How Long Does a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit Take?

After you have been critically injured in a motorcycle accident, the thought of bringing your case to court can be daunting. The last thing you should have to deal with is challenging legal issues, people accusing you of causing your accident or injuries, and negotiating with the insurance company. 

However, the sooner you get started on your case, the more likely it is you will be able to obtain the money you deserve. Before you get started on your case, you may be wondering how long your motorcycle accident lawsuit will take to resolve. There are many factors that could impact the timeline for motorcycle accident claims. 

Factors Impacting Your Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit Timeline

It is difficult to say how long it will take for your motorcycle accident claim to be resolved. There are many factors that can have an impact on the length of time it takes to recover the compensation you are entitled to. Some of these factors include:

• The amount of time it takes to find the right motorcycle accident attorney to advocate for you
• How long it takes to investigate and prove negligence or liability
• The amount of time it takes to calculate the value of your motorcycle accident damages
• How long it takes to negotiate with the insurance company
• The amount of time it takes to move your case through the Arkansas civil court system

Finding the Right Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Before you get started on your claim, you need to have a skilled motorcycle accident attorney working for you. Although there is no legal requirement that says you need an attorney, having a legal advocate on your side could make a significant difference in your ability to recover the damages and compensation you deserve. 

Do not simply choose the first attorney you come across. Make sure you are selecting a motorcycle accident lawyer you can trust and count on to fight for justice and total recovery of your damages.

Proving Liability and Negligence

The motorcycle accident investigation process can be complex. Your attorney will need to open up a thorough investigation into how your motorcycle accident occurred. 

We may need to interview witnesses, work with experts to review evidence, gather forensic evidence and have evidence tested by lab professionals, speak with police and other law enforcement officials, and otherwise work to gather the evidence we will need to prove fault. The longer it takes for us to conduct our investigation, the longer it will take for your motorcycle accident claim to be resolved.

Calculating the Value of Your Arkansas Motorcycle Accident Claim

Another factor that could lengthen the amount of time it takes to settle your motorcycle accident claim is how long it will take to calculate the value of your damages. The more severe your injuries are, the longer it will take for you to reach maximum medical improvement (MMI). 

Before you have reached MMI, it may be difficult to calculate the value of your loss of income, diminished earning potential, and medical expenses. Many insurance companies and liable parties will be hesitant to resolve your case without knowing the true value of these losses. Furthermore, your attorney will want to be sure to seek enough compensation to cover your costs and their impact in the future.

Dealing with the Insurance Company

Insurance companies are notoriously difficult to work with. However, it is almost always in the insurance company’s best interests to pay out as little as possible on your claim. Insurance companies will do everything they can to escape financial responsibility. 

The longer it takes to negotiate with the insurance company, the longer it will be before your case is resolved. Since many insurance settlements only cover certain types and amounts of damages, you can expect Your insurance settlement to cover only certain types of losses. 

You will more than likely have additional damages you are entitled to recover, but the insurance company may not be financially obligated to cover them. They may also attempt to blame you for causing your motorcycle accident injuries in the hopes of reducing the amount they will be ordered to pay you. If you hope to avoid being taken advantage of by profit-driven insurers in your Arkansas motorcycle accident claim, be sure to have your attorney act as your liaison with the insurance company at all times.

Bringing Your Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit to Trial

If your motorcycle accident lawsuit needs to go to court, it could take a considerable amount of time for your motorcycle accident case to be resolved. If the court systems are backed up, it could be a significant amount of time before you even have the opportunity to present your case at trial. 

In court, both parties will have the opportunity to introduce evidence to support their case and refute evidence introduced by the other involved party. However, even if the judge or jury makes a decision that is in your favor, the defendant may still have the opportunity to file an appeal. 

Even if they do not file an appeal, they will have a minimum of 30 days to pay out before you can take additional steps to hold them accountable. It is not uncommon for motorcycle accident victims to wait months or even years to be awarded the compensation they are entitled to. For this reason, the sooner we get your case to trial, the more likely it is you will be awarded the compensation and benefits that are rightfully yours.

Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for Help

There are many factors that can have an impact on how long it will take for your motorcycle accident lawsuit to be settled. Fortunately, when you have a reputable legal advocate on your side handling the details of your case, you can focus on recuperating from your injuries while we work tirelessly to hold the liable party accountable. 

Start working on your motorcycle accident insurance claim and lawsuit as soon as today when you contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer at Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC for a free consultation. You can reach us by phone or through our quick contact form to schedule yours.