How Long Will It Take to Settle My Motorcycle Crash Case?
Over 80,000 motorcycle accidents take place each year in the U.S. If you have fallen victim to a motorcycle crash, you may have incurred expenses related to surgeries, physical therapy, and modifications to your home. If you have suffered long-term effects or permanent disability, your medical expenses will be ongoing. Given your physical condition and financial demands, you likely want to know when to expect your settlement check.
At Stine & Associates, P.C., our founding attorney is dedicated to helping you resolve your claim as quickly as possible. If you are currently waiting for a settlement check, our Greensburg motorcycle accident lawyer is more than happy to assist you.
Gathering Evidence
You will not be able to submit your insurance claim until you collect relevant evidence and information. Evidence in a motorcycle accident claim often consists of the following:
- Photographs: If possible, take pictures of vehicle wreckage, skid marks, vehicle damage, the final position of your motorcycle and any vehicles involved, and your injuries. Any photos of the accident scene can fill in gaps in information.
- Video footage: Video evidence may consist of nearby surveillance cameras, dashcams, and cell phone footage. There is no substitute for a visual representation of the incident in real time.
- Eyewitness statements: If you saw any bystanders witness the accident, take down their names and contact information. Eyewitness statements can be integral to getting fair compensation in motorcycle accident cases.
- Police report: After any motorcycle accident, you should contact law enforcement. The responding police officer will take down crucial information, on which will be required as part of the claims process.
- Cell phone records: Cell phone records detail the date/time of each call and text, the duration of each call, and the cell towers your phone was connected to. These records will show if the other driver was using their phone during the time of the accident.
Submitting Your Accident Claim
While most motorcycle accident claims are resolved in a few weeks, others may take several months or even up to a year. Before you can be compensated, you must prove the other motorist’s liability. This involves submitting claims paperwork to insurance and notifying the at-fault party that you are initiating a claim. As part of your claim, any evidence establishing the other driver’s liability and proof of your losses must be included.
Time Limits on the PA Insurance Claims Process
Pennsylvania insurance companies have to adhere to the following deadlines:
- 10 business days to acknowledge receipt of your claim;
- 15 business days to accept or deny your claim or notify you in writing that they need more time; and
- 30 business days to complete an investigation; OR if the investigation cannot be completed within 30 days, a written explanation for the reason for the delay. This written explanation must be supplied every 45 days thereafter. The claims adjuster must state when they expect to reach a decision.
What if Settlement Negotiations Fail?
Settlement negotiations can be stalled if your claims adjuster is unresponsive or if insurance insists they need more time to investigate. If the insurance company fails to offer you a fair settlement after several weeks, you may consider taking your case to court. Although this will further drag out the process, it will allow you to recover adequate compensation. Be mindful of legal deadlines, since Pennsylvania only allows motorcycle accident victims two years to take legal recourse. Thankfully, our Greensburg motorcycle accident lawyer can assess your legal options and provide guidance.
Consult with Our Greensburg Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
There is no denying that a motorcycle collision can place you in physical and financial distress. While the insurance company knows that you are struggling, pressuring them will not motivate them to settle your case more quickly. Thankfully, Stine & Associates, P.C., is available to discuss your matter. By handling insurance negotiations on your behalf, we can facilitate a favorable settlement. To schedule your free consultation with our Greensburg motorcycle accident attorney, contact us online or by calling (724) 837-0160.