How Long Does a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit Take?

If you were seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, one of your first questions is probably, “How long will my claim take?” It’s a fair question. You want a timeline in a chaotic situation.

The truth is, there is no set time frame for a motorcycle accident claim. Some cases settle in a few months, while others can take a year or more. Every claim is different because every accident is different. But there are common factors and steps that shape the process. Understanding these can help you know what to expect and how to prepare.

One thing is clear: if you were seriously injured in a motorcycle crash, you need the motorcycle accident attorneys at The Dominguez Firm by your side. Call us today for a free consultation at (800) 818-1818. 

Factors Influencing How Long Your Motorcycle Accident Claim Will Take

Several factors can impact the timeline of your claim.

How Serious the Injuries Are

The seriousness of your injuries plays a huge role in determining how long your motorcycle accident claim will take. If they are minor, you’ll know your total medical costs sooner. This makes it easier to calculate your claim and settle. If you have serious injuries, it could take months of treatment, surgeries, or therapy. You won’t know your long-term needs for a while.

Complexity of the Case

If it’s clear who caused the accident, there are two parties, and your injuries are minor, your claim could settle in a few months. However, if there are multiple vehicles, questions regarding fault, or serious injuries, the process takes longer. Additional people involved means multiple stories to sort out. Major damage or injuries mean more paperwork and negotiations.

Questions About Who Caused Your Motorcycle Accident

If everyone agrees on who caused your motorcycle accident, your claim proceeds faster. If there’s a dispute about fault, things slow down. Insurance companies may argue over who should pay. Sometimes, both sides blame each other. Sorting this out can take time. It may involve reviewing police reports, talking to witnesses, or even hiring accident reconstruction experts.

Settlement vs. Going to Court

Most motorcycle accident claims settle before going to trial. Settlement is usually faster and less stressful for both parties. But if the insurance company doesn’t offer a fair amount, your motorcycle accident lawyer might need to file a lawsuit. If your motorcycle accident claim goes to trial, it can take a year or more, depending on the court’s schedule and how complicated things get.

The Motorcycle Accident Claim Process

Knowing the steps involved in a motorcycle accident claim can help you understand the timeline and what to expect along the way.

Investigation and Gathering Evidence

Right after your motorcycle crash, your motorcycle accident lawyer will gather evidence. This includes police reports, photos of the scene, witness statements, and medical records. The goal of your attorney is to build a clear picture of what happened and who was responsible. This step can take some time, especially if multiple parties are involved.

Calculating Damages

Your personal injury attorney needs to figure out the total cost of your injuries and losses. This includes medical bills, lost wages, damage to your motorcycle, and any other expenses. If your injuries are serious, you may need to wait until you finish treatment or reach what doctors call “maximum medical improvement.” You’ll find more information on that term in the next section.

Filing Claims

Once your motorcycle accident lawyer has all your evidence and has calculated your damages, they will file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company on your behalf. The insurance company will review your claim, start its own investigation, and request additional information if needed. This review can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months.

Negotiations

After the insurance company reviews your claim, they may make an offer. You and your accident injury attorney will review it and decide if it’s fair. If not, your lawyer will attempt to negotiate a fair settlement. This back-and-forth can take a few weeks or several months. Some insurance companies move quickly. Others attempt to drag out the process intentionally. They may hope you and your lawyer get tired of waiting and accept less than you deserve. A skilled motorcycle accident attorney will know how to counter these insurance company tactics.

Court Proceedings

If your motorcycle accident lawyer can’t reach a fair settlement with the insurance company, they will take your claim to court. This starts a new timeline. The court process involves filing paperwork, exchanging evidence with the defense, depositions, and hearings. Courts have packed schedules, especially in Los Angeles. It can take months to get a hearing date since criminal cases take priority. 

Most cases settle, but if you do go to trial, it can easily add several more months to your timeline.

The Crucial Part MMI Plays in the Length of Your Motorcycle Accident Claim

As previously mentioned, Maximum Medical Improvement, or MMI, is a key milestone in any accident injury claim. MMI means your doctor believes your condition has stabilized and further treatment is not likely to make a big difference in your recovery. You have healed as much as possible from your motorcycle accident injury. This means you won’t recover to the full level of health you had before the accident.

Waiting for MMI is essential. Settling your claim before you reach MMI can be a huge mistake. If you settle too soon, you might have trouble dealing with future medical needs or complications. Waiting until you reach MMI means you and your motorcycle accident lawyer can calculate all your costs, past, present, and future.

Don’t Take on The Insurance Companies On Your Own

You may think handling your motorcycle accident claim yourself will save you time and money. Nothing could be further from the truth, especially if you suffered serious injuries.

Insurance companies don’t play fair when there’s no personal injury lawyer involved. They know most people don’t understand the true value of a motorcycle accident claim. So, they make quick, lowball offers that might not cover all of your medical bills and lost income, much less your pain and suffering. Once you accept, you’re stuck. You can’t go back and ask for more later.

A motorcycle accident attorney protects you from that mistake. They know how to push back against unfair offers and make sure the insurance company takes your injury claim seriously. They will work on building a strong case on your behalf.

Trying to move fast without legal help often means leaving money on the table. A personal injury attorney who has experience handling motorcycle accident claims can help you obtain the compensation you need to move forward.

The Dominguez Firm Is Here to Help You With Your Motorcycle Accident Claim

Motorcycle accident claims can take a few months to over a year to finalize. Whatever the time frame, the most important aspect is to obtain the compensation you need to piece your life back together again. By hiring the right motorcycle accident lawyer, you can make sure your rights are protected, regardless of how long it takes.

If you were seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, call The Dominguez Firm for a free consultation at (800) 818-1818 today. We are here for you 24/7.