The time it takes to settle a motorcycle accident claim will vary on a case-by-case basis, but lawyers can resolve many claims in only a few months. Factors like the extent of your injuries and the amount of proof available can influence settlement time.
You can minimize the time you have to wait for compensation through a settlement by contacting a Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer for help immediately after a crash. An attorney can deal with insurance company stall tactics and may help with a lawsuit if the company refuses to negotiate fairly.
How to Minimize the Time a Motorcycle Accident Claim Takes to Settle
Settlement negotiations after a motorcycle accident generally take months. You can proactively work to minimize the time these negotiations take by:
Hiring an Attorney
Contacting a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer for help represents the most significant step you can take to expedite insurance negotiations. Lawyers will deal directly with the insurance company on your behalf, protecting your claim and keeping the process moving.
Legal professionals strongly recommend against trying to negotiate a settlement without help. The insurance company may stall you or deny your claim. The company may also try to pressure you into accepting a subpar offer if you don’t have help in your corner.
You should not give the insurance company a recorded statement, discuss the severity of your injuries, or sign any paperwork before you hire an attorney.
Gathering Evidence at the Motorcycle Accident Scene
You should gather as much evidence from the scene of your crash as possible. Taking this step can make it easier for your lawyer to show the other party’s fault, minimizing the time you need to wait before settling.
If possible, attorneys strongly recommend that you:
- Take pictures of your injuries and the damage to your motorcycle
- Write down exactly what happened
- Get contact details from eyewitnesses
Your attorney can collect additional evidence to back up your claim. Furthermore, it’s essential that you contact the police and report the crash. The police will file an official report establishing the facts about the collision.
Seeking Medical Care
Getting immediate treatment for your injuries can effectively tie them to the accident, making it easier for your attorney to move negotiations along. You may need emergency care for a concussion, broken bones, burns, or other catastrophic injuries.
You can contact your lawyer for additional information about insurance negotiations and the time it takes to settle a motorcycle accident claim.
How Long Does Getting Money After Settling a Motorcycle Accident Claim Take?
In most cases, the insurance company needs to provide compensation within 30 days of a settlement agreement. Generally, the money comes to the law firm that represented you. The firm will take payment for legal fees out of the settlement and then provide you with your compensation.
When considering how long a motorcycle accident claim takes to settle, your attorney can include the waiting period after a settlement in the overall time estimate.
What Compensation Do You Get After You Settle a Motorcycle Crash Claim?
Once you resolve a motorcycle accident claim, you may receive compensation to cover all of your losses. What damages can you get after a motorcycle accident? You may qualify for money to pay for your:
- Current and long-term medical expenses
- Lost time at work
- Diminished earning potential
- Motorcycle repairs
- Emotional suffering, pain, and mental anguish
An attorney can track all of your expenses and add them up to ensure the insurance company provides fair compensation for your economic and non-economic losses.
Do You Have to File a Claim Within a Set Period of Time?
You need to file your motorcycle accident claim before California’s statute of limitations expires. Typically, you only have two years from the date of your accident to seek compensation for your losses.
Your attorney can begin the legal process today and stick with you until the resolution of your claim.
What if the Insurance Company Won’t Settle?
If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement after a motorcycle crash, your attorney may help you file a personal injury lawsuit against the liable party. Filing a lawsuit allows you to seek compensation through the court system.
Generally, lawsuits take longer to resolve than settlements. A personal injury lawsuit could take a year or more to wrap up, depending on the amount of evidence available and the extent of your losses.
You can discuss this legal option with your attorney.
Talk to Us About Settling a Motorcycle Accident Claim
How long does a motorcycle accident claim take to settle? In many cases, settlement negotiations take a few months, though the exact time will vary based on your circumstances.
Our team at Omega Law Group can immediately step in after a crash to minimize the time you have to wait for compensation. We’re ready to help when you call or complete our online contact form.