The time it takes to settle a motorcycle accident case can vary, but many people receive compensation in only a few months. Some people settle in as little as 30 days, but more complicated legal situations could take over a year to resolve.
A Fort Myers motorcycle accident lawyer can review your situation and provide a more personalized assessment of how long it will take to settle your motorcycle accident case.
Hiring a lawyer can also expedite the legal process and reduce the time you have to wait to get compensation.
How Long Do Most Motorcycle Accident Settlements Take?
Many motorcycle accident settlements take around six weeks. However, there’s a lot of variance around this average amount of time. Your claim could be resolved more quickly, especially if you have help from a Fort Myers personal injury lawyer.
If a lawyer can establish another party’s negligence regarding the accident, the insurance company may settle quickly. Therefore, the professionals recommend that you don’t wait to hire a lawyer after a motorcycle accident.
However, these deals may take longer to resolve if the other party blames you for the crash or if you have considerable losses that you want the liable party to cover.
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Should You Take the First Settlement Offer?
Generally, attorneys recommend against immediately accepting the first offer made by an insurer. Insurance companies often send out a first settlement offer quickly after a collision. Taking this first deal can work against your best interests.
Insurance companies often make a subpar offer in this first deal to protect their bottom lines. Therefore, it’s essential that you allow a lawyer to review the agreement before you accept. Once you sign, it becomes much harder to get additional compensation.
An attorney can review the settlement offer and compare the offered funds against your losses. If the insurance company made a fair deal, your lawyer will advise you to accept. If not, your attorney can begin negotiating on your behalf.
How Long Do Negotiations Take?
The time it takes for your lawyer to negotiate with the insurance company will vary. Sometimes, negotiations only take a few weeks. During negotiations, your lawyer will provide evidence to show another party’s fault for your accident.
Potential evidence may include:
- A copy of the police accident report
- Witness statements regarding the crash
- Photos or videos showing the collision
- Statements from expert witnesses
Your lawyer will also back up the losses you sustained by providing documentation from your medical appointments and repair shops. Providing the correct documents can shorten the negotiation process.
The length of negotiations can impact how long it takes to settle a motorcycle accident case.
How Long Does it Take to Settle After a Fatal Motorcycle Accident?
It may take a few months or more than a year to settle a wrongful death claim after a deadly motorcycle collision. These claims may take longer than personal injury claims.
Fortunately, you can get compassionate assistance dealing with the insurance company in this challenging time with a Fort Myers wrongful death lawyer.
What Compensation Can You Get Through a Settlement?
An insurance settlement can allow you to secure compensation to cover all your losses after a collision. Depending on your circumstances, you may receive funds for your:
Medical Bills
An insurance settlement may cover all your medical expenses, including treatment for a concussion, spinal cord injury (SCI), broken bones, and internal injuries.
Lost Pay
Settling with the insurance company representing the at-fault party can help you get funds for the wages you lost during your recovery and your lost earning potential.
Vehicle Repairs
You may get money to repair or replace your motorcycle if you settle with the insurance company. A lawyer can factor these losses into your negotiations.
Non-Economic Losses
You may also receive funds to cover the non-economic impacts of a crash, including the physical pain you experience. Your lawyer can factor in your emotional suffering and mental anguish.
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Does It Take Longer to Sue After a Motorcycle Accident?
Filing a lawsuit and going through the court system usually takes longer than settling with the insurance company. Additionally, you may end up paying court fees if you have to sue the at-fault party for compensation.
However, a lawyer may recommend filing a personal injury lawsuit if the at-fault party and their insurance company refuse to agree to a fair settlement after negotiations. Your attorney will stick with you until the resolution of your claim through negotiations or a lawsuit.
Find Out How Long It Takes to Settle a Motorcycle Accident Case
How long does it take to settle a motorcycle accident case? The time to resolve a claim varies. You may get compensation in a few weeks, or it could take over a year to come to an agreement with the insurance company.
Our team at Viles & Beckman can begin the legal process immediately, working to expedite your claim and bring you compensation in a timely manner. Find out more by calling or completing our online contact form.
Call or text (239) 334-3933 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form