How Long Does an NYC Bicycle Accident Case Take?
An NYC bicycle accident case could take anywhere from months to years before reaching resolution in a settlement agreement or jury verdict. Each case is unique, and many factors will help determine how long it takes to complete the process, including how seriously the injured party was hurt and whether or not fault for the accident is disputed. If the insurance company fails to make a settlement offer that truly reflects the full extent of the damages you sustained as a result of the accident, filing a personal injury lawsuit may be your best option to obtain fair compensation for your injuries.
Were You Seriously Injured?
One of the primary factors that determines the length of your NYC bicycle accident case is the severity of your injuries. It may take a period of time of going through rehabilitation and recovery before your doctors can truly estimate the full extent of your injuries and whether or not they will have any permanent or disabling consequences. At this point, it will be easier to calculate the full value of your case. In general, the more disabling and permanent your injuries are, the more your claim will be worth.
Factors That Determine How Long Your Bicycle Accident Case May Take
Other factors that will determine how long your NYC bicycle accident case will take include the following:
- Whether or not liability is disputed. In some bicycle accidents, it is clear that the motor vehicle driver was liable. In those cases, you may be more likely to receive a fair settlement offer earlier in the process. In other scenarios, however, liability may be disputed. If this is true of your case, then it may be more difficult to obtain a fair settlement offer early in the process, meaning filing a lawsuit may be your best move. While most cases ultimately settle before trial, our attorneys at Douglas & London always prepare as if each case will go to trial.
- How averse the defendant is to taking the case to trial. Some defendants are strongly motivated to settle a case because they would prefer to avoid having to go to trial. One reason for this may be the financial costs of protracted litigation. Another reason may be that they may fear the negative publicity that could accompany litigation and a trial. Still another reason may be that the defendant is concerned about being forced to divulge proprietary information, such as trade secrets, if your case gets into court.
- Whether or not you attempt to go it alone. The insurance company will know whether or not you have hired an attorney to represent you. If you do not, the insurance company knows that it has the upper hand in a protracted litigation and/or at trial. With that in mind, the insurance company will likely only extend lowball settlement offers, if any, to you that are far below the true value of your case. If you accept one of these offers, the good news is that you will have some cash in your pocket immediately, but the bad news is that you may have significant funds on the table. Alternatively, an experienced New York City bicycle accident lawyer can immediately begin investigating and building your case, communicating with the insurance company on your behalf, interviewing eyewitnesses to your accident, and consulting with experts. When Douglas & London is on your side, it sends a clear message to the insurance company that lowball settlement offers will be a waste of time and that you are prepared to take your case all the way to trial if need be. Sending that message often nudges the insurance company in the direction of offering you a fair amount earlier in the process.
Consult With an Experienced Lawyer As Soon As Possible
Bicycle accidents often cause severe injuries, and that can lead to a complex and stressful recovery process for you, both physically and financially. That is one reason that we strongly recommend that you consult with an experienced NYC personal injury attorney as soon as possible in the aftermath of your crash.
At Douglas & London, our attorneys have secured over $18 billion in jury verdicts and settlements on behalf of their clients. We have worked tirelessly for decades to help injured New Yorkers when they need it most and fight to ensure that justice is achieved.
If you were seriously hurt in a bicycle accident in NYC, call Douglas & London to arrange your cost-free case review. You have nothing to lose by reaching out today, as you will never owe us any attorney fees unless we win money on your behalf.
