A motorcycle accident lawsuit in Nashville, TN can take anywhere from a few weeks or months to well over a year to resolve. Straightforward cases where liability is clear and the insurance company is willing to negotiate may settle relatively quickly. Cases that involve factors like disputed fault and multiple responsible parties can take longer, however, and those that make it all the way to trial may take the longest. Ultimately, the timeline depends on the unique facts and circumstances of your case.
Continue reading to learn about what stages your case will go through and what factors can speed things up or slow them down.
The Insurance Claim Stage
Most motorcycle accident cases in Tennessee begin as insurance claims. Your personal injury lawyer will investigate the accident and send a demand letter to the at-fault driver’s insurance company from there. This stage normally takes a few weeks but could be longer depending on the complexity of your injuries and how long it takes to reach maximum medical improvement (MMI).
Reaching MMI before agreeing to a settlement is important because it gives your attorney a clear picture of your total medical costs and long-term prognosis. Settling too early can leave money on the table if additional treatment turns out to be necessary.
Settlement Negotiations
Once the demand letter is sent, the insurance company will typically respond with either a denial or a counteroffer that is lower than what your case is worth. This kicks off a negotiation process between your attorney and the insurer.
Some cases are resolved during this stage within a matter of weeks. Others drag on for months if the insurance company is not willing to offer a fair amount. If negotiations stall, your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit to apply additional pressure.
Litigation and Discovery
If a lawsuit is filed, the case enters the litigation phase. Tennessee’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases is one year from the date of the accident in most cases, so the lawsuit must generally be filed before that deadline passes.
Both sides go through the discovery process once a lawsuit is filed. This involves exchanging documents, taking depositions, and gathering additional evidence. Discovery is often the most time-consuming phase of a lawsuit and can take several months to complete.
Settlement discussions can continue throughout this stage. Many cases are resolved after discovery reveals new evidence that shifts the balance in one direction or the other.
Trial
If a settlement still cannot be reached, the case will proceed to trial. Scheduling alone can add months to the timeline depending on the court’s calendar, while the trial itself may last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks.
Trials are difficult to predict in advance, but there are situations where going to trial is the only way to get full compensation. Having a motorcycle accident lawyer who is experienced in the courtroom gives you the best chance at success if your case reaches this stage.
Contact a Tennessee Motorcycle Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation
If you were involved in a motorcycle crash in Tennessee, the length of the legal process should not discourage you from pursuing a claim. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney with Woodard Injury Law can move your case forward efficiently while fighting for as much compensation as possible on your behalf.
Call us today for a free consultation at (615) 314-4626. We can answer all of your questions when we meet to review your case.