some time, especially if you suffered life-altering injuries in a serious motorcycle accident.
Damages Available in Motorcycle Accident Claims
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are overrepresented in traffic fatalities. When these collisions occur, many riders also suffer life-changing injuries, such as paralysis, traumatic brain injuries, and internal organ damage.
Recovering damages can be crucial for an accident victim and their family members, who could face severe financial hardship. With a motorcycle accident settlement, you could potentially recover the following types of damages:
- All current medical expenses and future medical expenses connected to the accident
- The costs of physiotherapy and other rehabilitation therapies
- Lost income and future lost income
- Costs of a housekeeper or home health aide
- Reduction of life quality
- Physical and emotional suffering
- Permanent disability and disfigurement
Contact Our Attorneys for Help Now
An attorney from Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices can advise you on how long a motorcycle accident claim may take to settle based on the evidence available in your case. Our firm will help with every aspect of your motorcycle accident claim and fight for a timely settlement when we represent you. We can negotiate with the relevant insurance companies and take your case all the way to trial if necessary.
Do not lose time in the fight for justice and compensation. Get in touch with our compassionate team now for a free consultation at (888) 522-6291.