How Long Do Motorcycle Settlements Take?

No two motorcycle injury claims are the same. How much they are worth and how long they will take to resolve depends on many factors, from the severity of injuries to the willingness of the insurance company to negotiate.

Unfortunately, motorcyclists are too often blamed for these accidents, even though research has shown that other drivers are more often at fault. This can lead to complex negotiations and contested liability that slows down the process unnecessarily.

No lawyer can say for certain how long your settlement will take. What we can say is this: at Patrick Daniel Law, our goal is to provide a timely resolution without ever settling for less than you deserve. Our approach is Strategic. Meticulous. Merciless., designed to keep insurers from taking advantage of your situation.

With vast experience pursuing motorcycle injury claims in Houston and across Texas, we know what it takes to win, and we’re here to protect your rights. To speak with our Houston motorcycle accident lawyer, call (713) 999-6666 and schedule your FREE consultation.

How Long Does a Motorcycle Injury Claim Take To Settle?

How long it takes to settle a motorcycle injury claim can vary significantly, from a few months to over a year. While every motorcycle accident is different—and should be treated as such—there are certain steps that are typically involved when filing a claim.

These include:

• Initial Investigation: Gathering evidence and witness statements, assessing injuries, and determining how the accident occurred and who was at fault.
• Medical Treatment & Monitoring: Receiving medical treatment for injuries and monitoring progress.
• Calculating Compensation: Compiling medical bills and other damages to determine how much compensation you deserve.
• Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Submitting a demand letter to the insurance company, followed by adjuster review, counteroffers, and settlement talks.
• Litigation (If Necessary): Filing a lawsuit, discovery, mediation, and potentially a trial.

How long each of these individual steps takes ultimately depends on some key factors that influence the complexity and value of a claim.

Read More: Am I Asking for Enough in My Motorcycle Injury Claim?

What Factors Affect the Timeline of Motorcycle Injury Claims?

While it can be difficult to accurately estimate how long a claim will take, there is typically a connection between its complexity and the length of the process.

Some of the primary factors that influence complexity include:

• Severity of Injuries: When injuries are serious, such as with many brain injuries, it can take longer to reach maximum medical improvement (MMI), which will influence how much compensation you ask for.
• Liability Uncertainty: If the insurance company contests fault or believes both parties share blame, it can significantly slow down the claims process. (Note: If you are partially responsible for the accident, it does not necessarily mean you will not be able to recover compensation.)
• Insurance Dynamics: In high-value motorcycle injury claims, insurance companies will often do whatever they can to complicate the process, including being slow to act and difficult to negotiate with.
• Evidence Needed: Some cases call for more sophisticated evidence, such as accident reconstruction, which can take additional time to collect.

When you consider these and other factors, such as waiting for medical records, it’s easy to see why some claims can take longer.

Read More: What To Consider Before Settling a Motorcycle Accident Claim

Do I Have To Wait Until I’m Fully Recovered To Settle My Claim?

While you are not required to be fully recovered from a motorcycle accident to settle your claim, it is recommended that you at least reach MMI or a clear medical prognosis first.

Once your claim is settled, you likely won’t be able to seek compensation for any additional damages. If you settle before you have a clear picture of how much your medical treatment will ultimately cost, or how much income you will lose from missing work, you risk demanding less than you deserve.

This is also why not accepting a low-ball settlement offer from the insurance company is so critical. Adjusters will make it seem reasonable and fair, but if you aren’t sure how much your medical bills will amount to, how can you be certain?

Instead, we recommend working with an attorney who can help accurately calculate the full extent of your damages and make sure the insurance company does not take advantage of you.

Will Filing a Lawsuit Slow Things Down?

If the insurance company refuses to provide a fair settlement offer, you may find yourself at a crossroads. You can either:

• Accept their best offer and give up your right to pursue any additional compensation in the future
• File a lawsuit & take the claim to trial

To be sure, the first option is generally quicker and easier, which is why we always seek to reach a fair settlement agreement first. Taking a case to trial will naturally slow things down as the full legal process kicks in, including discovery, mediation, and more.

At the same time, it can create leverage and lead to a more earnest negotiation from the insurance company. Ultimately, you should always keep your option of going to trial open and only work with an attorney who is willing to take the case to court if necessary.

How a Houston Motorcycle Injury Lawyer Can Help

Managing the aftermath of a motorcycle accident is no small feat, especially if the accident led to catastrophic injuries. Unfortunately, the motorcycle injury claims process does not slow down for you. The other party’s insurer will move quickly to challenge liability and minimize your recovery.

Working with a motorcycle injury lawyer can give you the resources you need to fight back and defend your rights. Some of the key ways they do so include:

• Conducting a thorough investigation to uncover and analyze evidence, consult with accident reconstruction experts, and interview witnesses.
• Handling communications with insurers to protect you from adjuster tactics and make strategic demands.
• Calculating full damages to ensure you pursue the compensation you need and deserve.
• Taking the case to court, including conducting discovery, taking depositions, and preparing your case for trial.

With this support, we hope you will be able to focus your energy and attention on getting better while resting assured that your case is in the best possible hands.

Call for a FREE Consultation With Patrick Daniel Law

There is no template for building successful motorcycle injury claims. It begins with a thorough understanding of how the accident took place, whose fault it was, and how much compensation is appropriate. It requires attention to detail and experience.

At Patrick Daniel Law, we are passionate about helping accident victims in Texas recover the just compensation, and we never back down in the face of conflict. To discuss your motorcycle accident claim, contact our Houston motorcycle accident lawyer today to schedule your FREE consultation.