By: New Jersey Motorcycle Accident Attorney Andrew S. Prince
1-(800)-TEAM-LAW (832-6529)
aprinceesq@aol.com

A distracted driver swerves into your lane and in an instant, you world is turned upside down. As you are lying in the hospital, dealing with injuries and mounting medical bills, you might be wondering, “How long is this whole legal process going to take?” At Team Law, I hear this question a lot. I know you are eager to get back on your bike and put this whole ordeal behind you. But the truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to how long a motorcycle crash case will take in New Jersey. Every crash is unique, with its own set of challenges and complexities. However, I can give you a general idea of what to expect and why some cases take longer than others.

The Timeline: From Crash to Compensation

Motorcycle crash cases in New Jersey can take anywhere from a few months to several years to resolve.  Yes, you read that right — years. But do not let that discourage you. Many cases settle much quicker, especially with the right lawyer on your side. Let’s break down the typical timeline of a motorcycle crash.

Immediate Aftermath and Medical Treatment [Days to Months]

The clock starts ticking the moment your crash happens. Your first priority should be getting medical attention, even if you think your injuries are minor. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal trauma, might not be immediately apparent. Follow your doctor’s orders and keep detailed records of all your treatments. This phase could last from a few days to several months, depending on the severity of your injuries.

Investigation and Case Building [Weeks to Months]

While you are focusing on recovery, I will be hard at work investigating your crash. I will gather police reports, talk to witnesses, analyze photos and videos from the scene and consult with accident reconstruction experts, if necessary. I will also collect all your medical records and bills to start building a clear picture of your damages. This phase typically takes a few weeks to a couple of months.  

Insurance Negotiations [Months]

Once I have a solid understanding of your case, I will start negotiations with the insurance company. This is where having an experienced motorcycle crash attorney can make a difference. Insurance companies often try to lowball injured riders, but I know all their tricks. I will fight tooth and nail to get you the compensation you deserve. This phase can last anywhere from a few months to a year, depending on how stubborn the insurance company wants to be.  

Filing a Lawsuit

If I see that your injuries are going to be permanent, I will file a lawsuit right away. This does not mean your case will necessarily go to trial, but it does show the insurance company we are serious. In New Jersey, you generally have 2 years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, I never wait if your injuries are significant.  can always settle while the case is in suit.  

Discovery and Pre-Trial Motions [Months to Years]

Once I file a lawsuit, I enter the discovery phase. This is where both sides exchange information and evidence. There might be depositions (formal interviews under oath), requests for documents and written questions called interrogatories. This phase can take several months to over a year.  During this time, there might also be various pre-trial motions filed by either side, which can add to the timeline.

Settlement Negotiations or Trial [Months to Years]

Remember even after filing a lawsuit, settlement negotiations will continue right up until the trial starts(and sometimes even during the trial). In fact, the vast majority of motorcycle crash cases settle before reaching the courtroom. If your case does go to trial, it could take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the complexity of the case.  

Factors That Can Affect Your Case Timeline

Several factors can influence how long your motorcycle crash case takes to resolve.  The severity of your injuries is a big one.  If you are still receiving medical treatment, I may want to wait until you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI) before settling your case. This ensures we account for all of your medical expenses, including future treatments you might need.    

The complexity of liability is another factor. If it is clear the other driver was at fault, the case will move faster. But if there is disputed liability or multiple parties involved, it could take longer to sort out. The amount of damages you are claiming can also affect the timeline. Generally, cases with higher damage amounts face more scrutiny from insurance companies and might take longer to resolve. 

The court’s schedule can also play a role. If the court docket is backed up, it might take longer to get a trial date. And let’s not forget about the other side’s willingness to negotiate in good faith. If they are being unreasonable, it might take longer to reach a fair settlement.  

Why You Should Not Rush Your Case

I know you are eager to put this whole ordeal behind you and move on with your life, but rushing your case could end up costing you big time in the long run. Insurance companies love it when injured riders are in a hurry to settle. They know you are dealing with medical bills and lost wages, and they will try to take advantage of your urgency by offering a quick, but unfair settlement.  

I have seen too many riders accept lowball offers only to realize later that their injuries were more serious than they thought. Once you accept a settlement, you cannot go back and ask for more money, even if you develop complications down the road. That is why I always advise my clients to be patient and let the process play out. I will work as efficiently as possible, but I will not sacrifice the quality of your case for speed. REMEMBER I DO NOT GET PAID UNTIL YOU GET PAID.

How A New Jersey Biker Lawyer Can Help Speed Up Your Motorcycle Crash Case

While I cannot guarantee a specific timeline for your case, I can promise to work tirelessly to resolve your case as quickly as possible. I have handled countless cases like yours and I know how to navigate the legal system efficiently.

Do Not Wait to Get Started

While motorcycle crash cases can take time to resolve, the sooner you start the process, the better.  Evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories can fade and there are strict deadlines for filing claims.  Do not let valuable time slip away.  Call me, Andrew Prince, at (732) 482-1533 (direct) or (732) 388-5454 main office to schedule your free consultation.

I will handle your case on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not owe me anything unless I win your case. So you should not let concerns about legal fees hold you back. Let’s get started on your road to recovery.  You can also email me at aprinceesq@aol.com.  

TEAM LAW
136 Central Avenue Clark, New Jersey, 07066

Additional Offices in Edison, East Brunswick, Jersey City, Newark, Orange, Perth Amboy and Westfield.

Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.