If you were recently injured in a motorcycle crash, you might be asking yourself how long does a motorcycle accident lawsuit take. The truth is, no two cases are identical. Some settle in just a few months, while others take a year or longer to resolve. Understanding what affects the timeline can help you plan your recovery, manage expectations, and make informed choices about your next steps.
At Deldar Legal, we’ve represented riders throughout California who were hit, cut off, or seriously hurt because of someone else’s negligence. We know that timing matters. You want compensation as soon as possible, but you also want to make sure it’s fair. Here’s what you need to know about how long your case may take and what to expect during the process.
Quick Facts – How Long Does a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit Take?
- In general, most motorcycle accident lawsuits in California take six months to two years (every case is different).
- Lawsuits differ from insurance claims: one is formal court litigation, the other an out-of-court negotiation.
- Strong evidence, consistent medical care, and clear communication with your lawyer speed up the process.
- The statute of limitations in California gives you two years to file a personal injury claim.
California Motorcycle Rider Statistics
California leads the nation in registered motorcycles. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), more than 900,000 motorcycles are registered through the California DMV, far more than any other state. Unfortunately, with that many riders on the road, the risk of collisions and serious injuries increases. The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) reports that thousands of riders are injured or killed on California roads each year. In 2022 alone, more than 12,000 motorcycle crashes resulted in injury or death
These key motorcycle statistics highlight why it’s so important for injured riders to understand their legal options and know what to expect if they need to file a lawsuit. When a crash happens, recovery can take time and understanding how long a motorcycle accident lawsuit takes can help riders prepare for both the legal and physical road ahead.
Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits vs. Insurance Claims
When someone asks, how long does a motorcycle accident lawsuit take, they’re usually trying to understand when they can expect closure. There’s an important difference between a motorcycle accident lawsuit and an insurance claim. A claim is your first request for payment from the insurance company. A lawsuit begins if that company refuses to offer a fair settlement.
Here’s a general look at what happens once a lawsuit is filed in California:
1.) Investigation & Demand – Your lawyer submits evidence and a settlement demand. This can take one to three months.
2.) Filing the Lawsuit – If talks fail, your attorney files the complaint in court.
3.) Discovery – Both sides exchange evidence and take depositions. This phase can last three to nine months.
4.) Mediation & Settlement Negotiations – Many cases settle before trial once evidence is clear.
5.) Trial – If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to court. Trials get delayed frequently and add months onto the process.
Each of these steps depends on the details of your case, the number of parties involved, and how busy the court calendar is. There’s no concrete answer to the question, how long does a motorcycle accident lawsuit take?
Statute of Limitations in California
California law gives injured riders two years from the date of their accident to file a personal injury lawsuit and three years for property damage. If your case involves a government vehicle or unsafe public road, you may have only six months to file a special claim before suing. Missing these deadlines can permanently block your right to compensation, so acting quickly is essential.
Factors That Affect How Long a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit Takes
Medical Treatment and Recovery – Your doctors need to determine when you’ve reached maximum medical improvement before finalizing damages. The more serious your injuries, the longer this can take.
Liability Disputes – If the other driver denies fault or multiple vehicles are involved, additional investigation and expert testimony may be required.
Insurance Company Delays – Some insurance carriers use delay tactics to reduce payouts. A proactive attorney can hold them accountable and keep your case moving.
Court Backlogs – California’s civil courts, particularly in counties like Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange, have heavy caseloads that can push hearings months down the line.
Even before a lawsuit is filed, insurance negotiations shape how long recovery takes. A clear, evidence-backed demand letter usually leads to a faster settlement. As we mentioned earlier, the claim may turn into a lawsuit if an agreement can’t be reached. When insurers delay, a motorcycle injury lawyer can escalate the matter to court and impose deadlines.
How Long Does a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit Take Overall?
As a general overview, most motorcycle accidents in California take this amount of time (timeline varies based on several factors):
Straightforward cases (about 6 months to 1 year)
These are cases where fault is clear, injuries are relatively minor, and insurance coverage is adequate. For example, if a driver ran a red light and caused a low-speed collision, the insurer may quickly accept liability. Once medical treatment is complete, your attorney can calculate damages and negotiate a fair settlement without needing a trial. Many of these cases are resolved during the claims process or early mediation.
Moderate injuries or disputed fault (12 to 18 months)
These cases usually involve more serious injuries or uncertainty about who caused the crash. For instance, if both the driver and the motorcyclist claim the other was speeding or changing lanes unsafely, the process takes longer. Your lawyer must gather witness statements, review police reports, and possibly hire accident reconstruction experts. Medical treatment may also take several months, and insurers may delay while waiting for updates. Cases like these often reach settlement after extended negotiation or just before trial.
Severe or complex cases (up to 2 years or more)
These involve catastrophic injuries, multiple defendants, or commercial vehicles such as trucks or delivery vans. Recovery is longer because medical care is ongoing, damages are high, and the stakes are greater. Experts like life-care planners, vocational analysts, and medical specialists are often brought in to calculate future costs and long-term needs. Insurance companies typically fight harder in these cases, and the court’s schedule can add months. Some severe cases even require appeals or additional litigation over policy limits.
In every situation, working with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help keep your case on track and ensure that delays are minimized. How long does a motorcycle accident lawsuit take? Deldar Legal’s team manages the legal process so that you can focus on healing while we pursue the compensation you deserve.
Motorcycle Accident Timeline FAQs
1.) How soon after my motorcycle crash must I contact a lawyer?
Contact a lawyer as soon as possible after your crash so they can protect your rights and preserve critical evidence.
2.) Can my motorcycle injury be resolved without a lawsuit?
Yes. Many injury cases begin and conclude with an insurance claim. If liability is clear and your injuries are stable a settlement offer may be acceptable. However, if the insurer disputes fault or cannot come to a settlement agreement, you may need to file a lawsuit to secure full compensation.
3.) What mistakes delay my recovery?
Delaying medical treatment, giving recorded statements, or accepting quick low settlements all slow your financial and physical recovery.
4.) How does fault affect my compensation in California?
Fault directly reduces your compensation because California’s comparative negligence law subtracts your percentage of responsibility from your total recovery.
5.) Does uninsured motorist coverage apply to motorcycle accidents?
Yes. If the at-fault driver has no insurance or inadequate insurance, you may have UM or UIM coverage under your own motorcycle policy.
6.) How Long Does a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit Take?
A motorcycle accident lawsuit typically takes six months to two years, depending on injury severity, fault disputes, and court delays.
Call Deldar Today
At Deldar Legal, we’re more than just attorneys, we’re your partners in recovery. If you’ve suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve a top-rated motorcycle accident injury attorney in California who will fight for your rights and help you rebuild your life. From the moment you contact us, we handle everything, from medical appointments and transportation to insurance negotiations and legal paperwork, so you can focus on healing.
Our experienced team represents clients across a wide range of personal injury cases, including:
- Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
- Uber and Lyft rideshare accidents
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
- Slip-and-fall and premises liability claims
- Dog bites and animal attacks
- Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and other catastrophic injuries
- Wrongful death of a loved one
Deldar Legal is here to help. We offer free consultations and work on a no win, no fee basis, so there’s no risk in reaching out.
Call us today at (844) 335-3271 or contact us to speak with an experienced California injury lawyer. Let Deldar Legal fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.