It is difficult to calculate the average settlement for a motorcycle accident, and the outcome may not be useful in helping you gauge how your lawsuit will turn out. Every case is different, and the amount that is awarded at the end of the lawsuit varies based on these factors. Rather than looking for an average, you may be able to do a rough calculation of what you can expect in awards.
If you add up all of your expenses, that can give you a general idea of what to expect. Some types of compensation are not based on your expenses, so determining what they are worth is a more complicated calculation. If you want an expert opinion on what you can expect in your lawsuit, schedule a consultation so that a lawyer can examine your case.
Possible Settlements
In a motorcycle accident lawsuit, there are multiple types of compensation that you can expect to receive. Various factors in your case can change these settlements. You can expect compensation for:
- Medical costs: The costs of your medical treatment can be claimed in the lawsuit. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this is the most commonly focused-on category since the information is readily available, and victims struggle with medical bills frequently.
- Property damage: Damage to your property can be claimed in the lawsuit. This includes the costs of repairing your motorcycle and other items.
- Lost wages: If you have to miss work for a period of time because of the accident, then you may be able to claim lost wages to recover a part of your lost income.
- Pain and suffering compensation: If the accident has had a major emotional or mental effect on your life, then you may be awarded compensation for it. It is non-monetary, meaning that it is not based on expenses. The actual amount that you receive is decided by the judge.
- Punitive damages: If the other driver acted in a way where the judge feels that they deserve punishment, the judge could award punitive damages. It is based on non-monetary figures and at the discretion of the judge.
There are other types of compensation that you may be awarded in your lawsuit. Since every lawsuit is different, you may not receive one or more of these compensation types. The amount that you receive for each one also varies based on your case.
Determining Liability
Your lawsuit is filed against the party that is liable for your expenses. In your case, it is likely the person that caused your accident. There are circumstances where this could change, such as a company vehicle being involved.
Being liable means that the person is financially responsible for expenses related to your accident. This is one of the reasons why victims file lawsuits. Suing the liable party can award victims compensation to help pay for their expenses.
Statute of Limitations
Accident victims face a dilemma when trying to decide if they are going to file a lawsuit. There is a limited amount of time to file that lawsuit, which is dictated by a statute of limitations as per the American Bar Association (ABA). States put them in place to try to motivate victims to take action before there is a long wait after an accident. Waiting too long makes it difficult to find evidence and witnesses. It also limits how long people can be held liable for incidents.
Do not miss your opportunity to file claims for compensation by waiting too long to start the legal process. Talk to the office of a lawyer as soon as possible to see if you have a viable case and what steps you should take next.
Reasons to Hire a Lawyer
Hiring a lawyer might help you. They can take on handling your lawsuit. Legal processes are difficult to manage without legal help or training. When you hire a lawyer, you get legal help to handle a case efficiently.
You also have someone that can negotiate settlement agreements, work with insurance companies for you, and fight to ensure that your interests are protected. Consider hiring a lawyer so that you can focus on your recovery while still filing your lawsuit.
Contact Us to Schedule a No-Risk Consultation
There is not an average settlement for a motorcycle accident since every case can be significantly different. However, you can look at similar cases that lawyers have handled to get an idea of how your case can go. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 223-5115 to discuss your motorcycle accident with our team.