Motorcycle Accident FAQs

How Long Will My Motorcycle Accident Claim Take?

There is no set or guaranteed timeline for motorcycle accident claims because there are many factors that can change the course of proceedings. For example, if the other party argues that they did nothing wrong, you can expect there to be legal back-and-forth that slows down the entire process, possibly even reaching the in-court litigation stage. Also, your attorney might advise you to wait until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement (MMI) before moving your case forward, which could mean waiting weeks, months, or even more than a year.

At Hilliard Law, our Texas motorcycle accident lawyers will always be honest and transparent with you, which means we can’t promise exactly how long your case will take. What we can do, however, is give you a realistic estimate of what we expect based on the many, many motorcycle accident cases we’ve handled for clients in the past. With that said, the average motorcycle accident claim that can reach a settlement through negotiations will last between 12 and 24 months.

What Should I Do While My Motorcycle Accident Claim is Pending?

Once you’ve hired one of our motorcycle accident attorneys to handle your case, you can let them handle the logistics while you focus on what matters most: your recovery. You should also minimize your social media activity as your posts could be used as evidence to challenge your credibility. For example, if you share a video of you playing with your kids in your backyard, an insurance defense attorney could try to argue that it is proof that your injuries are “not that bad.” 

Don’t forget to follow your healthcare provider’s orders as closely as possible, too. Any signs that you deviated from your treatment plan could give the insurer room to argue that you failed in your responsibilities to take reasonable steps to reduce or mitigate the lasting effects of your injuries.

How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Texas?

Texas has a two-year statute of limitations on most personal injury claims, including those filed for motorcycle accidents. The two-year statute of limitations starts on the date of the accident. If you do not file a claim within those two years, you will very likely lose the option to use the civil court system to demand compensation from the liable party later.

How Can a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Help with My Claim?

A motorcycle accident attorney can handle virtually every part of the claims process and legal procedures. From investigating the accident and gathering evidence to support your claim to dealing with all communications with insurance companies and the defendant’s counsel, you can leave everything up to us. Of course, we can also represent you during settlement negotiations, as well as trial if no fair settlement can be reached. At Hilliard Law, the question is less, “What can my motorcycle accident attorney do to help my claim,” and is more, “What can’t they do?”

Why Do Insurance Companies Often Argue That Motorcycle Riders Are All Reckless?

Some insurance companies claim that motorcycle riders are reckless by nature because their choice of vehicle has fewer protections than the average passenger car. An insurer might forward this stereotypical image of a motorcyclist as an attempt to pin liability on a rider when they file an injury claim. If an insurance adjuster has said this about you after a crash, stand up for yourself right away with our help.

Are Motorcyclists Afforded the Same Rights as Drivers After a Crash?

Yes, the law makes no distinctions between a motorcyclist and a driver of a passenger car regarding their rights after a crash. You will have the right to file an insurance claim if you are covered by insurance. If another party causes the motorcycle accident that left you injured, you will also have the right to use the civil court system to pursue any unpaid damages you experience.

Do I Have to Call the Police for a Motorcycle Accident in Texas?

Under Texas laws, you are required to notify the police after any motor vehicle collision, including motorcycle accidents, that involves an injury, death, or more than $1,000 in property damage. If you call 911 after a crash, the police will be notified and summoned to the scene, so you can talk to a responding officer that way. 

More Questions? Call for Legal Guidance Now

Were you hurt in a motorcycle accident anywhere in Texas? Have any questions you don’t see in the FAQ above? Come to Hilliard Law and get all the help and direction you need from highly experienced motorcycle accident attorneys. 

Contact us online or call (866) 927-3420 at any time.