How much you should settle for after a motorcycle accident varies depending on the details of your case. However, it is not unusual for a claimant to receive thousands of dollars in damages. The extent of your injuries, property loss, and other types of suffering can play a role in the amount of compensation available following an accident in which a third party was at fault.
For example, if your motorcycle was slightly damaged, there could be less compensation available than if you were seriously injured. Fatal accidents might also result in more money awarded than less severe cases. Because every situation is unique, it could be helpful to review your case with a lawyer before determining how best to proceed.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
While avid riders love their motorcycles, these types of vehicles can also be very dangerous methods of transportation or recreation. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 5,000 motorcyclists lost their lives during 2017 alone. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says wearing a helmet can dramatically improve the outcome of motorcycle accidents, potentially saving as much as $1 billion in healthcare expenses.
Even if you are riding safely, wearing a helmet, and obeying traffic law, you cannot control the actions of other vehicles on the road that could have caused your accident. Some common causes of motorcycle accidents that may not have been your fault include:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence of mind-altering substances
- Poor weather
- Unforeseen hazards
- Uneven roadway or poorly maintained roads
Regardless of what caused your accident, or if another party was at fault, your accident is probably causing a great deal of suffering and loss.
Common Injuries and Losses from Accidents
Injuries and losses from motorcycle accidents can range from minor to severe. In fortunate cases, victims are able to walk away from the scene of an accident. More severe accidents could be fatal. Some injuries and types of loss you could experience from an accident include but are not limited to:
- Burns
- External injuries to your skin
- Traumatic head, neck, spine, and brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Emotional trauma
- Property loss
- Injuries to your internal organs
- Limb amputations
If you suffered in any way from an accident and believe that another party was at fault, determining that another party contributed to your losses could ultimately affect the fate of your claim.
Determining Liability
Figuring out who was at fault for your accident could determine if you have grounds for legal action. If another party was partially at fault, you might have a claim. Some laws regarding liability vary based on location, and there is often a statute of limitations regarding claims that limits the amount of time you have after an accident to take action.
Assessing Your Damages and Potential Compensation
Assessing your damages is an important part of the legal process, as your losses can play a role in determining available compensation. Any form of suffering related to your accident could potentially be grounds for a claim. If you were injured, for example, your medical bills and related expenses could be considered damages. In some cases, you could be reimbursed for medical expenses, legal fees, and other expenses incurred from your accident.
Damages can also be awarded for emotional suffering, property loss, loss of life, lost wages due to an inability to get to work or perform your job, and more. If you are considering exploring your legal options, a lawyer can help you learn more about the specific types of damages possible in your case and determine what you deserve.
Getting Legal Help
As you focus on your recovery and piecing your life back together after an accident, it is important to also remember that you have legal options. While not every case results in compensation, you do not want to miss out on your chance to take action.
Some victims of accidents can recover damages that make life easier during this difficult time. If you have questions about how much you should settle for after a motorcycle accident or the legal process in general, Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help guide you through the process during a free, no-obligation consultation. Call (800) 223-5115 today to speak with a team member to learn more.