How Much is the Average Settlement for a Motorcycle Accident

There is no fixed amount of money to expect from a settlement for a motorcycle accident. It’s important to consult with a lawyer who can tally up your current and future damages and place an accurate value on your claim.

The factors that will likely affect your motorcycle accident settlement amount include:

• Severity of injuries: More severe injuries typically result in higher settlements due to the increased medical costs and long-term care needs.
• Medical expenses: These include immediate medical treatment costs and future medical expenses. Higher medical bills usually lead to larger settlement amounts, especially if surgery is involved.
• Lost wages and lost earning capacity: If you’re unable to work temporarily or permanently due to your injuries, your settlement may include compensation for lost wages and future earnings.
• Pain and suffering: You may be eligible for compensation for physical and emotional distress caused by your motorcycle accident. Calculating compensation for pain and suffering can be subjective and often depends on the severity of your injuries.
• Liability and negligence: Settlements are significantly affected by which party is at fault. In cases where the motorcyclist is not at fault, settlements tend to be higher. Comparative negligence laws, which vary by state, can affect your compensation.

Not sure what to expect from a settlement for a motorcycle accident? The examples outlined below can provide some context:

Case Example 1: Severe Injuries with Permanent Disability

Let’s say a motorcyclist suffered severe injuries resulting in permanent disability after a car made an illegal turn. The motorcyclist received a settlement amounting to several million dollars, reflecting high medical costs, lifelong care needs, lost earning capacity, and significant pain and suffering.

Case Example 2: Moderate Injuries with Temporary Work Absence

A motorcyclist sustained moderate injuries requiring hospitalization and a few months off work. The settlement in this case was in the lower six-figure range, covering medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Case Example 3: Minor Injuries with Quick Recovery

A motorcyclist involved in a minor accident with quick recovery and minimal medical treatment received a settlement in the five-figure range

Whether or not you have to prove negligence after a motorcycle accident depends on:

• Whether you live in a no-fault or at-fault state.
• If you’re seeking damages from another party’s insurance company.
• If you were involved in a crash with an uninsured or hit-and-run driver.

If you live in a no-fault state, or a state that requires or offers Personal Injury Protection (PIP), you wouldn’t typically seek compensation from a 3rd party insurance company unless the damages exceed the PIP policy limit. In most cases, you would get compensated from your own insurance company without the need to prove negligence.

You would also seek compensation from your own insurance company if you were involved in a crash with an uninsured motorist or an unidentifiable driver who left the scene of a crash. This would be done through your uninsured motorist (UM) policy. Some states require you to have UM, while others make it optional. Like PIP, UM doesn’t require you to prove negligence.

However, if you’re pursuing compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company, you will have to prove:

• That the other party had a duty of care to uphold.
• There was a breach in that duty of care.
• That the other party’s breach in duty of care caused your motorcycle accident.
• You sustained an injury and damages as a result of the crash

Finding a Law.com Premier Motorcycle Accident Attorney to handle your case is simple. Just contact a lawyer in your area to schedule a free consultation. There’s no obligation to hire a lawyer if you don’t feel that they’re a good fit for you. However, you can get honest answers to any questions you have and top-notch legal guidance.

If you decide to hire a Premier Attorney, you don’t have to worry about any upfront or hidden lawyers’ fees. Our verified lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, so you have affordable access to legal representation. You only pay after you’re fully compensated for your damages.