Once you face a motorcycle accident, you obviously possess the right to make your compensation claim. It is because, in a motorcycle accident, you face both vehicle damages and physical injuries. And for your loss, you can file your claim against the at-fault party.
However, people often ask how long it takes to settle a motorcycle accident claim. That means, in how many days they might get their compensations. This article offers you a complete guideline about it.
Why File A Motorcycle Accident Claim?
After a motorcycle accident, the victim can file a case or claim against the at-fault party if the accident has happened only because of the at-fault party’s fault. In that case, a motorcycle accident lawyer can help you.
Moreover, the victim party may face great damage to his vehicle and also serious physical injuries. Again, while taking medical treatment and repairing the car, it makes him cost a lot. That is why the victim party files a motorcycle accident claim so that the at-fault party pays the amount the victim lost.
How Long Does It Take to Settle A Motorcycle Accident Claim?
It is quite difficult to say the exact time limit of how long it takes to settle a motorcycle accident claim because so many factors influence the process.
Here goes a brief discussion over this issue:
Evidence Gathering
Once a motorcycle accident happens, the first and foremost thing you need to do is to gather sufficient evidence so that you can file a strong lawsuit against the at-fault party. Basically, you need to focus on your damages and loss.
With all that evidence, you can make a legal claim against the at-fault party’s insurance company. Not only damages and loss, but you also need some other important evidence for filing your claim.
Such as:
- Copy of police report regarding the accident
- Receipts of all medical expenses
- Pictures of damaged parts of your vehicle
- Pictures of your bodily injuries
- Vehicle repairing receipt
- Statements of eyewitnesses
- Traffic surveillance and many more
Claim Filing
When you have all the necessary documents, you can file your claim. In that case, of course, you need help from an expert lawyer because a lawyer is only the person who can help and guide you to collect evidence and claim a strong case against the faulty driver.
It is not normal that you go to the court and tell them about the accident, and they will accept your claim – no, not at all. Rather than make your claim accepted, you must prove that the reason behind the accident was just the opposition party’s negligence.
And for his carelessness, you have faced great damages and loss. Once you can make the authority trust you, they will accept your claim.
Insurance Company’s Response
Since you are filing your claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company, that company should respond as early as possible. They will review all your evidence and proof. If they find them logical and strong enough, they are bound to provide you with the amount you are claiming for.
But, some insurance companies might not agree to pay you the claimed amount at first hand. They might try to convince you or find out any loops so that they can reduce the amount.
Again your lawyer is there for you to handle this issue. You should never accept any amount or provide any statements or recorded documents to the insurance company without your lawyer’s consent.
Negotiation and Settlement
Finally comes the negotiation and settlement phase. Generally, the at-fault driver’s insurance company takes 20 to 30 days to provide you with a copy of the first settlement. It happens if the company quickly responds to your claim and proceeds with the procedure.
But if the company denies your claim or the amount you claimed, your lawyer then starts negotiating with them. The lawyer will try to convince them and show them as much logic as possible to support your claim.
After negotiation, it might take 30 days to 6 weeks for settlement by the insurance company. Actually, the time limit varies depending upon how fast or slow the negotiation phase is going on.
Conclusion
So, now you know the answer to how long it takes to settle a motorcycle accident claim, right? Basically, the entire process almost depends upon how much experienced and expert your lawyer is.
Because the more your lawyer can convince the insurance company, the quicker your claim will get settled. So, whenever you face such situations, we highly recommend you consult with a professional motorcycle accident lawyer.
