How Long Does a Motorcycle Accident Claim Take
Because motorcyclists suffer serious injuries, many are eager to finally get a settlement to pay for medical care and replace lost wages. But how much time does it take to settle a case? At Snyder Heitman, LLC, we have tackled some of the most complicated motorcycle accident cases around. We understand the different factors that go into a claim and how to speed up the process. Contact us today so we can provide an overview of what your claims process will look like.
Factors That Influence a Motorcycle Claim
A motorcycle accident claim begins the day you are injured. Some critical evidence is at the scene, and any statements you make to the driver who hit you could undercut your claim.
Here is an overview of the different factors that impact the duration of your case:
- Medical care and recovery. We usually hold off on filing an accident claim until we have a better idea of the full extent of your injuries. We want to know how much your medical care has cost, including the cost of rehab and physical therapy. Once we have a handle on your injuries, we can move more confidently toward negotiation.
- Investigation. We can talk to witnesses and even visit the scene of the crash. Increasingly, we search for videos of the accident. If you were hurt in downtown Greenville or Spartanburg, then a security camera could have recorded the accident.
- Legal analysis. We always check if you can add multiple defendants to a claim. For example, your motorcycle might have been defective, which contributed to the crash. Or the driver who hit you could have been driving a defective car, and their manufacturer or mechanic could be a second defendant.
- Demand letter. We start negotiation by sending a demand letter to all defendants, explaining why they are at fault for the accident. We then demand compensation to settle the dispute.
- Lawsuit. We usually file a lawsuit to protect your rights. However, we sometimes need to litigate, especially if negotiations falter.
- Negotiation and mediation. Usually, it takes several months to negotiate a settlement for our motorcycle accident clients. Some factors which can delay settlement include disputes regarding fault. The defendant might blame you for the crash for riding too aggressively or for failing to follow the rules of the road. Negotiation could take months or even up to a year in those situations.
To speed up your case, remember to always receive prompt medical treatment and then contact an experienced lawyer. Our legal team can identify what other evidence you need, and we have ample experience negotiating with many of the state’s largest insurers.
Speak with an Attorney at Snyder Heitman Today
If you are struggling after a motorcycle crash, contact our office. A Greenville motorcycle accident lawyer can go over what you remember, as well as the police accident report. We have won millions for people dealing with painful, life-changing injuries. Our consultations are free, and we serve those in Greenville, Spartanburg and Upstate South Carolina.