What is the average motorcycle accident settlement? Quick Answer
- The average settlement for a motorcycle accident is approximately $99,000, with actual amounts varying based on injury severity, liability, and medical expenses.
Overview of Motorcycle Accident Settlements
Motorcycle accidents can cause serious injuries or even death, especially for riders who are not wearing helmets or other protective gear. These tragic outcomes lead to high medical bills, lost wages, and other costs. Legal payouts are important because they help victims handle these financial challenges. We will look at average payout amounts from some law firms.
What is the Average Payout for a Motorcycle Accident?
How much is the average motorcycle accident settlement? Data from five law firms showed some interesting numbers.
Average Motorcycle Accident Settlements in U.S. According to Law Firms
www.consumershield.comSources: Brown & Crouppen Law Firm, JZ helps Law Firm, The Joel Bieber Law Firm, Alllaw.com, Cordisco & Saile LLC, Steelhorse Law Firm, The Barnes Firm
These firms reported payouts between $66,000 and $100,000, with an average of $80,000. However, these numbers don't tell the whole story because every case is different. Factors like how bad the accident was and how good the law firm is at negotiating can change the payout. The best way to truly understand motorcycle crash settlements is by looking at examples, which provide insight into how various factors influence the final outcome.
Types of Damages in Motorcycle Accident Claims
In the legal realm, “damages” refers to compensation for losses you’ve suffered. There are two broad categories of damages: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages compensate you for losses you can easily quantify. Some of the most common economic damages in motorcycle accident cases include:
- Lost income
- Medical bills
- Transportation costs
- Damage to your motorcycle or other property
Make sure you keep track of all expenses related to your accident. This can help your lawyer when they calculate your damages.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate you for losses you can’t easily assign a dollar value to. Here are a few common examples:
- Physical pain
- Emotional distress
- The psychological impact of permanent disfigurement
- Loss of quality of life
Valuing non-economic damages can be complex. However, your attorney can give you an idea of how much your case is worth at your free consultation.
Factors Influencing Settlement Amounts
Several factors can influence the size of a motorcycle accident settlement:
- Severity of Injuries: More severe injuries typically result in higher medical costs and, consequently, higher payouts.
- Liability: If it's clear that another driver is at fault, the payout size might be higher.
- Legal Representation: The ability and experience of the law firm can greatly affect the payout size.
How Long Do Motorcycle Accident Settlements Take?
It’s difficult to get a reliable estimate of how long your settlement will take without discussing your specific case with an attorney first. However, in general, cases that are relatively straightforward and don’t involve catastrophic injuries often settle in a few weeks to a few months.
Most motorcycle accident lawsuits—and personal injury lawsuits in general—settle outside of court. This means that your lawyer and the at-fault driver’s lawyer come to an agreement on a compensation value.
If both sides can’t come to an agreement and your case goes all the way to trial, it could take several months or years to resolve.
Financial Strain From Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can cause serious injuries and big financial problems. Victims might have to pay large medical bills and could lose income if they can't work. Payouts are important because they help cover these expenses, letting victims recover without stressing about money. Sometimes, it can be crucial to file a lawsuit to ensure you receive the settlement you deserve.
Understanding Payouts in Motorcycle Accidents
Payout amounts for motorcycle accidents vary based on a few things. If the injuries are more serious, the payout is usually higher because of higher medical bills and longer recovery. If it's obvious who caused the accidents, the payout might also be larger. It's very important to get good legal advice to make sure victims get fair compensation that covers their losses and helps them recover.
How to Maximize Your Motorcycle Accident Settlement
The circumstances of your accident can sometimes have a limiting effect on the value of your settlement. For example, if you’re rear-ended by a car and suffer minor injuries, you likely won’t receive a multimillion-dollar settlement.
However, there are steps you can take to increase the likelihood of greater compensation.
Choose the Right Attorney
Your choice of lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Ideally, you should choose an attorney who has a proven record of success in motorcycle accident cases.
Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions
Following your doctor’s orders and attending all follow-up appointments isn’t just good for your health—it may also help your case. If you don’t keep up with medical care, the other side could argue you worsened your own injuries.
Don’t Speak to the Insurance Company
Insurance companies are notorious for trying to get drivers and motorcyclists to make statements quickly after an accident. It’s important not to speak to an insurer without first talking to a lawyer, though. Insurance companies may twist your words to make it seem as if your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim.
Getting the Protection You Deserve
Average motorcycle accident payouts can differ a lot. Knowing the average payout for a motorcycle accident can help victims choose the best legal help. With the right law firm, victims can get the money they need to recover and handle costs after an accident. Always talk to a professional to get a detailed estimate for your specific case. At ConsumerShield, we can help connect you with an experienced attorney in your area.