Factors That Affect the Timeline of Florida Motorcycle Accident Settlements

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in Florida, it’s natural to feel confused and worried about your case. The process of seeking compensation for your injuries can seem overwhelming, and the timeline for your settlement may not be immediately clear. At Serrano Law, we understand how difficult it can be to navigate these waters, and we want you to know that we are here to guide you every step of the way. Our team is committed to providing compassionate legal assistance and working diligently to help you achieve a successful outcome in your case.

Motorcycle accidents can be especially devastating due to the lack of protection offered to riders. Whether you have sustained severe injuries or are dealing with property damage, the recovery process is likely to be difficult both physically and emotionally. Understanding the factors that can affect the timeline of your settlement can help reduce some of the stress and confusion during this challenging time. This blog will outline the key elements that influence how long it might take for your motorcycle accident case to reach a resolution in Florida.

Severity of Injuries

One of the most significant factors that can impact the timeline of your motorcycle accident settlement is the severity of your injuries. If you have suffered life-threatening or long-term injuries, such as broken bones, spinal cord damage, or traumatic brain injuries, the settlement process may take longer. In such cases, it’s essential to wait until you have reached a point in your recovery where the full extent of your injuries can be properly assessed.

Insurance companies and legal teams typically want to know how your injuries will affect your long-term quality of life and ability to work before settling the case. This means you may need to undergo several medical evaluations and treatments before your case can proceed. The longer the recovery process, the more time it may take to gather all the necessary information and determine a fair settlement offer.

Michael Serrano

Founding Attorney

Candace “Cea” Hartley

Associate Attorney

Liability Determination

Determining who is responsible for the accident is another important factor that influences the timeline of your settlement. In some cases, liability may be clear-cut, with one party fully at fault for the accident. However, in other situations, there may be disputes about who is to blame. If there are multiple parties involved or if the insurance company challenges the evidence, it can slow down the process.

If liability is disputed, your attorney may need to conduct further investigations, which could involve gathering witness statements, reviewing police reports, and obtaining expert opinions. This extra work can prolong the timeline of your settlement, as your legal team will need to ensure that they have all the evidence to support your claim before negotiating with the insurance company.

Insurance Company Negotiations

Negotiations with the insurance company are a critical part of the settlement process. Once the liability is established and your injuries are assessed, your attorney will begin the process of negotiating a settlement offer with the at-fault party’s insurance company. The amount offered by the insurance company may not always be fair or adequate, and it’s not uncommon for insurers to offer low settlements in hopes of saving money.

If this happens, your attorney will need to engage in further negotiations or even consider filing a lawsuit if the insurance company is unwilling to provide a fair offer. These negotiations can take time, especially if there are disputes over the value of your claim or the extent of your injuries. The insurance company may also try to delay the process by requesting additional information or offering lower settlements initially.

Mike Serrano’s law office was everything I needed after a very traumatic accident. He was always super up front and honest with me. I never got the feeling he was trying to sell me on something or to do something that I wasn’t comfortable with. He listened to my concerns and when it tough moments came that I needed to stand my ground. He backed me and made me feel 100% secure. He got me exactly what I needed in a settlement and I would never consider using anyone else. His office staff is also phenomenal.”

- Mary

Mike Serrano was a great attorney for my case!! He was very flexible with phone calls/ Zoom meetings. His staff are always friendly, whether it be on the phone or emails. They keep you updated during your entire case! They don’t leave you silent for months. if you call, they always call back with updates! Highly recommend!"

- Kylie Collier Border

I’ve never had to deal with a lawyer before but Mike has set the bar HIGH. He was always available to communicate my concerns and explain each step of the way. I know no other lawyer would have been able to achieve the same results because he jumped on an opportunity that was a little out of the ordinary and it paid off. He really fought for my case and over delivered. I really hope I never have another accident but if I do I’m running to Mike for help."

- Sandy Carter

Gathering Evidence and Documentation

To ensure that your motorcycle accident settlement is fair, it is crucial to gather all necessary evidence and documentation. This can include medical records, accident reports, witness statements, photographs of the scene, and other relevant information. The more comprehensive the evidence, the stronger your case will be when negotiating a settlement.

However, collecting and organizing this evidence takes time, especially if your case involves complex issues or multiple parties. Your attorney will need to ensure that everything is in order before proceeding with settlement discussions. This phase can be time-consuming, but it’s important to take the necessary steps to ensure that you have a solid case.

Potential for Litigation

While many motorcycle accident cases in Florida are settled outside of court, there are some situations where litigation may be necessary. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement or if there are significant disputes about liability or damages, your attorney may decide to take the case to court.

