What is the Average Settlement in a Motorcycle Accident Case?
When considering the potential settlement value of a motorcycle accident case, it’s essential to understand that each case is unique, and settlement amounts vary widely based on specific circumstances. That said, understanding the factors that influence a settlement can help set realistic expectations and guide negotiations. Please contact a skilled personal injury attorney now if you were injured in a motorcycle or bicycle accident.
Factors That Influence Motorcycle Accident Settlements
The most important factors that affect the amount of a motorcycle accident settlement include:
- Severity of injuries: Motorcycle accidents often result in more severe injuries than car accidents due to limited protection for riders. Serious injuries, like spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, and fractures, tend to result in higher settlements to account for extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and potential lifelong care.
- Medical expenses: The cost of medical treatment, ongoing care, and any future healthcare needs play a major role. Comprehensive documentation of medical bills and anticipated future expenses is crucial.
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity: If the accident causes the victim to miss work or impacts their ability to work in the future, the settlement will often include compensation for lost income and diminished earning potential.
- Pain and suffering: This subjective factor includes compensation for physical pain, emotional suffering, and a diminished quality of life. More severe and life-altering injuries typically justify higher compensation.
- Liability and comparative negligence: If there’s a question about who was at fault in the accident, the final settlement may be affected. For example, in states that follow comparative negligence rules, a rider deemed partially at fault might see their compensation reduced by their degree of fault.
Average Settlement Range for Motorcycle Accidents
The range for motorcycle accident settlements can vary widely, typically from $20,000 to several hundred thousand dollars. However, severe cases involving long-term or permanent injuries, extensive surgeries, or wrongful death claims may result in settlements reaching into the millions.
How Insurance Companies Calculate Settlements
Insurance companies generally look at all expenses and factors and then apply their proprietary formulas to come up with an initial offer.
Motorcycle riders often face bias from insurers, who might argue that the motorcyclist was engaging in risky behavior.
Strong legal advocacy can help challenge these biases.
Tips for Maximizing Your Settlement
We recommend the following to help increase the final amount of your settlement:
- Seek immediate medical attention: Delaying medical treatment can not only worsen your injuries but also negatively impact your claim.
- Document everything: Keep records of all medical treatments, lost workdays, and any correspondence with the insurance company.
- Hire an experienced personal injury attorney: Motorcycle accidents involve unique legal nuances. An attorney specializing in motorcycle accidents can help maximize compensation.
Realistic Expectations
While high settlement amounts are possible, not all motorcycle accident cases result in life-changing sums.
The average case settles within a realistic range that considers actual losses.
Setting realistic expectations is key, and an experienced attorney can guide you based on the specifics of your case.
Contact Justice Through Compensation for Help
If you or a loved one was injured in an accident, please know that the law firm of Justice Through Compensation is here to help. Our legal team is skilled, experienced, and passionate in their representation. Let us shoulder the burden of an injury claim or lawsuit while you focus on healing from your injuries. Contact us today for the quality legal help you deserve.
* Main image at top by jcomp on Freepik