How Long Does a Motorcycle Accident Settlement Take in GA
There are a lot of variables when it comes to how long it takes to receive a motorcycle accident settlement in Georgia. The short answer is that it can be anywhere from 2-3 months to 2-3 years. The majority of cases settle somewhere in the middle of that time frame. The long answer involves taking many different things that can affect your case into consideration. These include medical treatments, the opposing insurance company’s eagerness to get the case settled quickly, your level of patience, and the locations of where the accident occurred and where the case is filed.
- Medical Treatment. One of the first things that affect your case’s settlement is your medical treatment. Until your treatments are complete or your doctor gives you an end date, your case will be on hold. You can help this move along by following your doctor’s orders and making sure that you stick to their prescribed treatments. Your settlement will be based in part on past, current, and future medical needs resulting from the accident.
- Eagerness to Settle. The at-fault party and their insurance may be eager to settle the case. If so, your settlement may happen sooner than later. They don’t want the time and expense of a trial and will want to close the books on this accident. Their goal is to pay you as little as they can as quickly as they can. One of the ways they will try to lowball you is to try to find a way to blame you for the accident. Hiring an experienced motorcycle attorney to handle your case can help. They will work to prove you aren’t responsible and may get you a larger settlement. They have the knowledge to ensure that you have the strongest case possible and will protect your rights.
- Patience. The first offer or two may be attractive, especially if you’re dealing with mounting bills and other issues from the accident. It may be in your best interest to be patient though. Let your lawyer wade through the settlement offers. They can determine if you should accept or fight for more. Many times there is a finite amount of insurance available and your attorney can advise you if it is the best time to settle. With the motorcycle accident lawyers at Butler Kahn, it’s not about how fast they can get paid. Their goal is to get the best settlement for you, whether it takes two months or two years. They don’t get paid until you do so your best interest is their top priority.
- Location. As unlikely as it may sound, location can play a part in when your case will go forward. This depends on where the accident occurred and where you file the case. Rural areas tend to have fewer cases on their docket versus the more populated cities. An example would be identical cases filed in a major metropolitan area like Atlanta and an outlying courthouse such as DeKalb County. The case in DeKalb County might settle in a few months while the one in busier Atlanta could take three or four times that long.
Settle or Go to Trial?
It may seem like you should insist on having your case seen by a judge and jury. Having an experienced motorcycle accident legal team on your side can give you an advantage either way. They can answer any questions you have and help you determine the best course for your case. A trial may not be your best option.
Top motorcycle accident injury lawyers who deal with motorcycle accident cases regularly will only advise you to proceed if they are sure your case is winnable. They don’t want you to lose out on any money that you may have received in a settlement if you lose the trial. They will work hard with the insurance companies to ensure you are compensated fairly. It is their goal to get the largest settlement without the additional time and expense of a trial.
Can I Use Car Insurance For A Motorcycle Accident In GA?
If you or a loved one ride or own a motorcycle, then you know how exciting they can be. You also know that there are risks each time you hit the road. Motorcyclists are more vulnerable to injuries in the event of a collision, whether with another motorcycle, a passenger vehicle, or something larger. If you have been involved in a Georgia motorcycle accident, you need to know whether you can use car insurance for any damages or injuries.
The answer is going to be yes in most motorcycle crash incidents. Car insurance is going to be available to you to cover your expenses, but that does not mean it will be easy to secure. You should contact a knowledgeable and experienced Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer to help you through this process.
What if the other driver is at fault in a Georgia motorcycle accident?
The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety tells us that there were almost 400,000 vehicle crashes during the last full reporting year. Out of those, we know there were 172 motorcyclist fatalities and many more injuries. It is not a secret that motorcyclists are vulnerable on the roadways of Georgia.
Many people think that motorcyclists are at fault in most motorcycle accidents in Georgia. However, that is not the case. In most circumstances, a careless or negligent driver is at fault in a motorcycle accident. All too often, we see these incidents happen due to:
- Driver inattention: most drivers look out for other cars, leading them to not see motorcycles around them or in their blind spot.
- Following too closely: drivers often follow motorcyclists much too closely. This can lead to them rear-ending a motorcyclist if the cyclist must stop quickly.
- Failure to yield: both vehicle drivers and motorcyclists need to be aware of their responsibilities on the roadway.
- Alcohol or drug impairment: drivers under the influence of a substance are much more likely to crash into motorcyclists can cause serious injuries.
It is important for every driver to recognize that motorcycles are vehicles that have the same rights and responsibilities on the roadway as any other vehicle.
Which insurance will cover a motorcycle accident in Georgia?
If another driver is at fault in a motorcycle crash, their insurance is going to be on the line for the expenses. The at-fault driver’s bodily injury liability insurance is going to be the primary source of coverage. This will require you or your attorney to file a claim with their insurance company.
However, this does not mean that all expenses will be covered. Drivers in Georgia are only required to carry $25,000 in bodily liability insurance. They may have more coverage, but if they do not, you may be able to use your own insurance.
Do you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage (UM)?
If so, you can use this if the at-fault driver’s coverage is inadequate to cover your expenses. UM can also be used if you have been injured in a hit-and-run incident.
Contact Our Atlanta Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
If you suffered one or more serious injuries in an accident because of someone else’s actions and is seeking compensation, contact the motorcycle wreck injury lawyers at Butler Kahn without delay. Our motorcycle accident lawyer in Atlanta will be pleased to meet with you at no charge to review the circumstances of your motorcycle accident lawsuit. Our Atlanta personal injury lawyers will fight for your compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and even pain and suffering.
Contact one of the law offices of Butler Kahn today to schedule a free consultation with a motorcycle accident lawyer.
We serve all areas of Atlanta, including Brookhaven, Druid Hills, Buckhead, Chastain Park, Garden Hills, Piedmont Heights, Midtown, Downtown Atlanta, Grove Pak, Inman Park, South Atlanta, East Atlanta Village, West End, and Atlantic Station.
How Long Does a Motorcycle Accident Settlement Take in GA
