How long a motorcycle accident claim takes to settle depends on many factors, and it is difficult to predict in advance. While we understand the desire to get a settlement as soon as possible following your motorcycle collision, concerns about, “how long will my case take?” must be weighed against, “will I get everything I am entitled to?”. While it is important that you get a fair payout based on the losses you experienced, it is our goal to deliver the best combination of results, the best possible outcome in the shortest amount of time possible.
When you work with one of our lawyers, we will value your case based on your financial losses, related expenses, and the intangible damages you suffered. This allows us to seek a settlement agreement that justly covers these costs, preventing you from having to pay them out of your pocket. While it may take longer to reach an agreement that compensates you for your damages, a low offer could leave you owing medical bills or other related expenses.
Factors That Play a Role in Reaching a Claim Settlement
The factors that affect how long it takes to settle with the insurance company representing the at-fault driver in a motorcycle crash vary from case to case. They include the strength of the case against the at-fault driver, the insurer’s willingness to accept responsibility for their policyholder, and whether or not we need to take the case to court.
Once we present our case to the insurer and demand a just settlement, they generally respond with a counter-offer. This offer may be below the estimated range of what a fair payout should look like for our client, requiring us to reaffirm our evidence of their losses and present our own counter-offer. This negotiation process could end at this point, or it could continue for months.
In some cases, the insurer forces us to take a case to trial because they deny the claim, refuse a fair settlement offer, or allege a level of comparative negligence, meaning you played a role in causing the collision or your injuries, that they argue should release them from any legal liability for your injuries. Going to court will extend the time it takes to close your case.
Deadlines on Motorcycle Accident Cases in New York
One factor that puts pressure on how long a motorcycle accident claim takes to settle is the deadlines that apply in this type of case. In addition to the state’s time limit for filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit, established under New York Civil Practice Laws & Rules (CVP) §214, other deadlines may apply.
Experience has shown us time and time again, that it is best if you let us know about your case as soon as you are able to contact us. This allows us to act quickly to canvas for eyewitness statements and surveillance or dash-cam videos and take other steps to develop a solid case for compensation.
Evidence, especially video of the accident recorded by a local business or a motorist’s dashcam, frequently disappears quickly after a collision. The sooner we begin the investigation into your crash, the greater opportunity we have to build the strongest case possible on your behalf.
Our Team Will Build a Case and Handle Your Claim
We help motorcycle accident victims in New York seek accountability and compensation after their collision injuries. Our passionate advocates will take steps on your behalf that include:
- Keeping you updated about your claim
- Identifying all liable parties in your case
- Communicating with all involved parties for you
- Gathering evidence to prove your case
- Determining a settlement value for your case
- Fighting to win the best possible outcome in the shortest amount of time
To ensure we understand our clients’ accidents and injuries, we work, as may be called for by the particular circumstances of a given case, with experts in accident reconstruction, vocational rehabilitation, and life care planning, as well as doctors and economists.
Using the evidence we collect, we will file a claim and seek economic and non-economic compensation for both your current and future damages. This could include pain and suffering, emotional distress, medical expenses, missed pay, diminished quality of life, and motorcycle repairs.
Our team also represents clients who have wrongful death cases under New York Estates, Powers & Trusts (EPT) §5-4.1. If you lost a family member in a New York motorcycle crash, our team extends our condolences. We are here to provide the experienced, effective representation to win the compensation you need and the justice your departed loved one deserves.
Hiring Long Island motorcycle accident attorneys for your case as soon as possible after the crash you experienced is the smartest move you could make. While you take time to receive the appropriate medical treatment for your injuries, follow recovery therapies, heal, and rebuild your life, our attorneys will handle everything else. You don’t have to mind statute of limitations, paperwork, discovery, hiring experts and investigators, or reconstructing the accident. Any successful settlement mostly depends on how quickly you retain legal help and how good your lawyers are at what they do.
Speak with a Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. Team Member for Free
Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. meets with potential clients on Long Island and in other areas of the New York metropolitan area, reviewing their cases and handling their insurance claims when we agree to work together. We take on these cases based on contingent fees.
Let our team evaluate your legal case today. Reach out to Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. for your free consultation by calling (516) 932-0400.