How Long Does A Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit Take?

By Doug Standriff on April 5, 2025

After a motorcycle accident, victims often face a long recovery process, both physically and financially. As you work to heal from your injuries, the thought of filing a lawsuit may cross your mind. But how long does the process actually take? The time it takes for a motorcycle accident lawsuit to be resolved varies, depending on several factors. This article will break down the key elements that influence the length of the process.

Initial Steps and Settlement Discussions

The first step in a motorcycle accident lawsuit is gathering evidence. This includes obtaining police reports, medical records, and witness testimonies. Once you’ve hired a personal injury lawyer, they will review the case and decide on the best legal strategy. During this stage, your lawyer will also begin communicating with the other party’s insurance company to determine if a settlement can be reached.

In some cases, the insurer may offer a settlement right away. If the settlement is fair and covers your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages, the case may be resolved quickly. This can take anywhere from a few months to half a year. However, if the insurance company offers a low settlement or refuses to pay, the case may move to a more formal legal process.

Discovery Phase: Gathering Evidence and Information

If a settlement isn’t reached in the initial stages, the case will enter the discovery phase. This is where both sides exchange information about the case. Your lawyer will gather evidence, including accident reports, medical records, and any other documentation that supports your claim. You may also have to provide testimony during depositions, where both sides ask questions under oath.

The discovery phase is vital because it helps both sides understand the strength of their case. This phase can last several months depending on the complexity of the case, the number of witnesses involved, and the amount of evidence that needs to be reviewed.

Factors That Affect the Timeline of a Lawsuit

Several factors can influence how long a motorcycle accident lawsuit will take. The severity of the accident and injuries play a large role in determining the length of the case. If you suffered serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment, your motorcycle accident lawyer will need to wait until your treatment plan is completed before calculating the total damages.

Other factors that affect the timeline include:

• Disputes Over Liability: If the parties involved disagree on who was at fault, this can delay the process. For example, if the other driver denies their responsibility or claims that you were partially at fault, this will lead to more extensive investigation and legal proceedings.
• Insurance Company Negotiations: Insurance companies often aim to settle quickly, but they may not always offer a fair amount. If the insurer is unwilling to provide a fair settlement, the case may move to court. This can extend the process considerably.
• Court Schedules and Case Backlog: If the case goes to trial, it will depend on the court’s schedule. Court delays can add weeks or even months to the timeline of your case. In some areas, there may be a backlog of cases, further extending the process.
• Pre-trial Motions: Both sides may file motions to try to resolve certain issues before the trial begins. This could involve trying to get certain evidence excluded or dismissing parts of the case. These motions can also slow down the process.

How Long Will It Take to Go to Trial?

If your case goes to trial, it may take much longer than a case that is settled outside of court. The pre-trial process, including motions and negotiations, can take several months. Once the trial begins, it may last anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the complexity of the case.

After the trial, the judge or jury will deliberate and return a verdict. This could take additional weeks, adding to the overall timeline. Trials are unpredictable, and the length of the process may be extended by unexpected delays. Having a certified civil trial attorney on your side can offer peace of mind.

Post-trial: Collection of Damages

Once a verdict has been reached, the next step is to collect damages. If you win the case, the defendant’s insurance or other responsible parties will need to pay the damages. This process may take additional time, depending on how quickly the defendant complies with the court’s decision.

In some cases, the defendant may appeal the decision, which can extend the legal process even further. Appeals can take several months to resolve, depending on the court’s schedule and the complexity of the case.

Experienced NJ Motorcycle Accident Lawyers – 30+ Years of Success

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in New Jersey, take the first step toward securing the compensation you deserve. Contact Bergen Law for a free, confidential consultation. With over 30 years of experience, certified civil trial attorney Douglas Standriff and his associate Marissa Messinger are committed to providing aggressive representation and a tailored legal strategy for motorcycle accident cases.

We handle all aspects of your case, from negotiations with insurance companies to securing a fair settlement or taking your case to trial. Call us now at 551-231-8025 or email marissa@bergenlaw.com. Your recovery starts with the right legal support.