Ask any Maryland motorcycle accident attorney, and they’ll tell you that motorcycle accidents are often very dangerous. Unlike other motor vehicles that put a barrier between the occupants and other vehicles, motorcycles offer little to protect riders. They also don’t have seat belts, airbags or automatic braking systems. As a result, motorcyclists often suffer serious injuries when they get involved in a crash. In many cases, they get thrown from their bikes.

Common injuries include bone fractures, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. While some victims eventually recover from their injuries, others are left with long-term disabilities. Some can’t work again, and this makes it difficult to support themselves and their families. If you’ve sustained injuries in a Maryland motorcycle accident, you no doubt want to recover your losses as soon as possible so you can move on with your life.

After establishing that you have grounds for filing a claim, you’ll likely ask your lawyer about how soon you’ll get your money. Unfortunately, there are several factors that determine how long the process takes. Some victims are able to obtain compensation in months while others have to wait years. Your attorney won’t be able to predict the outcome right at the start of the case, as claim settlement times often depend on your diagnosis and treatment and how willing the insurance company is to settle.

This uncertainty can difficult to handle but it’s part of the process. Your Maryland motorcycle accident attorney will do everything possible to help you get the compensation you deserve. If someone else was responsible for your injuries, they should have to cover your expenses and losses including medical costs, lost wages, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering.

Factors That Will Affect Your Motorcycle Accident Settlement

The length of time it takes for your insurance claim to be settled will depend a lot on your medical treatment. The settlement needs to reflect your past, current, and future medical expenses resulting from the accident. This means your attorney may advise you to wait until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement to accurately calculate your medical expenses. If a doctor determines that you are permanently disabled, you should be compensated for this.

Settlements are final. If you agree to accept $25,000 based on the assumption that you won’t need further treatment, you can’t demand additional money if your condition turns out to be more serious.

In any case, you need to take your recovery seriously and ensure you get the treatment that your doctor recommends. This means taking the prescribed medication and undergoing any procedures or rehabilitation that is necessary. If you ignore the doctor’s orders, this can jeopardize your motorcycle accident claim. That’s a fact that every motorcycle accident attorney in Maryland agree on.

The other thing that will affect your case is whether the responsible party and their insurer are eager to settle. If they want to get the matter over with, they’ll make you a low offer early on, hoping that you’ll take it and go away. This settlement is unlikely to cover all your losses so your motorcycle accident attorney in Maryland will have to negotiate for full compensation.

In most cases, the insurer will concede at some point since they won’t want to waste time and money on a trial. That being said, there are times when the only way to get fair compensation is to let a judge and jury decide. Your attorney will advise you on what’s best in your case.

The final decision is always up to you. Some victims are willing to accept a less than optimal sum so the case doesn’t drag on for years. Others want to fight for the highest amount possible. It’s important that you remember you’ll be restricted by the amount of insurance the at-fault party has. You may have racked up $50,000 in damages but if the individual only has $30,000 in insurance, you won’t be able to get more.

Contact Pinder Plotkin LLC Today to Get the Compensation You Deserve

Don’t try to handle your case alone. Despite what the insurance adjuster may tell you, having a motorcycle accident attorney in Maryland on your case can be very beneficial. Your attorney will ensure that you file a claim that covers all your losses. Then, they’ll make sure the insurance company treats you fairly. If necessary, they’ll take the matter to court and fight for you.

We know how confusing the aftermath of a crash can be and we’ll do everything we can to minimize the stress you’ll feel.  If you didn’t cause the accident, you shouldn’t have to bear the consequences alone. Call Pinder Plotkin LLC and book a free consultation so we can discuss your case.