Litigation can extend the timeline of your case significantly, as it involves filing a lawsuit, going through pre-trial motions, attending hearings, and potentially going to trial. While most cases do not go this route, it’s important to be prepared for the possibility that litigation could be necessary to secure a fair settlement.

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Complexity of the Case

Some motorcycle accident cases are more complex than others, and the complexity can affect how long it takes to reach a settlement. For example, if your accident involved multiple vehicles, road defects, or other complicated circumstances, the case may take longer to resolve. Your attorney may need to consult with experts, such as accident reconstructionists or medical professionals, to help determine the cause of the accident and the extent of your injuries.

In addition, if there are disputes about the severity of your injuries or if your medical records are complicated, it could take longer for your attorney to gather all the necessary information to present a strong case. The more complex the case, the longer it may take to achieve a settlement.

Court Schedules and Legal Procedures

If your case does go to court, the timeline can be further affected by the court’s schedule and legal procedures. Courts are often busy with numerous cases, and scheduling hearings or trials can take several months. Additionally, there are legal procedures and deadlines that must be followed throughout the litigation process, which can further extend the timeline of your case.

While your attorney will work diligently to move the case forward, these external factors can be beyond their control. It’s important to keep this in mind when considering the timeline for your settlement.

Case Results

Car Accident

This client was injured in an auto accident with a driver who improperly merged into her lane. Her vehicle was totaled. She sustained an aggravation of her pre-existing disc herniations in her neck and new disc herniations in her lower back. We obtained the full limits of both the at-fault driver’s bodily injury coverage and our client’s underinsured motorist coverage, which were significant. The settlement was achieved without a law suit and within four months after the client finished treating.

Rear End Collision

This particular client was injured in an accident in late 2015 when she was rear-ended. She sustained an aggravation of pre-existing disc herniations in her neck and a new disc herniation which ultimately required a surgical fusion. By the time of trial, her medical bills exceeded $180,000.00. The Defendants’ offer pre-suit was $20,000.00. We were able to obtain a jury verdict of $441,000.00, plus attorneys’ fees.

Car Accident

A client was injured in a rear-end collision where he sustained an aggravation of a pre-existing disc bulge that developed into a herniation in his lower back. We obtained a jury verdict which was over 6 times what had been offered prior to trial.

Car Accident

In this case, our client injured her shoulder after being struck by a vehicle while she was performing volunteer services. The driver was traveling at such a high rate of speed entering a parking lot that he clipped another vehicle, hit a parking barrier and was launched into a tree. After the client attempted to negotiate with the insurance company prior to hiring us, we were able to obtain an amount that was over double the prior offer.

Intentional Torts

Our client was injured from an assault by a patron of a party while working security. His shoulder required multiple surgeries. He hired our office to pursue a claim to recoup his medical bills, which exceeded $130,000.00. After his assailant offered him $10,000.00 to resolve his case, we took the case to a jury to decide. The jury awarded our client all of his medical bills and tripled his award for pain and suffering.

Car Accident

This client came to us about a car wreck that occurred in 2014 where she sustained injuries. She approached our firm just one week before the statute of limitations was set to expire after being turned away by several other law firms. We filed a lawsuit and were able to obtain the limits of the at-fault driver’s bodily injury coverage and an additional settlement from the client’s insurance carrier.

Truck Crash

This couple was injured in an automobile accident after they were rear-ended in a seven-car pileup caused by a semi-trailer. Of the 15 people who made claims on the same insurance policy, our clients each received the second and third highest offers, which covered all of their past and future medical bills and their attorney’s fees.

Truck Crash

In this case, our client was injured from a rear-end collision with an eighteen-wheeler. Her original lawyer procured a settlement offer of $7,000.00 to settle her case. Because the offer did not approach the amount of bills she incurred from accident related treatment, she came to our firm for a consultation. She decided to hire us. We promptly filed suit and obtained a settlement for her.

View More Results

The timeline for a Florida motorcycle accident settlement can vary depending on a number of factors, including the severity of your injuries, the complexity of the case, the willingness of the insurance company to negotiate, and the potential for litigation. While it can be difficult to predict exactly how long your case will take, understanding these factors can help you manage your expectations and reduce some of the stress and confusion that often accompanies the process.

At our firm, we are dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of your case and ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve. We understand the challenges you’re facing and are here to provide the support and legal guidance you need throughout the entire process. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Florida, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for assistance. We can help you understand your options and work towards a successful outcome for your case.