Maison Law helps people that have been injured in motorcycle accidents by answering their questions about the claims process. After an injury, the claims process can be long and arduous, but there’s no way to really tell how long things will take. Our team can support you from start to finish, though. Contact us today for a free consultation.
How Long Does a Typical Motorcycle Accident Claim Take?
Aside from injuries, probably the toughest thing about a motorcycle accident claim is that there’s really no way to tell how long it’ll take. Some wrap up in mere weeks, while others can take much longer, spanning months of your life. Even though every claim has its own unique timeline, there’s a few markers for figuring out how long it’ll take:
- Complexity – The complexity of your motorcycle accident affects how long your claim takes. If it’s a simple accident with minor damage and few injuries, the process will usually be faster. If there are multiple people involved or more serious injuries, it may take longer to resolve.
- Evidence – The amount of evidence you collect also impacts the speed of your case. You need to provide any evidence to the insurance company or lawyers for review. If you have little evidence, your case might close faster, but it can also weaken your claim.
- Injuries – Injuries from motorcycle accidents can differ greatly. More serious injuries will take longer to gather medical records and evidence, which can slow down your claim. However, more serious injuries can increase the potential amount you can receive for damages.
Filing a claim after a motorcycle accident is important to cover medical costs, lost income, and other damages. Again, though, the time it takes can vary widely–some cases settle quickly while others take months. The details of your situation will ultimately set the timeline, so it’s important to look at how you can protect a potential claim.
How Can You Protect Your Motorcycle Accident Claim?
You obviously never want to be in a motorcycle accident, but unfortunately, this doesn’t prevent them from happening. When it does, you have to try to stay calm and think about your potential claim. To protect it, here’s what you can do:
- Call 911 – First things first, move your motorcycle out of traffic if it’s safe. Check for injuries and call 911 for an ambulance and other help.
- Exchange information – Make sure to share your contact and insurance details with the other rider(s) or drivers involved in the accident.
- Call the local police – It’s crucial to report the accident, especially if there are injuries, significant damage, or if the other party isn’t cooperating. Either ask the 911 dispatcher to send local police or call them yourself.
- Get medical care from EMTs – Even if you don’t feel severely injured, it’s wise to get checked by paramedics at the scene. Follow up with your doctor to make sure you’re okay or to address any injuries that may come up later.
- Take pictures – Use your phone to capture images of the accident scene, damage to the vehicles, your injuries, and any relevant road signs or conditions.
- Watch your statements – When you talk to police or insurance reps, just stick to the facts. Insurance companies will usually try to twist your words to reduce their liability, so be careful. Also, don’t post about the accident on your social media or anywhere else public.
- Keep track of things – Save all documents related to the accident, including medical bills, motorcycle repair estimates, and any communication with insurance companies.
By following these steps, you’ll protect your health and strengthen your ability to file a solid claim for damages. A stronger claim might take a bit longer to settle, but it will guarantee that you receive the financial support you need for recovery. To get that, you have to actually file a claim first.
How Does the Claims Process Work After a Motorcycle Accident?
Every motorcycle accident is different, but as a victim, you typically have two main options for filing a claim: through insurance or by filing a lawsuit. Both options have their strengths and weaknesses, but again, it’s difficult to tell how it’ll impact the length of time your claim will take. Here’s an overview of how each one works:
- Insurance claim – The first step is usually to file a claim with the insurance of the at-fault driver. An adjuster will evaluate your case and often make a settlement offer. Settling through insurance can be faster and less expensive, but it may not cover all your damages, and the final amount will be determined by the insurance company.
- Lawsuit – If you choose to file a lawsuit, the process may take longer and require more resources, but it could result in higher compensation. We can assist with the necessary paperwork, court preparation, negotiation, and trial representation if needed.
While there are no guarantees of success, our experienced team strives to secure a fair result for you, which can cover your “damages,” like:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Motorcycle repair or replacement costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
- Punitive damages in some cases
- Wrongful death expenses
In California, you must file your claim within two years of the accident. Missing this deadline could forfeit your right to seek damages. The outcome and amount you receive depend on various factors, so having our team to support you can be invaluable.
Contact Maison Law After a Motorcycle Accident in California
Getting injured in a motorcycle accident in California is something nobody wants to experience, but it happens often. Each case is different, and at Maison Law, our motorcycle accident lawyers focus on your needs and goals during the legal process. If you or a loved one has been injured and wants to explore legal options, contact us today for a free consultation.
