There is no predetermined amount of time it takes to resolve a motorcycle accident case. However, in many instances, it takes anywhere from one to two years to settle a motorcycle crash claim. An Okemos motorcycle accident lawyer may help you reach a settlement with an at-fault party as quickly as possible.
At White Law PLLC, fighting for our clients is our top priority. Our Michigan motorcycle accident attorney may help you seek damages from anyone responsible for your crash. To learn more, reach out to us.
Insurance Coverage for a Motorcycle Accident
Michigan is a no-fault insurance state. If you get hurt in a motorcycle crash, no-fault benefits may help you cover your losses. The benefits you receive may depend on an insurance policy’s limits.
Even if you have no-fault coverage, there may be times when a rider has to sue an at-fault motorist for compensation. For instance, the losses a rider incurs may exceed a policy’s limits. In this situation, a motorcyclist may have to seek damages through a lawsuit.
Per Michigan Compiled Laws §600.5805, there is a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This may give you up to three years from the date of your motorcycle crash to pursue compensation from any at-fault parties. If you decide not to seek damages within this window, you may be solely responsible for your losses.
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How Long a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit Takes
An insurance company may require months to make sure you get compensation for your motorcycle crash. If you file a lawsuit, it may take years to receive damages. Factors that may impact how long a motorcycle collision lawsuit takes include:
- The severity of your injury
- Your current and future medical needs
- The insurance company involved
White Law PLLC has been nationally recognized for providing top-notch legal representation. Our personal injury lawyer may work with you to help you secure compensation in as little time as possible. For more information, contact us today.
Damages You May Receive in a Motorcycle Accident Settlement
You may request economic and non-economic damages after a motorcycle crash. Economic damages may be awarded for quantifiable losses, and non-economic compensation may be provided for subjective ones. Reasons why you may be able to get economic and non-economic damages include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
To receive damages, you must show an at-fault party was negligent. This requires you to prove the party had a duty of care to avoid reckless and careless acts and violated this legal obligation. You must also verify the party that caused your accident, which led to you suffering an injury and incurring economic or non-economic losses.
We know how to get our clients the results they need in the toughest legal arenas.
How a Motorcycle Accident Case Gets Settled
You may have the opportunity to negotiate a settlement with an at-fault party. For example, you may hire a lawyer to represent you in your motorcycle crash case. Your attorney may discuss a resolution with the party responsible for your crash and keep you up to date on any settlement offers.
Just because you receive a settlement proposal does not mean you have to accept it. If the defendant in your motorcycle collision case offers far less than what you have suffered in losses, you may decline the proposal without any penalties. On the other hand, if the defendant proposes a fair settlement, you may accept the offer and close your case.
Settlement negotiations may go back and forth over months or years. If you have an attorney who has helped their clients achieve outstanding case results, you may be in a good position. Your lawyer may be able to get you a settlement offer that aligns with your expectations, which may allow you to resolve your case without going to trial.
You will always work directly with your attorney throughout your case.
When a Motorcycle Accident Case Goes to Trial
Your attorney may negotiate with the defendant in your motorcycle crash case. Despite their best efforts, your lawyer may come up short in their quest to get you a reasonable settlement. If no agreement is reached, you may bring your case to a judge or jury, and they will decide if you are awarded damages.
In Michigan, comparative fault applies to motorcycle crash cases. If you are found to be more than 50% responsible for your collision, you may not be able to get any damages. For those who are found partly at fault, they may have the compensation awarded to them reduced by their percentage of responsibility.
Your lawyer may help you gather accident scene photos and videos, witness statements, and other forms of evidence to support your claim. They may work with you to develop a compelling argument and contest the defendant’s claims against you. If your attorney succeeds, you may be able to receive 100% of the damages you initially requested.
How to Resolve Your Motorcycle Accident Case and Get a Fair Settlement
There is no surefire solution to settle a motorcycle crash case and receive the compensation you want. Conversely, there are many things you can do to boost your chances of getting a fair settlement right away. These include:
- Collect evidence. Gather as much evidence as you can, as this may help you show a defendant is fully responsible for your accident and make them more amenable to settling your case.
- Do not discuss your case with the defendant or their insurance company. Avoid speaking with the defendant or their insurer about your case, since you may wind up saying something that could compromise your ability to get a reasonable amount of damages.
- Do not publish content on social media. Do not post content on social media about your accident, as the defendant may look online for photos and videos to show the injuries you suffered are not as severe as you claim they are.
- Partner with an attorney. Select an attorney who has plenty of experience with motorcycle crash claims, and they may help you find common ground with the defendant so you can settle your case.
White Law PLLC is a highly respected and influential Michigan law firm. We are here to help you with your motorcycle accident case in any way we can. To request a free consultation, contact us today.
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