How long it takes to resolve a motorcycle accident lawsuit through the court system in Massachusetts can vary. However, many lawsuits are resolved within a year of the collision. Some may take significantly longer, based on disputes regarding fault and the significance of the victim’s injuries.
Some motorcyclists can resolve their cases more quickly by settling out of court with the insurance company representing the at-fault driver. A Boston motorcycle accident lawyer can go over both of these options after a collision.
How Long does a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit Take?
Each motorcycle accident lawsuit in Massachusetts takes a different amount of time to resolve. However, many wrap up between 1 -2 years after a collision. Numerous factors may influence the time required to complete a lawsuit, including:
The Severity of the Motorcyclist’s Injuries
The severity of your injuries may increase the time it takes to resolve a lawsuit. Generally, Boston motorcycle accident injuries and damages lawyers only proceed with a claim once they know the full extent of your losses.
Due to the severe nature of many motorcycle accident injuries, it may take time to calculate all of your medical expenses and determine whether the injuries you sustained are permanent or expected to heal.
Disagreements About Fault for the Collision
Accidents with disputes about who caused the collision may take longer to resolve. A lawyer may have to provide extensive proof that someone else caused your crash after taking a negligent or dangerous action.
The Presence of Multiple At-Fault Parties
Sometimes, multiple people contribute to causing a motorcycle collision. Sorting out the percentage of blame for different parties can increase the time it takes to resolve a motorcycle accident lawsuit.
Disagreements About the Extent of the Victim’s Injuries
Insurance companies like to claim that various injuries pre-dated the collision or were not caused by the collision for whatever reasons they can come up with.
All of the above factors influence how long a motorcycle accident lawsuit takes to settle.
What Happens During a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit?
Your lawyer may need to conduct an investigation, conduct paper discovery, take depositions, attend multiple hearings, request multiple hearings, and submit motions to the court during a motorcycle accident lawsuit. All of these legal actions take time and influence the length of your claim.
During the time for evidence collection, your attorney may:
- Find and interview all witnesses to get official statements
- Visit the scene of your motorcycle crash
- Get a copy of the official police report
- Look for videos from body cams or traffic cameras
- Download black box data if the accident involved a commercial vehicle
- Canvas local businesses to see if employees saw the collision
This process may take significant time. Hiring a lawyer can ensure the investigation moves promptly without cutting any corners.
Each side gets a chance to present evidence and make a case during a motorcycle accident lawsuit. Your lawyer will keep you updated throughout the legal process so you understand the potential time it will take to complete the claim.
Do You Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit?
You do not always have to file a lawsuit to secure compensation after a motorcycle crash.
In fact, motorcycle accident attorneys often advise settling a claim outside of the court system by negotiating with the insurance company that represents the at-fault party.
Does It Take Longer to Settle with the Insurance Company?
Typically, it takes less time to settle than it takes to file a lawsuit and go through the court system. However, the negotiation process may still take several months, depending on the facts surrounding your collision. Also, offers made by the insurance company can be lower than the amount a jury would award. We can help you weigh the risk of a trial with the certainty of a settlement offer.
Hiring a lawyer often gives you a chance to expedite the legal process so you can secure compensation in less time and move forward with your life.
How Long do You Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit?
You must file a motorcycle accident lawsuit within three years of your collision. After three years, the statute of limitations established by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will expire, and the court can dismiss your request for compensation.
Can You Help Your Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit Move Faster?
You can take a few steps to help your motorcycle accident lawsuit move faster so you can secure compensation to cover your losses in less time. The professionals recommend that you:
- Report the accident right away to the police
- Seek prompt treatment for your injuries and follow all medical advice
- Get pictures of your injuries and the accident scene
- Secure contact information from all eyewitnesses
- Reach out immediately to a personal injury lawyer
Getting immediate assistance from a legal professional gives you a chance to expedite every part of your claim. Your lawyer will advise you about the proper steps to take for each legal challenge you face, reducing confusion and minimizing lost time.
Additionally, lawyers recommend against providing a recorded statement to the other party’s insurance company or posting on social media until the resolution of your claim. These actions can damage your claim and increase the time it takes to secure compensation.
Find Out How Long It Takes to Settle a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit
How long does a motorcycle accident lawsuit take to settle? It could take around a year to resolve a lawsuit after a motorcycle collision. Some lawsuits take longer than others to complete. You may also choose to negotiate a settlement after a crash.
You can get advice about the best way to handle your claim from our team at Jason Stone Injury Lawyers. We’re a local law firm and get back to you within 24 hours as part of our Stone Cold Guarantee® because we want to keep your claim moving quickly.
Find out more by calling or completing our online contact form.
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