Motorcycle accidents are some of the most devastating accidents on the road. Because other drivers are protected in steel cages, they are much less likely to be killed or severely injured in an accident. Since motorcyclists choose the freedom of exposure to the elements, they can often be seriously hurt.
If you’ve recently been in a motorcycle accident, you’ll be wondering how much you can expect to receive in court or in a settlement. Data is scarce in this area, but we will give you a very general estimate, then explain the factors that go into deciding how much your case may be worth.
According to Jury Verdict Research, the mean motorcycle accident verdict across the U.S. is approximately $560,000. On the other hand, the same study found a median award of just over $70,000. In other words, some cases are worth a huge amount, while the vast majority are somewhere in the area of $70,000.
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If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident due to another person’s negligence, get in touch with The Khalidi Law Firm today. We can set up a free consultation and evaluate your case. Please talk to an attorney before accepting any settlement an insurance company may offer.
How Much Can You Get in a Motorcycle Settlement?
The amount depends on several factors.
- Types of Damages
The biggest factor in determining the amount of your motorcycle settlement is the type of damages awarded. There are three main types of damages that usually show up in a personal injury case. These are medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If you receive medical damages, you’ll generally be awarded the full amount of the medical bills related to the injuries received in the accident.
If you receive damages for lost wages, you will generally be awarded the full (estimated) amount you would have been able to earn in the period of time you were or will continue to be unable to earn.
Pain and suffering is a little bit harder to estimate, but the general rule of thumb is that the more pain and suffering, the more you can expect to be awarded. Pain and suffering is usually proven through things like prescriptions for painkillers and testimony from physicians.
- Degree of Fault
In some accidents, one party is entirely at fault. On the other hand, in some accidents things are less clear-cut. One party may be more responsible for the accident than the other, even though both of them may share some of the blame.
In personal injury cases like this, Arizona is a “comparative fault” state. This means an individual who is (for example) 10 percent at fault for an accident will receive only 90 percent of the award he or she would otherwise be entitled to.
- Availability of Insurance
If the individual who caused your injuries does not have many assets, the amount you can expect to receive may be limited by his or her insurance policy. Though a jury may potentially award you more than the cap of the other person’s insurance coverage, you may be better served to settle for a lesser total. In any case, the short-term payout of a case like this will not be more than the insurance will pay—even if you are awarded more.
Why You Need a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
One of the main reasons for you to get a motorcycle accident attorney is that an experienced attorney will know how much your case is worth. Everything we’ve talked about in this article has to do with generalities and averages. What really matters, though, is the particulars of your case.
A skilled attorney will be able to give you a good estimate of the value and merits of your case as soon as he or she learns enough about it. That’s why it’s so important for you to set up a consultation.
Beyond that, a skilled attorney knows how the insurance companies operate. He or she will be able to tell you whether or not the insurance company is offering you a fair settlement. It’s crucial that you talk to an attorney before accepting any settlement from the insurance company.
Biking Injury? Contact Our Tucson Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
If you have been in a Tucson motorcycle accident, contact Khalidi Law Firm, PLLC today. Our team of experienced attorneys are here to help you get the compensation you deserve so you can move on with your life. Set up a free consultation to make sure your rights are protected by professionals.
