I was in a motorcycle accident over a year ago. I still have not received a settlement. How long does it take?

I was injured in a motorcycle accident last year on 7-7-07 when a lady made a turn in front of me. Her insurance admitted fault. I have had a ton of doctor and therapy visits. My lawyer says he's working on the case and has told me he submitted the demand letter. He's a friend of the family; however, he has a ton of cases on his hands, and I'm a little worried.

Someone told me that it should only take 5-8 months; a year at most; to resolve a PI accident case.

After the demand letter, how long should I expect? Does it sound like I'm in good hands? Is this timeframe normal?

Additional Details
Thank you all so far. I forgot to mention that the case is under California jurisdiction.

Princess Leia

1. Yes the timeframe is normal. It can take more than one year (sometimes 2-3) to resolve a personal injury case;

2. Has your attorney filed the lawsuit already? If not, make sure he does not forget about the statute of limitations. Depending on the state, it is a one to three year statute of limitations for personal injury cases.

Sometimes the insurance company needs the "prod" of a filed lawsuit.

3. Even if the insurance company admitted fault, that doesn't mean that they will give you whatever you ask for. Multiple therapy visits are usually considered suspect (although, since you were in a motorcycle and not a "regular" vehicle, not as much).

4. If you don't feel comfortable with this attorney, let him know and go and find another attorney. But, your current attorney may be able to put a "lien" on the case (for all the work he has done thus far) and your new attorney will take a percentage of your settlement as well, so maybe this friend of the family will take less. Who knows?

EDIT: Just saw your new information re: jurisdiction. The statute of limitations to file the lawsuit for personal injury is 2 years in California. So, if this case is not resolved within 1.5 years of the injury date (December 2008, but obviously, no later than 7-7-09 [although, I would do it no later than 7-6-09]), have your attorney file the lawsuit. Maybe the defendant (woman who hit you) can be served on Christmas. *lol*

It costs about $300-500 in filing fees and the lawsuit may make the claim resolve quicker (but obviously, there is no guarantee that it will make the claim resolve quicker).

Also, you only have five years from the date the lawsuit is filed to have the case brought to trial. If you're in a county where civil cases aren't tried often, due to a criminal backlog (like Riverside County), all I can say is "good luck!"

T D

Over a year.

ctbikerboots

I was hit by a truck , from the rear on my Harley Davidson Springer Softail ,at a traffic light , it took close to a year to settle . After paying doctors and paying for repair of bike , I did have just enough to buy a new H.D. Leather Jacket . for $ 225.

.... I hope it never happens again , but if it does , I will go to hospital, in ambulance , and go from there.
... screwed Erik

mailaccount63

I have seen personal injury cases take up to 4-5 years. The fact that it has taken years is not the problem. The problem is that you don't seem to know the status of your case. Call your attorney!

donald atwood

was tina mann the passenger on your bike and she didn't survive but you did if this is you I have been trying to contact you and find you cause ireally need to talk to you

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