In the world of motorcycle accidents and legal proceedings, the duration of a lawsuit can vary considerably. It may span anywhere from six months to well over a year, contingent upon the unique circumstances at play. However, barring intricate collisions, many motorcycle accident claims find resolution within several months–thanks to skilled negotiations–without the necessity of initiating a formal lawsuit.
Nevertheless, if the insurance company begins to contest liability or flatly rejects your claim, you might find yourself compelled to embark on the formal lawsuit path. Prepare yourself, as this legal journey tends to extend over a considerable stretch of time.
Why Should I File a Claim?
In the aftermath of an injury-causing accident, the injured party is entitled to pursue recompense from the party at fault. Unless you’re deemed responsible for the accident, you’ll probably be filing a claim with the liable party’s insurance company.
Initiating a claim provides you with the avenue to seek compensation for a range of losses, including:
- Medical expenses
- Income lost during recovery
- Anticipated future income loss
- Property damages
- Physical pain and emotional distress
- Psychological trauma
- Markings and alterations to your appearance
- Long-term disabilities
- Loss of companionship or intimacy
- Tragic instances of wrongful death
Your settlement stands as the sum the insurance provider agrees to disburse for your losses. Regrettably, insurers aren’t often happy about issuing substantial sums for personal injury claims, so you’ll likely have to engage in negotiations to secure a more favorable figure.
Various elements, such as the severity of your case, the quality of your legal representation, the responsiveness of the insurance adjuster, and other factors, can sway the duration it takes for your claim to reach its resolution.
Gathering Evidence
Filing a claim after a motorcycle mishap entails reaching out to the insurance provider of the at-fault party. A seasoned Virginia Beach motorcycle accident attorney can be your guiding light, helping you gather the evidence necessary to fortify your claim. The proof required to support your case encompasses a range of elements:
- Medical records: Your doctor’s reports are crucial for explaining the extent of your injuries.
- Rehabilitation documentation: If your recuperation involves physical therapy or any form of rehabilitation, these records shine a light on the severity of your injuries and the expenses incurred for your medical care.
- Lost income records: If your injuries led to missed workdays, you can substantiate this loss with pay stubs or an official letter from your employer. This documentation can be pivotal in recovering these financial setbacks.
- Pain and suffering: While not easily quantifiable, maintaining a journal that outlines your physical and emotional ordeal can provide compelling evidence of your suffering.
- Police testimony: If feasible, secure a statement from the responding police officer, which can boost the credibility of your accident account.
- Video footage: In this digital age, if you or any nearby vehicles had dash cams or similar recording devices, that footage could be the crown jewel in validating your case.
- GPS data: Some modern vehicles are equipped to track speed and direction, potentially corroborating your version of events.
Motorcycle collisions tend to take a heavier toll compared to other accidents due to the vulnerability of riders. Sadly, motorcycle accident victims often endure severe injuries that necessitate lengthy treatment and recovery.
Before initiating your claim, patience is paramount. You must be sure you have a comprehensive grasp of your total medical costs and how your injuries have disrupted various facets of your life, such as missed work hours. These factors are pivotal in gauging the worth of your case and inevitably influence the timeline for your claim’s resolution.
That’s where a qualified attorney comes in. The experts at Coastal Virginia Law are ready to take the heavy lifting off your shoulders. Reach out to see what we can do for your motorcycle accident case today!
Wondering if no-fault laws cover motorcycle accidents? Check out our latest post.
