You didn’t expect your life to be on hold after a motorcycle wreck, but here you are—dealing with injuries, medical bills, and time away from work. Now you’re asking, How long does a motorcycle accident lawsuit take? The truth is, every case has its own timeline. Some wrap up in months, while others could drag on for longer.
What speeds things up? A driver admitting fault, strong evidence, and a cooperative insurance company. What slows things down? Liability disputes, ongoing medical treatment, and insurers who refuse to negotiate. The more obstacles, the longer a motorcycle accident lawsuit takes to resolve. Keep reading to see what can affect a motorcycle accident lawsuit timeline and what to expect in the months ahead.
Learn how our Georgia motorcycle accident lawyers can assist you by calling (706) 354-4000 or filling out our online form today. We offer free, no-obligation personal injury consultations.
What Speeds Up or Slows Down a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit?
The average length of time for a motorcycle accident settlement depends on multiple factors. Some lawsuits wrap up quickly, while others drag on for months or longer. When things line up, a case can settle in months. When roadblocks appear, it can stretch past a year.
Liability Disputes
If the at-fault driver admits responsibility, the case moves faster. Without a liability dispute, negotiations can begin sooner. But when a driver denies fault, insurance companies often delay payments. To counter this, attorneys may need to gather more evidence like witness statements, crash reports, surveillance footage, or expert testimony.
Medical Treatment
Ongoing medical treatment can affect when a victim files a lawsuit. If recovery happens quickly or doctors identify long-term effects early, the case can move forward sooner. However, when treatment persists or future surgeries are expected, waiting may be necessary to include all medical expenses and damages in the claim.
Insurance Companies
Some insurers negotiate fairly while others may take weeks to respond. They may request unnecessary paperwork, or make lowball offers to pressure the injured rider into settling for less. A case moves faster when an insurer cooperates. When insurers stall, filing a lawsuit may be the only way to push the case forward, which can add time to the process.
General Timeline for a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit
How long does it take to settle a motorcycle accident case? No two cases follow the same timeline, but most motorcycle accident lawsuits go through a few similar stages.
Filing the Insurance Claim (Weeks to Months)
The first step is filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance. If they accept responsibility and offer a fair settlement, the case may be resolved within a few months. However, if they push back or dispute the claim, things move to the next stage.
Investigating and Gathering Evidence (Several Months)
Your attorney will collect medical records, police reports, witness statements, and expert opinions to prove what happened and explain the full impact of your injuries. Building a solid case takes time.
Negotiating a Settlement (Few Months to a Year)
Some insurers negotiate in good faith, while others delay with lowball offers. Fighting for fair compensation can take months when the insurance company refuses to cooperate.
Filing a Lawsuit (Several Months to Over a Year)
When negotiations fail, the next step is filing a lawsuit. Both sides then enter the motorcycle accident lawsuit process, which includes depositions, discovery, and court hearings. Some cases settle during this phase, while others proceed to trial.
Trial (Few Days to Several Months)
Most cases settle before trial, but scheduling a trial date can take months. Trials typically last only a few days, but court scheduling determines how long it takes to get there.
Does Georgia Law Affect How Long a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit Takes?
Yes. Georgia law plays a role in the motorcycle accident settlement timeline, especially when disputes arise over fault. The statute of limitations limits the time riders have to file a lawsuit. Most must take legal action within two years of the crash. Missing this deadline means losing the right to seek compensation.
Additionally, under Georgia’s modified comparative negligence rule, a motorcyclist who shares fault receives reduced compensation. Because of this provision, liability is often contested, with both parties attempting to assign the other as much blame as possible.
Considering a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit? BBGA Is Ready to Help
Motorcycle crash lawsuits take time to resolve. Some cases settle quickly, while others take months or even years to resolve. The difference? A legal team that cuts through delays and moves your case forward. Blasingame, Burch, Garrard & Ashley, P.C. has spent over 40 years holding negligent drivers accountable and fighting for injured riders across Georgia.
The clock is ticking. Taking action now moves your case forward sooner. Call (706) 354-4000 or reach us online for a free consultation today, and let’s start building your case together.
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