How Much Is My Motorcycle Accident Injury Claim Worth?

The value of a motorcycle claim can vary depending on many factors, including the severity of the victim’s injury, total loss value, state liability laws, and insurance coverage.

Understanding the factors that affect your motorcycle accident case can help you make an educated decision when pursuing a claim against the responsible party and their insurer. To get a better idea of your specific claim’s value, contact a motorcycle accident attorney in your area for a free legal consultation.

Injury Severity Will Affect Your Motorcycle Collision Settlement

One of the primary indicators of a settlement’s value is the severity of the injuries. A personal injury claim for a motorcycle accident aims to recover fair compensation for the injured person’s losses, such as medical bills and lost wages. Injuries that require more medical treatment, long-term care, and missed work often result in higher payouts to cover these losses.

For example, if you suffered road rash, whiplash, and bruises in a motorcycle accident, these injuries could take weeks or months to heal. On the other hand, if your accident caused spinal damage that led to full or partial paralysis, the associated medical expenses, such as multiple procedures, rehabilitation, occupational therapy, assistive equipment, and lost income, are likely much higher.

Total Loss Value Can Determine Your Motorcycle Accident Settlement’s Worth

When you seek compensation through a motorcycle accident claim, you aim to recover the financial value of all losses associated with your crash. In essence, you are holding the at-fault party responsible for their careless or reckless actions by making them pay for the losses they caused.

Damages from a motorcycle crash can vary widely but typically fall under the following categories:

• Medical treatment and related expenses
• Future medical care, if necessary
• Diminished current and future income
• Motorcycle repair or replacement value
• Pain and suffering, both physical and psychological
• Wrongful death damages if the motorcycle accident was fatal

The costs associated with these losses can strongly affect the value of your final settlement or award. Obviously, if your injuries cause you to miss two weeks of work, the associated compensation will be less than if you are out of work for years or unable to return to work at all.

Liability Laws in Your State Can Reduce Your Motorcycle Accident Value

Every state has different laws governing responsibility for a motorcycle crash. Some states, like California, allow injury victims to recover compensation even if the other party is only 1% at fault. Other states, like Idaho, require proof that the at-fault party is 50% or more responsible for the accident before the victim can receive compensation. Some liability laws prevent injury victims from recovering any compensation if they share any liability for the accident.

The liability and negligence laws in your state can greatly affect your settlement value. Additionally, the settlement amount you can recover is modified based on the degree of fault you share for the accident. Liability laws can be extremely complicated, so you benefit from consulting with a motorcycle accident attorney in your area before you proceed.

Insurance Coverage May Limit the Value of Your Motorcycle Crash Claim

Individual policies for auto liability, motorcycle insurance, health insurance, or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can determine how much you receive for your claim. States have different motor vehicle insurance requirements, and drivers do not always obey insurance laws when purchasing coverage.

The settlement worth of your motorcycle accident claim may be limited by the amount of coverage you or the other party carries. In situations where an insurance policy does not cover all your losses, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party to recover more.

Legal Representation From a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Improve Your Settlement

A motorcycle accident lawyer can do several things to help with your accident claim:

• A motorcycle accident lawyer will be familiar with laws and legal processes.
• A motorcycle crash attorney will know how to negotiate with insurers.
• A personal injury attorney can represent your interests in hearings and trial proceedings.
• An attorney will investigate the motorcycle crash, gather evidence, and build a compelling case for negligence.
• A lawyer can ensure your legal claims are filed within the statute of limitations.
• A motorcycle accident attorney will handle all contact from insurers and other parties so you can focus on your recovery.

When you partner with a motorcycle collision attorney in your area, you receive legal support from a firm with the resources, experience, and knowledge to negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf. In addition, motorcycle injury lawyers typically handle cases on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing for their services until and unless they win a final settlement or verdict in your favor.

Ways to Maximize Your Settlement Value After a Motorcycle Collision

While your motorcycle accident attorney can help with the legal footwork, there are steps you can take after a motorcycle crash to protect your rights and support your claim for damages.

1. Document everything: If your injuries permit, take photos of the accident scene and write down the crash details. Keep copies of medical records, receipts, financial statements, and any other documents you can use to prove your losses.
2. Seek medical assistance: If you are not immediately transported to the hospital, go to your nearest emergency room or urgent care to get a medical assessment.
3. Listen to your doctor: Attend all follow-up appointments and physical therapy sessions. Be sure to use assistive devices as instructed and refrain from activities prohibited by your treating physician.
4. Avoid posting to social media: Even seemingly innocent posts can be used to diminish or deny your claim. Try not to post about your accident on social media.
5. Have your lawyer review settlement offers: Insurance companies often offer low initial settlements that don’t cover the full scope of the victim’s losses. Ask your attorney to review any settlement offers or other documents from insurance companies before you sign.

Call Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers Today

Do you still have questions? Call for a free consultation to learn more about your case and how much your motorcycle accident injury claim may be worth. A motorcycle accident attorney at Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers can help you obtain the maximum compensation possible.

Our legal team is available to answer your questions and help you understand the legal process.