How Long Does a Motorcycle Accident Claim Take to Settle?

Riding a motorcycle can give you an exhilarating feeling that isn’t the same as riding a car. However, the freedom that comes from riding a motorcycle can expose you to dangers. If you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident, a lawyer can help you receive maximum compensation. 

You may wonder how long it will take from the time you submit your claim until you get your first settlement payment. This depends on a multitude of factors, but having a reliable lawyer on your side to navigate the motorcycle accident claim process can significantly expedite how fast you can put the accident behind you. 

Phillips Law Group has experience helping clients attain satisfactory results from their motorcycle accident claims. As one of Arizona’s largest consumer law firms, we can help you attain a quicker and smoother resolution. Contact us online or call us at (602) 222-2222 for your free case review. 

Steps Involved in a Motorcycle Accident Claim

Before starting the motorcycle accident claim process, you may want to know what the entire claim process involves. This can give you an idea of the timeline:

1. Gather evidence to support your motorcycle accident claim
2. File the accident claim
3. Negotiate with the liable party
4. Reach a settlement or take the matter to court
5. Receive settlement payment 

The time it takes to complete the motorcycle accident claim process can vary, as the length of each step can be affected by a multitude of factors. When we take on your case, we at Phillips Law Group will do our utmost to resolve your claim with a favorable outcome as efficiently and quickly as possible. 

Gathering evidence to support your claim

One important factor that determines how quickly you can reach a settlement could depend on the initial moments after your motorcycle accident. Immediately after your accident, it is essential that you gather evidence that shows the other party is at fault and responsible for your injuries. 

Here are some practical steps you can take:

• Take a picture of the accident scene: Keeping a record of the aftermath of the accident can help prove what damages were done. You can also try to write down the circumstances surrounding the incident while it is still fresh in your memory. 
• Exchange information with those involved in the accident: Get the name, contact information, and insurance information of all involved. This is needed to send the claim to the appropriate party.
• Get the contact information of eyewitnesses: Any people who were present at the time of the accident can provide valuable pieces of information. They can vouch for what happened to help prove the responsibility of the other party. 

After taking these steps, contact a lawyer and provide the information that you have collected thus far. The lawyer’s experienced legal team can then do additional research to find more evidence to support your case. 

Filing the motorcycle accident claim

After gathering evidence, the next step is to file the motorcycle accident claim. By this point, there should have been an assessment as to the severity of your injuries, as well as the property damage that was sustained. 

The following documents will aid in determining the value of your claim and how much compensation would be a fair settlement:

• A police report of your motorcycle accident 
• Proof of medical expenses
• Medical records from a physician
• Proof of lost wages
• Estimates of the cost to repair your motorcycle

Motorcycles lack the external protection that a car may provide. As a result, victims of motorcycle accidents may suffer from more serious injuries and require long-term care. It is vital to consider the long-term effects and the medical care that you may need in the future when calculating what would be a fair compensation amount. 

Lawyers handle many cases like yours and understand how much would be a fair amount, taking into consideration a multitude of factors and costs that may not be immediately recognized. 

Each state has a statute of limitations, which means you don’t have forever to file a legal claim. For example, in the State of Arizona, the statute of limitations is 2 years, according to Section 12-542. It is best not to delay in filing your claim, once you have an idea as to the extent of your injuries and the damages that were caused by the accident. 

Negotiating and reaching a settlement

Insurance companies will no doubt try to have you agree to reach a settlement before going to court. However, most likely, they will suggest a price that is lower than what you could be entitled to have. Do not agree to settle without having input from a knowledgeable lawyer. 

Lawyers can guide you through the negotiation process. Although the final decision of whether you agree to the settlement amount falls on you, lawyers can help you to see what would be a fair and just amount based on the damages that occurred from the accident. 

This step can vary in length. Some may be able to reach a settlement in a matter of weeks, but others may have to negotiate and fight for a higher amount for months or years. Some insurance companies may also try to put off responding to your claim. Thus, it is essential to have attorneys by your side fighting for your case, making sure you are not taken advantage of. 

Going to court if necessary

In the case that a fair amount cannot be agreed upon, it may be necessary to bring the matter to court. However, there are still opportunities to reach a settlement before the case goes to trial. The other party may take the matter more seriously and make a fair offer since they do not want to go through the expense of a trial.

If you are unable to reach a settlement outside of court due to the complexity of your case, the lawyers at Phillips Law Group can become advocates for your case, speaking up on your behalf so that you get a favorable outcome. 

Save Time by Getting Help From a Team of Knowledgeable Lawyers

How long a motorcycle accident claim may take to settle depends on circumstances specific to your case. Having a reliable lawyer by your side can help make the claim process go more smoothly and even more quickly. Leave the legal complications to us, so that you can focus on recovering from your motorcycle accident. 

Phillips Law Group has a record of success in helping victims of accidents reach a fair settlement. We want to help you receive a positive outcome as well. With nearly three decades of experience behind us, Phillips Law Group has helped many to receive fair compensation. We have worked hard to win over $1 billion for our clients so they don’t have to bear the financial burden of recovery on their own. 

We understand that filing a motorcycle accident claim can feel overwhelming. Phillips & Associates can be a valuable asset when navigating your motorcycle accident claim with our abundant experience in handling injury and auto accident cases. Although Phillips & Associates is one of Arizona’s largest consumer law firms, they practice law not only in Arizona but in other states nationwide as well. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t delay in reaching out to us. Contact us online or call us at (602) 222-2222 for your free case review.