It’s frustrating when it seems like there’s no end in sight for your Oklahoma motorcycle accident case. You have medical bills piling up, and you might be missing weeks or months of work. The good news is that working with an Oklahoma City motorcycle accident lawyer can keep the legal process moving efficiently while increasing your chances of recovering maximum compensation. If you’ve ever asked, “How long does a motorcycle accident lawsuit take?” you’ll find the answers below.
Steps Involved in the Personal Injury Process
All motorcycle accident cases in Oklahoma are different, which means the timeline for each case is different. However, knowing the typical steps in a personal injury claim can help you gauge where you are in the legal process and how much longer your case might take. Here are the key steps in an Oklahoma motorcycle injury lawsuit:
- Initial Consultation: The first step is to meet with a personal injury lawyer to discuss the details of the accident and determine whether you have a valid claim.
- Investigation and Evidence Collection: Next, your attorney will gather evidence to support your claim, which could include police reports, medical records, witness statements, and accident scene photos.
- Filing an Insurance Claim: After the investigation is complete, your lawyer will submit a claim to the at-fault party’s insurance company. This document details your injuries and outlines the compensation you’re seeking.
- Settlement Negotiations: Insurance companies rarely accept the terms of a claim without a fight. Your lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company to reach a settlement to cover your losses.
- Filing a Lawsuit (If Necessary): If the insurance company won’t agree to a fair settlement, your attorney may file a motorcycle accident lawsuit, which begins the formal litigation process.
- Pre-Trial Proceedings: Before the trial starts, both sides will exchange evidence, take depositions, and file motions to gain an edge in the upcoming legal battle. Both sides may also attempt mediation or further negotiations to resolve the case without a trial.
- Trial (If Needed): If no settlement is reached, your case goes to trial, where a judge or jury determines the final outcome.
- Receiving Compensation: If you win or settle, you’ll receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related losses.
Factors That Can Affect How Long Your Case Takes
Many factors can affect the timeline of your motorcycle accident case, such as:
- The Severity of Your Injuries – The more severe your injuries are, the more compensation you can ask for. However, higher compensation demands usually lead to more intense and lengthier negotiations with insurance companies.
- Disputed Liability – If you have strong evidence that someone else caused your injuries, your case might go quicker. But if there are questions about liability, you should expect a longer claim process as the insurance companies sort out who caused the accident and should pay for your injuries.
- Whether Your Case Settles – Trials take a long time. If the insurance company and you can’t agree on a settlement, expect several months or more of courtroom proceedings before your case concludes.
Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Attorneys for More Information on Your Claim
Our motorcycle injury compensation attorneys understand what you’re going through and can manage your case to help you get the money you need and deserve. Call Cain Law now or complete our contact form for a free consultation. In pain? Call Cain.