If you’re involved in a motorcycle crash, understanding the average motorcycle accident settlement will help you determine what damages will be covered in your claim.
The unfortunate truth is that motorcycle riders are much more likely to experience severe injuries and damage during an accident. If you’ve been involved in an accident while driving your motorcycle, you must seek fair compensation from the responsible individual or their insurance.
Let’s take a look at the average motorcycle accident settlement amount. We’ll also share tips and tell you everything you need to know to get fairly compensated after a motorcycle crash.
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What’s the Average Motorcycle Accident Settlement?
What is the average payout for a motorcycle accident? There are many variables that impact this answer, like the type of injury and the location where the accident takes place. Other factors include:
- Extent of the injuries
- Medical expenses and costs
- Lost wages and other financial losses
- Pain and suffering
- Degree of negligence on behalf of the defendant
- Strength of evidence and legal arguments
- Willingness on both sides to negotiate
Every case is different, so the motorcycle accident compensation for seemingly similar situations can vary hugely depending on all these factors.
For example, motorcycle drivers who suffer severe injuries such as disfigurement, long-term disabilities, or permanent damages like paralysis and amputations can see compensation that surpasses the $1 million mark.
Common Injuries Suffered During Motorcycle Accidents
Even if your motorcycle injury claim does not involve permanent damages or long-term disabilities, you may still be entitled to compensation for your losses. That said, this depends heavily on the type of injury and how it impacts you.
Let’s take a look at common injuries in a motorcycle accident claim and how much compensation these victims may be entitled to.
Head
The most common head injury in motorcycle accidents is brain damage.
Brain damage can be defined as the destruction or the tearing, shifting, and forceful movement of tissue inside of the cranium. This, in turn, can cause symptoms like personality changes, depression, hormonal imbalance, severe headaches, and memory loss.
Depending on the case, brain damage motorcycle accident claims can range from $12,000 to more than $200,000.
Torso and Upper Body
Torso and upper body injuries are not only painful, but they can also impair your ability to earn a living and impact your day-to-day life. These injuries usually impact the:
- Neck and Back: This includes injuries to your spine, discs, nerves, and muscles along your back. The average settlement for this type of motorbike accident claim ranges from $2000 to more than $130,000.
- Shoulders: Injuries to the shoulder may result in damage to tendons, muscles, ligaments, cartilage, and other soft tissues, as well as bone fractures. Bikers who experience these can see settlements ranging from $2000 to $40,000.
- Arms and Hands: Common damages that impact the arms and hands include nerve damage, loss of range of motion, and even amputation. In these cases, the affected parties can see anywhere from $5000 to $165,000.
Lower Body
Injuries to the lower body can hinder or completely impair mobility and cause long-term upper-body issues. The most common injuries that occur during motorcycle accidents usually affect the following:
- Hips, Legs, and Knees: Tendon tears, ligament damage, sprains, and fractures can impact the hips, legs, and knees. Compensation for this type of injury is usually between $8000 and $115,000.
- Ankles and Feet: Damage to the ankles and feet can result in fractures, nerve damage, and even amputations, depending on the severity of the collision. Victims who experience these injuries get compensation ranging from $10,000 to $95,000.
How to Get Fair Compensation from Your Motorcycle Accident Settlement
Motorcycle riders are 30 times more likely to experience severe or fatal injuries than car drivers. If you drive motorbikes for leisure or work, it’s important to have a great motorcycle accident attorney who understands how to get the most out of a motorbike accident claim.
In addition to seeking knowledgeable counsel, it’s also important to follow basic steps that help increase your chances of a positive outcome.
1. Seek Medical Attention Right away
The first thing you should do after a motorcycle accident is seek medical attention right away. If possible, contact emergency services and request assistance.
2. Document Your Injuries Through Photos
If you can, make sure to document your injuries through photos on your phone. You should also take photos of the damage to your motorcycle and the other vehicle.
3. Report the Accident to Your Insurance Provider
Next, contact your insurance provider and report your accident. They will likely give you instructions, so follow them to the best of your ability.
4. Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Now, it’s time to contact your motorcycle accident lawyer and let them know about your situation.
Depending on the case, your attorney may immediately meet with you at the scene and start collecting evidence to improve your chances of getting fair motorbike accident compensation.
5. Don’t Accept the First Offer and Be Patient
The defendant and their insurance company will likely present an offer quickly, but this is almost certainly a low-ball offer. Instead of accepting it, speak with your attorney and be patient, as this will lead to fair compensation for your damages.
Does the State Affect Motorcycle Accident Settlements?
Does the state you’re located in impact the average compensation for motorcycle accident settlements? The short answer is yes.
Let’s take a closer look.
- Fault vs. No-Fault States: Fault-based states require defendants to cover the damages, while in no-fault states each party’s insurance covers the losses.
- Comparative vs. Contributory Negligence States: Comparative states deduct a part of the compensation when the victim is partially responsible. In contributory negligence, the victim gets nothing if found partially responsible.
- Statute of Limitations: This varies from state to state and ranges from 1 to 6 years.
Conclusion
The truth is that motorcycle accident settlements vary tremendously, so narrowing them down to an average compensation amount is not easy.
If you or a loved one were involved in a motorbike accident, contact us or visit Brain Injury Law of Seattle to discuss your case and get help seeking fair compensation. Check our Recent Settlements Verdicts!
