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A motorcycle crash can change everything in an instant. Beyond dealing with the physical pain and emotional stress, you may wonder how long it will take to resolve your legal claim. You are not alone in asking this question. Many riders who contact our office want to understand the motorcycle accident lawsuit timeline and prepare for what comes next.
At Mann Law, we recognize that this is not just a case. It is your life. Injuries affect your health, family, career, and peace of mind. Questioning timing is natural because the process can feel overwhelming and uncertain.
That is why we do things differently. With over 50 years of combined experience, our attorneys have helped Maine residents through some of life’s most difficult challenges. We bring compassion and results to every case.
Understanding how long a lawsuit might take will not eliminate the hardship of recovery, but it can give you a clear path forward. Below, we outline what you need to know about how long it takes to settle a motorcycle accident claim, why motorcycle lawsuits can take so long, and how Mann Law guides you through each step.
Every case is unique, but motorcycle accident claims can take several months to several years to resolve. A quicker settlement is sometimes possible, especially if liability is clear and injuries are well-documented. More complex cases, however, can take longer.
The uncertainty of timing adds stress to an already difficult situation. At Mann Law, our goal is to reduce that stress. We keep you informed throughout the process, so you never wonder what comes next. We handle the back-and-forth with insurance companies, monitor medical bills and records, and fight against tactics designed to delay or minimize your claim.
As a female-led law firm, we combine understanding with strength, listening to your story, and advocating with precision and determination.
Every case has its own twists, but most follow a recognizable path. Knowing the steps in a motorcycle accident lawsuit timeline helps you prepare for what lies ahead.
Your case begins with a free consultation. In this stage, you meet with an attorney, share your story, and learn your legal options. After the initial consultation, the case review can last a few days to a few weeks, depending on how quickly records and accident details are gathered.
Once you decide to move forward, your attorney begins investigating. This stage is crucial because it lays the foundation for proving negligence. Evidence may include:
The length of this stage varies. If the facts are straightforward and the evidence is easy to obtain, it may only take weeks. The investigation can take longer if liability is disputed or multiple parties are involved.
One of the most critical parts of any claim is your medical recovery. Attorneys usually wait until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) before pursuing a claim. Reaching MMI means your condition has stabilized, and your doctors can provide a clear picture of your long-term needs.
This stage can be lengthy, especially for serious injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or broken bones that require surgery and rehabilitation. It can take months—or even over a year—for doctors to fully assess your recovery. While it may feel frustrating to wait, this step ensures your claim reflects the actual costs of your injuries, including future medical expenses.
Once your medical situation is clearer, your attorney will typically make a demand to the insurance company. Negotiations may go back and forth as both sides assess the value of your claim. This stage often lasts several months. Sometimes a settlement is reached here, and a lawsuit is never filed.
Filing does not mean you are headed directly to trial, but it preserves your right to pursue compensation in court. Your attorney may file a lawsuit if the insurance company does not make a fair offer.
In Maine, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is six years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline typically means losing the right to recover damages.
After filing, both sides exchange information in a process called discovery. This stage may involve written questions, document requests, and depositions (interviews under oath). Discovery is often the longest stage of litigation, lasting many months or even over a year.
Courts often encourage settlement before trial. Mediation sessions may occur where both parties meet with a neutral third party to attempt resolution. Many cases settle during or after discovery without ever going to trial.
If a settlement is not possible, your case goes to trial. Trials in Maine can last from several days to several weeks, depending on the case’s complexity.
Many riders are surprised to learn how long a motorcycle accident lawsuit timeline can be. Several factors can slow the process:
While these delays may be unavoidable, understanding them helps set realistic expectations. More importantly, it allows you and your attorney to prepare for each stage, keep pressure on the insurance companies, and make strategic choices about when to negotiate and when to move toward trial.
At Mann Law, we know that choosing the right attorney is about more than legal skill. It’s also about trust. Our firm has earned recognition such as the Best of the 207’s Gold Medal for Best Personal Injury Law and Best Law Firm three years in a row, reflecting our community’s confidence in us. We are also proud members of The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, an honor reserved for leading trial attorneys.
Beyond accolades, we make ourselves accessible. With offices throughout Maine, you will not have to travel far to find support. If you have questions about your motorcycle accident lawsuit, we are here to answer them.
Contact Mann Law today at (207) 709-0900 for a complimentary consultation and learn how we can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
