What Impacts the Value of a Motorcycle Accident Settlement?

6,335 motorcycle riders lost their lives in collisions in 2023. Compared to just 16 percent of motorcycle crash victims killed during the day, 42 percent of drivers involved in nighttime crashes were found to be intoxicated.

Many riders wonder how much they will gain in settlement after a motorcycle accident. The truth is, there isn’t one simple answer since cases have different circumstances. The settlement amount can depend on the injury's severity, medical costs, missed work, and fault.

It can also vary from each state. For example, motorcycle accident settlements in Florida for catastrophic injuries or wrongful death can exceed $1 million thanks to lifelong care, emotional distress, or dependent survivors.

Let’s find out the key factors involved in determining the value of a motorcycle accident settlement.

The Severity of Injuries Sustained

The settlement value or cash offer after a motorcycle accident is very dependent on the severity of your injury. The more serious your injuries, the larger the proposed compensation may be.

If your injuries include one or more broken bones, traumatic brain injury, or spinal cord damage, then surely your hospital and medical bills would be huge since you need long periods for recovery and rehabilitation.

These injuries also disrupt day-to-day activities and may affect families and social lives. The injuries’ serious effects on your physical, emotional, and mental health make you entitled to receive a settlement for pain and suffering, lost wages, and emotional upset.

Determining Liability and Negligence

Establishing liability and fault is an important element of any civil action arising from a motorcycle accident. Liability has a direct impact on how much money you can actually receive. You will need to find out who was at fault in the accident and this task almost always involves looking at evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and traffic laws.

According to motorcycle accident lawyer Ian A. McIntyre, motorcycle accidents usually involve the fault of a car or other vehicle driver. Negligence includes acts such as turning without signaling or speeding through a red light. Dangerous driving by motorcycle operators covers acts like lane splitting and running stop signs.

One must show that the other person was careless or disregarded safety laws for you to win your case. If you are partly to blame for the accident, your pay may get drastically reduced.

Insurance Coverage and Policy Limits

Learning about your policy and coverage limits will certainly educate you on how to glean information from your insurance company after a motorcycle accident for a settlement.

Your policy would detail the types of coverage, like liability, collisions, or uninsured motorists. For example, if a driver is insured with a low policy limit, knowing what coverage the at-fault party has will determine what kind of recovery you can make. If not, you can cover the difference with your insurance.

If you are underinsured, increase your coverage for proper protection in the future. Speak with an insurance agent to find out what options you have and what forms of payout exist.

Impact on Quality of Life

Injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents can lead to a decrease in one’s quality of life. Such injuries impose tremendous stress and anxiety, resulting in an individual becoming isolated from family and friends. Victims can find themselves having a hard time performing previously simple everyday activities.

There are some instances where mental and emotional injuries can be much worse than any physical damages sustained. It is important to understand these damages since they can play a big role in the potential settlement amount you will be receiving.

The Role of Legal Representation

An experienced attorney may help you get better results in your motorbike accident settlement. The lawyer serves as a guide in negotiations to help you gain an acceptable resolution for the damages and harms you have suffered.

Your attorney will gather documents, confer with medical experts, and protect your rights throughout his study of your case. Your attorney can help you avoid serious missteps.

Your lawyer will not only build a strong case but also provide life support during a time when the accident has turned your whole life upside down. Don’t hesitate to hire the right lawyer to represent you.