Motorcycle riders are at more risk than car drivers because their body has little protection in case of an accident. Hence, the injuries incurred in motorcycle accidents are more grievous. Motorcycle riders are four times more at risk of sustaining injuries than anyone in a car accident.
Being involved in a motorcycle accident results in not only motorcycle damage but you can sustain severe physical injuries, loss of limbs, or death. As a result, you bear a substantial financial burden, especially if you’re the breadwinner. So, what possible damages could be awarded to you after a motorcycle accident?
Motorcycle Accident Injuries
As mentioned earlier, some motorcycle injuries are life-threatening, while others require long-term treatment, which can go on for years. Some injuries can cause chronic pain, which victims continue to treat for years after the accident.
Here are the most common injuries from a motorcycle accident:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Internal bleeding
- Amputations
- Spinal injuries
- Lacerations
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
When treating long-term injuries, estimating the cost of treatment to seek compensation is challenging. But, consulting a doctor to do an assessment will be helpful as they’ll provide an almost accurate statement. From the time of the accident, keep medical records safe, as they’ll come in handy when the time for settlement comes.
Possible Damages You Could Get After a Motorcycle Accident
Accidents can happen for different unforeseen reasons. Fortunately, you may be entitled to compensation if it’s someone else’s recklessness. But, the compensation you get will depend on various aspects, like the severity of injuries. To get the best out of a settlement, you need to engage experienced motorcycle lawyers to value your claim and get the maximum compensation.
Here are the damages you can get after being involved in a motorcycle accident.
Economic Damages
Some of the financial costs you incur after a motorcycle accident are known as economic damages. Medical expenses are the most common monetary damages you can claim in a motorcycle accident. Injuries from a motorcycle accident can be severe and need costly treatment. These expenses include rehabilitation therapy, transport to the emergency room, hospitalization, treatment and medication, and surgeries.
When filing a claim, you should also include future treatment expenses. Besides medical expenses, economic damages can also factor in the loss of income due to injuries sustained in the accident. Moreover, you can also include the out-of-pocket expenses you incurred after the motorcycle accident. They have modifications to your car or home to ease movement, hire an in-house nurse, purchasing crutches or a wheelchair.
Non-Economic Damages
You can get compensation for non-economic damages, which include pain, emotional suffering, and mental anguish from the motorcycle accident. Unlike economic damages, which are easy to quantify, non-economic damages are unquantifiable. This includes compensation for the pain and suffering you experience from your injuries, emotional distress, and negative impacts on your quality of life.
Although it’s difficult to value pain and suffering, your attorney should provide sufficient evidence demonstrating the severity of your injuries and how the accident impacted your life negatively. Getting testimonials from doctors, friends, experts, and family will help to bolster the claim.
Punitive Damages
You can receive punitive damages when the at-fault driver is guilty of causing the accident. The at-fault driver pays extra compensation when found to have engaged in gross misconduct leading to the accident. Punitive damages depend on how bad the misconduct was, and it’s allowed to punish and set an example to others to avoid the same mistake.
How to Pursue a Personal Injury Lawsuit
If you seek legal representation after a motorcycle accident, your attorney can negotiate a settlement with the insurance company before taking legal action. But if the two parties can’t agree, they can argue the case before a judge and jury. Your lawyer does the following;
- Meet and communicate with the insurance company on your behalf.
- File a claim for personal injury, wrongful death suit, or property damage.
- Investigate your case to gather evidence and bring it before a court during the trial.
- Represent your interests during the trial.
If your attorney is good enough and wins the case, you receive compensation awarded by the court. The payment will depend on the evidence presented by both sides.
Pursuing a Motorcycle Claim is an Uphill Task
Motorcycle accident victims are more disadvantaged than car accident victims. In most states, motorcyclists are not protected and covered as car drivers, pedestrians, or passengers. Moreover, insurance companies and juries also discriminate against motorcycle riders and label them as reckless drivers. Therefore, you need a severe motorcycle lawyer to represent you, overcome these barriers, and win you a fair verdict.
