How Long Should It Take to Settle a Motorcycle Accident Claim?

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, settling your claim quickly is usually at the top of your priority list. The sooner you get compensated, the sooner you can pay those medical bills, cover lost income if you can’t work, and start putting that accident behind you. But how long does it actually take to reach a fair settlement?

The honest answer – it depends on a variety of factors. Everything from the severity of your injuries to the details of the accident itself can impact whether your claim breezes through in a couple of months or gets bogged down in a lengthy legal battle spanning years. Having realistic expectations can make those anxious waiting periods much easier to navigate.

What’s the Average Timeline for Settling a Motorcycle Accident Claim?

Every motorcycle accident case is unique, so it’s challenging to estimate exactly how long it will take. That said, most claims are resolved through settlement negotiations between 6 and 12 months after the crash.

What Impacts the Timeline of a Motorcycle Accident Claim

Many factors affect the timeline of a motorcycle accident claim in Ohio:

• Severity of Injuries – Catastrophic or fatal crashes take longer to investigate and litigate.
• Number of Parties – Multi-vehicle accidents mean more legal coordination.
• Willingness to Settle – Cases that don’t settle must go to litigation, extending timelines.
• Appeals – Losing parties can draw out cases by appealing verdicts.
• Legal Team’s Experience – An adept lawyer can often speed up resolution.

More straightforward cases with clear fault and relatively minor injuries may settle faster. Serious or fatal crashes involving multiple vehicles and parties tend to take longer.

What Does the Process Look Like After Filing a Motorcycle Accident Claim?

The timeline after filing a motorcycle accident claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company varies substantially depending on the length of medical treatment and how settlement negotiations unfold. Here are some of the main phases:

Investigation

First, your attorney will conduct a preliminary investigation to determine whether there are any liability or insurance coverage issues. During this phase, your attorney will work to obtain any available police reports, witness statements, and photographic, video, and electronic evidence to help build your case. In some cases, accident reconstruction experts must be retained to download vehicle recorder data. In addition, your attorney will work to uncover insurance coverages and assets available to satisfy your monetary damages.

Diagnosis and Treatment

After a traumatic motorcycle crash, you should seek immediate emergency medical care to check for life-threatening injuries, fractures, closed head injuries, and internal and other injuries. Seeking medical diagnoses and treatment for your injuries is essential to document your injuries and to establish causation and damages. Because you have a limited time period, it is crucial to get the treatment that you need in a timely manner. Your medical doctors can also determine whether you have any permanent injuries that require ongoing and future medical care. This phase may take weeks or months, depending on the severity of your injuries.

Gathering Evidence and Calculating Damages

Your attorney will work to document financial losses from medical bills and calculate damages for pain and suffering, lost wages, and other costs.

Settlement Negotiations

Once enough evidence is gathered, your lawyer will demand payment from the at-fault driver’s auto insurance company. The insurance company may disagree with your attorney’s valuation of your case, and lengthy settlement negotiations are sometimes required to settle a claim without filing a lawsuit. Sometimes, additional evidence may be needed to bolster your case and convince the insurance adjuster to offer fair value for your claim. In some instances, insurance adjusters act without reason, offering significantly less than fair value for your claim while using hardline settlement tactics. Therefore, filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver may be necessary to seek the best possible result for your case.

Filing a Lawsuit

If negotiations fail and the insurer refuses reasonable settlement terms, your attorney may file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault parties. However, this can extend the timeline by months or years.

The typical motorcycle accident lawsuit timeline spans several months to over two years after the initial crash occurred. But, an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer on your side can help move the process along smoothly toward the best outcome possible.

Tips to Expedite Your Motorcycle Accident Claim

No one wants their injury claim dragging on endlessly. Here are tips to help speed up the process:

• Act Quickly to Preserve Evidence – The sooner details are documented, the better.
• Hire an Experienced Attorney – An adept lawyer can navigate cases toward faster resolution.
• Avoid Unnecessary Delays – Stay engaged and responsive throughout the process. Follow through with your medical treatment plan. And seek timely referrals for diagnostic tests, specialists, or surgical consults.

Why Should I Talk to a Motorcycle Accident Attorney?

The personal injury claims process after a motorcycle collision can be extremely challenging—especially when severe injuries are involved. Speaking with a qualified motorcycle accident lawyer benefits you in the following key ways:

• They handle communications and negotiations so you can focus on recovery.
• They uncover all of the different types of monetary damages that are available in your case.
• They fight against unfair insurance practices and settlement tactics.
• They are familiar with motorcycle-related laws and court procedures.
• They will file a lawsuit and take the case to trial in order to obtain a fair result for your case.

Don’t leave money on the table or struggle alone. An attorney protects your rights every step of the way.

Let Ohio’s Premier Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Help You

If you or someone you love were injured in a motorcycle accident, The Jones Firm can help. Call now for a free case review. Our legal team is ready to discuss the details of your case and provide counsel to find the best path forward during this difficult time.

Through our years of experience, we’ve helped many other Ohio motorcycle accident victims to obtain fair compensation for their injuries. Most importantly, we have an unwavering commitment to treat our clients with the utmost compassion and care. And we will relentlessly advocate for you and your family.

Seek physical, emotional, and financial recovery after your motorcycle crash with support from The Jones Firm. Do not delay. Contact us today to move forward with your injury claim.