Being in an accident is serious enough, but when it happens to you on two wheels, the results can be absolutely devastating. We all know that motorcycles can be deadly, but you never think it will happen to you or someone you know.
If you or a loved one has recently been involved in a motorcycle accident, you already have a taste of the harrowing journey involved. There is the obvious need to seek immediate medical treatment for any injuries you may have sustained. If you have lost someone as a result of a bike wreck, the emotional toll can be overwhelming.
But there is also the need to be compensated for the harm caused to you. Finding out average motorcycle accident settlement amounts isn’t exactly common knowledge. So, where do you go?
If you have a motorcycle accident claim and are looking to obtain a settlement, it is important to know the ins and outs of settlement negotiations.
Here, discover all the various facets of motorcycle accident claims, as well as what you can do to maximize any potential settlement.
Average Motorcycle Accident Settlement
To start things off, let’s make something clear: having a seasoned and competent attorney by your side throughout any negotiations or court proceedings will result in your final settlement being far higher than if you go about this on your own.
Another thing to keep in mind is the unfortunate fact that giving an actual number for your motorcycle accident claims is impossible. Every accident is a unique circumstance, and the final amount you wind up with depends on various interconnected factors.
The good news is, you can get a feel for what your settlement amount might be if you know the factors involved. Also, you need to not commit any blunders to hurt your own case.
Let’s take a look at some of those factors.
Trial Or No Trial, That Is The Question…
A first and pivotal factor in your quest to figure out average motorcycle accident settlement amounts is whether your case is going to go to trial.
Fun fact: over 97% of civil cases get settled before reaching the trial stage.
This may seem like a crazy high number, it actually makes sense when you consider what goes into taking motorcycle accident claims to court.
First and foremost, there are high costs involved in going to trial. Both sides will incur rather large costs in order to prepare and collect all the necessary information to prep for a trial.
These costs can be avoided if the parties stay away from the courtroom and settle it mano a mano.
How Your Injuries Affect Settlements
Perhaps just as important as whether you go to trial or not, exactly what injuries you sustained in your motorcycle accident will make a big impact on your eventual settlement.
Injuries from an auto accident can be deadly and gruesome.
Indeed, the risk of serious injury or death from a motorcycle accident pales in comparison to vehicle accidents. Let’s take a look at what kinds of injuries can affect your ultimate settlement.
Physical Injuries
This seems obvious on its face, but it actually is extremely important in determining your ultimate settlement.
Whether you have suffered broken bones, scrapes and bruises, lacerations, or even more extensive injuries, it is vitally important that you receive treatment for them. You simply cannot expect a substantial settlement if you only go to the hospital once and never have any follow-ups.
So, whether your injuries were minor or severe, be sure to go to all your doctors’ appointments, keep records of all your procedures and medical intervention. This will help build your case to the other side, showing that your injuries are worthy of substantial compensation.
While you will likely be compensated for your medical costs, there are other kinds of attendant claims that go along with your injury. This is where a prominent injury attorney will be instrumental in helping you.
These other injuries include your pain and suffering damages. These are damages designed to compensate for the anguish and ordeal you have been through due to your injuries.
There is also lost wages and the potential for claims of future wages in some circumstances. Other than this, there is also loss of consortium, where you are compensated for your diminished intimate relationship with your spouse or children.
Emotional Injuries
When it comes to motorcycle accidents, the entire experience can be rather traumatic, especially if you have suffered rather vivid and debilitating injuries.
This is where the claim of emotional distress may come into play. If you need to seek medical treatment for your mental distress from the accident, this may be compensable as well
How To Kill Any Chance Of A Good Settlement
This may seem blunt, but it’s the difference between a fair settlement and no settlement at all.
When you are undergoing settlement negotiations or are preparing for trial, you need to remain consistent. What does this mean?
This means that if you hurt your neck, you should not be caught at the theme park riding roller coasters. If you hurt your back, do not go to the gym and squat 400 pounds.
Whether you are dealing with an individual or insurance company, the potential that you will be investigated is there. Private investigators are hired all the time to document evidence that your injuries are not real or not as severe as you claim.
The bottom line is to be sure to not do things that are inconsistent with your claims.
All We Do Is Auto Accidents
We hope this article may shed some light on determining an average motorcycle accident settlement.
Whether you have been in a motorcycle wreck, car wreck, or otherwise, we got you covered.
Our entire practice is solely focused on automobile accidents. Contact us today to get a free case evaluation.