Average Settlements for Motorcycle Accidents

Since every case varies so much, we cannot say what the average settlement for a motorcycle accident is. Two people could be in the same crash and still sustain vastly different damages. When a California motorcycle accident lawyer at our firm reviews your case, they can look at things like your medical treatment and what it entails, fault, liable insurance policies, and relevant laws.

This information will let your lawyer know what an appropriate amount of compensation they may pursue on your behalf. The settlement or jury verdict might cover damages like medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, or property damage or loss. Those who lost a loved one to their crash injuries may be entitled to collect wrongful death damages. It all depends on how the accident has affected the victims and their families.

How Medical Care Could Impact Your Motorcycle Accident Settlement

Generally speaking, the more specialized and longer your medical treatment is, the more financial compensation you can request when you file your insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. Many severe, often catastrophic, injuries may require intensive care. You, as a motorcycle accident victim, could be suffering from one of the following severe injuries:

• Burns
• Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
• Road rash
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Broken bones or fractures
• Biker’s arm

It’s crucial for you to get medical help as soon as possible. If an ambulance shows up to the accident scene, accept the care and go to the hospital. The physician will check you out and may begin treatment right away. If no one called the paramedics, go to the hospital or your regular doctor, even if you think you’re unharmed.

Sometimes, injuries like TBIs can take days or weeks to show symptoms. If you wait too long, you might have long-term or even permanent damage, which will ultimately prolong your treatment. The sooner you get medical attention, the sooner you can address the symptoms and start on the road to recovery.

How the Insurance Company May Respond to Your Medical Costs

Your health and safety must take priority over everything else. Alongside that, it’s important not to give the insurance company any reason to devalue, delay, or deny your claim against their policyholder.

For example, if you wait weeks to see the doctor after your motorcycle accident, it could be more difficult to tie the two incidents together. In that case, the insurer might claim that something else led to the injuries, that they weren’t that serious to begin with, or that you made your injuries worse.

The same pushback could happen if you went to the doctor immediately following the accident but didn’t adhere to your treatment plan as your doctors laid it out for you. Not only could you set back your recovery, but the insurance adjuster might also take that as a reason not to pay out your claim in the way you need. Follow all the doctor’s orders and only stop treatment when they release you from their care.

What Forms of Awards You Could Ask for in a Motorcycle Accident Settlement

Victims of motorcycle accidents and their families may incur various damages. Depending on the details of your case, you may qualify to go after these forms of compensation:

Medical Expenses for Past and Upcoming Care

Although every case is different, the average motorcycle accident settlement almost always covers related medical bills. When you undergo treatment, it could include:

• Physical therapy
• Imaging tests
• Doctor’s appointments
• Medications
• Medical devices
• Surgeries
• Blood work

Your personal injury lawyers can speak to your doctors to better understand what your future treatment will look like and know what fair compensation for these bills should be.

Lost Income and Lost Earning Capacity

The doctor may order you to stay home from work after your accident, so it’s possible that you might not be able to earn your regular pay. In some cases, going to work in the same capacity isn’t feasible in the long term. Your personal injury attorneys can help ensure you receive compensation for past and future lost income.

Property Damage

If your motorcycle was damaged or totaled, you could request awards for repair or replacement costs.

Non-Economic Damages

The motorcycle accident didn’t just affect you financially. It also came with physical and emotional repercussions that affect your quality of life. Although they don’t hold financial value, you can still seek compensation for them. It may cover pain and suffering, scarring and disfigurement, emotional distress, and mental anguish to help you cope with the hardships your injuries have brought on.

Wrongful Death Damages

One of our California wrongful death lawyers can help you file a case if your loved one passed away from their motorcycle accident injuries. Potential damages you may recover include pain and suffering, lost income, end-of-life medical expenses, and funeral expenses and burial costs.

The Liable Insurer May Pay Out Your Motorcycle Accident Settlement

If another driver caused the motorcycle accident, usually their insurance company would cover your damages. However, there are times when the adjuster might be resistant to accepting your request. They may dispute liability and try to pin it on you as opposed to their policyholder. In that case, your motorcycle crash lawyers can proceed to negotiations and fight for a fair settlement on your behalf.

If we don’t come to a satisfactory amount on your motorcycle accident claim, we have no problem with taking your case to trial. However, it’s rare for personal injury claims to take this route since most claims settle out of court.

The Statute of Limitations on Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits

You only have so much time to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party after a motorcycle accident. Ask one of our lawyers which deadline applies to your case. In California, you typically have two years under CCP § 335.1. They can help ensure you submit your personal injury lawsuit before time runs out.

Our motorcycle accident attorneys do need to hear from you sooner rather than later, though. The courts typically don’t accept cases after the filing window, so if there’s any delay, you might miss your right to fair compensation.

Get Help With Settling Your Motorcycle Accident Case

Although we cannot determine exactly what the average settlement for motorcycle accidents is, you can rely on us to fight for a favorable case result.

Call Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers for a free consultation and legal representation.