How long will a motorcycle accident claim take? Unfortunately, there is no easy or quick answer to this question. The New Orleans motorcycle accident attorneys at Lambert Zainey can lay out the steps that your claim will go through, but many factors affect case duration.

How long will a motorcycle accident claim take in New Orleans?

After the Accident

When you’ve been injured in a crash, the first step you should take is to contact a New Orleans motorcycle accident attorney. Having a legal representative right away will make the rest of the process easier, and your attorney can help expedite the process.

One of the first things likely to happen after a motorcycle accident is the responsible party’s insurance company contacting you. Their insurance carrier will review records including:

  • Police reports
  • Medical records and bills
  • Witness testimony
  • Evidence of lost wages

Based on the information you provide, the insurance company may offer you a settlement. You should NEVER accept a settlement offer before reviewing it with a New Orleans motorcycle accident attorney. If you accept the offer after your attorney reviews it, then the case is over. This may only take a few weeks or months to conclude.

If the settlement is not sufficient, your attorney may be able to negotiate one that is. In many cases, this still will not give the desired result. The next step is likely taking your case to trial.

Motorcycle Accident Trials

How long it takes for your case to see the inside of a courtroom depends on several factors, including:

  • Backup of court dockets
  • Stalling tactics of defense attorneys
  • The jurisdiction of your case

The majority of accident claims settle before reaching trial. Because of this, the courts often load their dockets with many cases set for trial on for the same day, anticipating the bulk will resolve beforehand. Even when your court date arrives, your trial may be rescheduled again if a case ahead of yours hasn’t been concluded yet.

Length of Trial

When your case does finally come to trial, it could last a matter of days, weeks, or even months. While many accident claims will be resolved within two years of the filing date, there are several complications that can affect the length of your trial including:

  • Complex liability issues
  • Disputes regarding insurance coverage
  • High amount of damages sought
  • Use of expert testimony

Accident claims can be complicated, and each situation is unique. For help after an injury accident, contact the experienced New Orleans motorcycle accident attorneys at Lambert Zainey today.