It is not possible to determine what the average motorcycle accident lawsuit timeline looks like. Too many factors could affect how long it takes to decide your claim:
- The available evidence
- The liable party’s willingness to cooperate
- The number of liable parties
- The complexity of your case
What Goes into Building a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit
There are several steps you must take to initiate a lawsuit. Our legal team can perform all of them for you. That way, you can focus on your recovery and spending time with your family instead of expending too much time and effort on legal matters.
To start a lawsuit, we can:
- Collect evidence to support your case with witness statements, police reports, medical records, and other available sources.
- Quantify your injuries so you know exactly how much your injuries are worth and cannot be tricked into accepting a lowball settlement offer.
- Notify the liable party or parties so that they and their representatives know who is suing them and why.
What Happens After I File a Lawsuit?
Once the liable party knows about your lawsuit, it is up to them to determine the next step. Depending on what they decide to do, your case may proceed along the following lines:
- The at-fault party offers a fair settlement: This is the best-case scenario. If their insurer offers appropriate compensation right away, you can sign a settlement agreement and quickly get your money.
- We negotiate for a fair settlement: If nothing else, the insurance company often will sit down with us to discuss a possible settlement. We can push them to pay what you need.
- We take your case to trial: If negotiations are unsuccessful or the insurer refuses to negotiate, we can get ready to go to court. This step includes gathering sufficient evidence and presenting it in a way that convinces the jury to award you damages.
No matter how long it takes, we will fight to get you and your family appropriate compensation.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 537-8185
Recovering Damages from a Motorcycle Accident
To qualify for damages, you must first ensure that your case still falls within the statute of limitations. This is a law that gives accident victims a deadline within which they must file a lawsuit. The deadline varies by state and may be shortened or lengthened depending on your circumstances.
A member of our team can tell you whether you are still eligible to collect damages. If you remain eligible, we can help you figure out which of these compensation types you could recover:
- Medical expenses: This may include everything from emergency treatment to long-term care. It also includes treatment for mental illnesses caused or worsened by the accident.
- Repair costs: This includes the cost of fixing or replacing your motorcycle if it was damaged in the crash.
- Lost income or benefits: You could not go to work until your injuries healed, or you had to work reduced hours.
- Pain and suffering: The accident and resulting injuries traumatized you, causing both physical and emotional anguish.
- Reduced quality of life: This could mean that you had to give up a favorite hobby or can no longer live independently.
- Disability: This wide-ranging category encompasses temporary and permanent disabilities, total and partial disabilities, and physical and intellectual disabilities.
You might also recover attorney’s fees to cover legal costs. In wrongful death cases, you can seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and more.
Motorcycle Aafety Is Everyone’s Responsibility
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released a report that showed motorcyclist injuries increased 2.4 percent in 2019 compared to the previous year. A total of 84,000 motorcyclists were injured in traffic accidents in 2019.
Meanwhile, a Federal Highway Administration (FHA) study found that many such accidents can be avoided if motorcyclists take these precautions:
- Always paying attention to their surroundings
- Not riding while overly stressed or upset
- Obeying the speed limit
- Never drinking alcohol before riding
- Wearing proper gear, including a helmet and reflective clothing
However, many accidents cannot be attributed to the motorcyclist’s action or inaction. Often, a distracted driver who doesn’t keep an eye out for motorcyclists in their vicinity crashes into a biker. If you were the victim of such an accident, our firm could help you fight for the money you need.
Click to contact our personal injury lawyers today
Morris Bart, LLC Can Help with Your Motorcycle Accident Case
The Morris Bart law firm understands that you need compensation quickly after a motorcycle accident. While there is no “average” timeline for how long such a lawsuit may take, we’ll work diligently and promptly to see that you get the money you need. Call us today at (800) 537-8185 to receive a free consultation.
Questions?Call (800) 537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.