How Long Does it Take to Recover Compensation After a Motorcycle Accident?

When a person sustains a motorcycle accident injury in Colorado, they will usually be able to recover compensation if the accident was caused by the negligence of another driver. However, motorcycle crash victims often wonder how long it will take to recover the compensation they need for their medical bills, property damage expenses, pain and suffering damages, and other losses. Here, we want to discuss what individuals can expect when it comes to the time frame of their claim resolution.

Motorcycle Accident Insurance Recovery 

Every driver in Colorado is required to carry auto insurance, and every motorcyclist must carry motorcycle insurance. The most common route towards recovering compensation after a motorcycle accident occurs in this state is through an insurance settlement. Typically, the insurance carrier of the at-fault driver will pay compensation to the other parties involved.

Most insurance claims will be resolved within a few weeks or a few months, but that is not guaranteed. Insurance carriers are for-profit entities looking to payout as little as possible in a claim. In the event the insurance carrier does not offer a fair settlement to the motorcyclist, or if they deny the claim altogether, it may be necessary to file a civil personal injury lawsuit.

Taking the Motorcycle Accident Claim to Trial

The process of recovering compensation for a motorcycle accident through a personal injury trial will extend the time frame. Sometimes, these cases can last a year or more before finally reaching the jury. However, even after a lawsuit gets filed in civil court, negotiations can still continue between the parties involved, and most cases are settled before they reach the jury. 

When a lawsuit is filed, this allows the discovery process to commence. This is the time frame where both parties will continue investigations, exchange evidence with one another, and take depositions of witnesses involved in the claim. The discovery process can go on for months or more than a year, depending on the complexity of the claim.

Do Not Settle Until Medically Recovered

We always advise motorcycle accident victims to never settle their claims until after they have fully recovered from their injuries. Even though a motorcyclist may feel better after some medical care, it is crucial for crash victims to continue following the advice of their doctors. If a motorcyclist accepts a settlement from an insurance carrier before they have completed all of their medical treatment, there will be no way to go back and recover more compensation in the event they discover that their injuries are more severe than initially thought.

The time frame for recovery from a motorcycle accident will vary depending on the types of injuries involved. The more severe the injury, the longer the recovery.

Seek Assistance From an Attorney

Motorcycle crash victims can typically expect to receive their compensation within a few weeks or a few months if the case is relatively straightforward. However, it could take more than a year to recover compensation for more complex claims. If the insurance carrier from the at-fault party disputes liability or if they refuse to offer a fair compensation amount, a personal injury lawsuit is likely going to be the only way to recover complete compensation.

By involving a motorcycle accident lawyer in Colorado, you will have an advocate by your side willing to step in and handle all negotiations on your behalf. This includes negotiation with the insurance carrier as well as handling all of the procedures necessary to prepare the claim for trial.