Every accident case is different. How long it takes a motorcycle accident claim to settle may depend on the severity of your injuries and the cost of your medical care.
If the circumstances of your accident are relatively straightforward and your expenses do not exceed the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage, your claim could be settled within months. If the insurance company disputes your claims or your case goes to civil court, it could take years to resolve.
Motorcycle Accident Injuries Can Be Expensive
Vehicle accident injuries can have a major economic impact on those involved. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2017, crash-related medical costs and loss of productivity amounted to more than $75 billion. You may be able to recover some of your losses with a motorcycle accident claim.
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What You Could Recover in a Motorcycle Accident Claim
Motorcycle riders are not protected by a vehicle cab like drivers and others in passenger cars. This leaves motorcycle riders more exposed to injuries and more at risk of getting thrown from their bike during a crash. A motorcycle accident may result in severe cuts and contusions, broken bones, head, neck, and spinal injuries, and brain injuries.
You can file a claim for the costs of your medical bills, including emergency treatment, surgeries, hospitalizations, physical therapy, and long-term nursing care. Your claim may also include awards for future medical care related to your accident. You can seek a sum to help with your lost wages and household expenses, as well as a settlement to repair or replace your motorcycle or other damaged property. You may also be able to pursue damages for physical pain and emotional anguish. If your loved one died in a motorcycle accident, you may file a claim on their behalf.
Filing an Insurance Claim
All drivers in Georgia must carry a minimum amount of liability insurance to pay for injuries and property damages they cause. According to the Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Fire Safety (OCI), state law requires:
- Bodily injury liability coverage of $25,000 per person, or $50,000 per accident
- Property damage liability coverage of $25,000 per accident
After your motorcycle accident, you will need to contact your own auto insurance provider. They will work with the other driver’s insurer to begin the claims process. You will need to file documents and supply information about your accident, often within a timeline set by the insurer. The more complex your accident, the longer your claim may take to sort out.
If your damages are within the other driver’s coverage amount and fault is clear, your case could be resolved fairly quickly. However, if the fault is in question, or you have expensive medical bills, your case could take longer.
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Securing a Settlement
Ultimately, the at-fault driver’s insurance company may offer you a settlement, or they may deny your claims. It is likely there will be negotiations over how much the insurance company is willing to pay. If you have serious injuries or have missed a lot of time at work, your damages may exceed the amount of insurance coverage the at-fault driver carries.
Working with a lawyer familiar with car accident cases can help take some of the headaches out of the insurance process, as well as provide you with an advocate to represent you and your best interests. The end result may be a larger settlement amount for your claims.
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How Long It Might Take for You to Secure a Settlement
How long a motorcycle accident claim takes to settle varies from case to case, but working with an Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer may help you reach a more advantageous resolution. An attorney can help put pressure on the at-fault driver’s insurance company if they are dragging their feet when it comes to settling your claims.
They can also help collect and file documents and supply evidence showing that the accident was not your fault. If the insurance company does not offer you a fair settlement or refuses to pay your claims, your lawyer can help you with a lawsuit.
If your case must progress to civil court, an attorney can help you through that process, as well. There is a limit on how long you have to take legal action if you cannot settle outside of court. In Georgia, the statute of limitations on personal injury cases is two years from the time of your accident, according to OCGA §9-3-33.
Bader Law Injury Lawyers Can Help
If you would like an attorney to help with your motorcycle accident claim, Bader Law Injury Lawyers is here for you.
To find out more about your legal options and how we can assist with your case, contact our offices at (404) 888-8888 for a free consultation with one of our team members.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
