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How Long Does a Motorcycle Accident Settlement Take in Arkansas?

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Motorcycle crashes can result in serious injuries and significant property damage in Arkansas. If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident, you likely have many questions and might be looking to settle your claim. You may be wondering: how long does a motorcycle accident settlement take in Arkansas?

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Motorcycle Collision Claim?

If you decide to resolve your claim through a settlement, it’s critical to discuss the terms of the agreement with an attorney. They can ensure you’re pursuing damages through every available source and can maximize your motorcycle accident recovery. An attorney can also help estimate how long it may take to settle your specific claim.

In 2023 alone, there were over 82,000 motorcyclist injuries. Across the country, about 15% of all collision fatalities involve motorcyclists. In Arkansas, there were 94 motorcycle-involved fatalities that same year. Sometimes, victims and their families want to quickly resolve their case and put the wreck behind them. As a result, it’s important to know how long it could take to get a settlement check.

What Are Some Factors That Could Influence a Settlement Timeline?

Motorcycle accident recovery can take anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on case-specific factors. These include:

  • The case complexity. If your claim involves multiple parties, disputes over fault, or unclear liability, these issues can add time to your case.
  • The injury severity. Generally, claims with complex medical conditions or that require long-term recovery may take longer to settle. Usually, settlement negotiations won’t begin until your accident-related treatment has concluded or until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement.
  • The willingness of the parties to negotiate fairly. Sometimes, involved insurance companies offer substantially less than the case is worth or unnecessarily delay settlement, which extends the entire resolution process.
  • The negotiation skills of your lawyer. When you hire a seasoned attorney who has negotiated many motorcycle accident claims, you improve your likelihood of walking away with a substantial recovery through settlement.

If you sustain more minor injuries and it’s obvious who caused your accident, your claim may settle in just a few months. If you are a victim of a more serious wreck or if someone is refusing to accept responsibility for causing your accident, it can take longer to resolve your claim.

What Are Some Tips for a Faster Settlement?

If you’re interested in resolving your motorcycle collision claim more efficiently, there are several things you can do to potentially speed up the process, including the following:

  • Seek medical attention right away. When you get medical care, it shows the involved parties that you sustained injuries and documents the extent of your symptoms. If you delay getting care, the at-fault party may later argue that you weren’t as hurt as you claim, and it could impact your ability to quickly resolve your claim.
  • Hire a motorcycle accident lawyer in our area. When you hire an Arkansas personal injury lawyer familiar with motorcycle wreck claims, they can help move your claim along in an efficient manner. A lawyer from the Law Office of Geoffrey D. Kearney, PLLC, can manage your claim, gather compelling evidence to support your injury and property damage losses, and expedite the settlement process.

Consult a Motorcycle Accident Attorney and Stay Patient

When you hire an attorney, you can count on them to move your claim along at an appropriate pace. They can handle the complicated personal injury law requirements for your claim and fight back against any lowball settlement offers. They can make sure you get the maximum compensation possible. As a result, it’s important to rely on their counsel and negotiation skills and trust that they have expediency in mind while managing your case.

Try to stay patient. Rushing to settle your claim could result in a lower settlement payout than you deserve. Try to focus on your accident recovery while your attorney sets the pace for your claim. Contact a trusted Arkansas attorney about their individualized strategy to settle your claim.

FAQs

Q: What Stages Does a Motorcycle Accident Claim Usually Go Through Before Settlement?

A: There are a few stages your motorcycle accident claim may go through before settlement. These include, but aren’t limited to:

  • An initial consultation with a motorcycle accident lawyer
  • Investigation to gather evidence and relevant accident information
  • Medical treatment and stabilization
  • Preparing a demand letter detailing your injuries, your losses, and a proposed opening settlement amount
  • Negotiations between parties

If negotiations fail, you may proceed to court to maximize your recovery. Contact our office to hear more about pre-settlement steps.

Q: Do Insurance Companies Try to Settle Claims for the Minimum Amount Possible?

A: Yes, most insurance companies do all they can to settle claims for as little as possible. They may offer lowball settlements or deny claims whenever they see an opportunity. Insurance companies may try to take advantage of inexperienced claimants after motorcycle accidents. Fortunately, an attorney can ensure you don’t take a reduced settlement offer and get all damages to which you are entitled for your accident.

Q: Should I Settle My Claim if It Doesn’t Fully Cover My Motorcycle Accident Losses?

A: In general, if an insurance carrier’s settlement offer won’t fully cover your motorcycle accident losses, it may not be wise to accept it. Each case is unique, and an attorney can advise whether a settlement offer fully covers your specific motorcycle accident losses. Consult with a trusted accident attorney in Arkansas to discuss next steps and how to get full compensation for your accident-related damages.

Q: What Is the Cost of Hiring an Arkansas Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

A: The cost of hiring an Arkansas motorcycle accident lawyer varies. Every lawyer sets their own fees and costs. The amount you can expect for retaining an attorney depends on the facts of your specific case and the experience level of the attorney you hire. Contact an attorney to hear about their legal services and what’s included in their fee arrangement.

Connect With the Trusted Team at the Law Office of Geoffrey D. Kearney, PLLC

From Pine Bluff to Bentonville, Arkansans count on reliable legal support from the Law Office of Geoffrey D. Kearney, PLLC. Whether you were hurt along I-40 or US-65, we can assist your motorcycle accident recovery and explore the benefits and risks of settlement. Contact us for a free consultation.

Contact our firm today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced  lawyer in your area.