Serious injuries, financial losses, and psychological distress can result from motorcycle accidents. To make sure you get just recompense after being in a motorcycle accident, it’s essential to comprehend the settlement procedure.
Factors That Are Influencing a Settlement in Motorcycle Accidents
A motorcycle accident claim’s potential payout is determined by several factors:
- Severity of Injuries: More severe injuries typically result in greater settlements due to the related medical expenses and long-term rehabilitation requirements.
- Medical Expenses: A significant portion of the compensation covers past, current, and future medical expenditures associated with the injury.
- Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: Your claim will take into account if the accident prevented you from going to work or diminished your earning capacity.
- Anguish and Suffering: Physical and mental suffering are examples of non-economic damages that can have a big influence on the settlement sum.
- Liability and Fault: The ultimate settlement amount is influenced by the level of fault attributed to each party. Because New York has a comparative negligence system, the victim’s portion of fault determines how much compensation is deducted.
- Insurance Coverage: How much you can recover will depend on the at-fault party’s insurance policy limits as well as your own coverage (such as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage).
Average Settlement Amounts for Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accident victims can generally anticipate compensation ranging from, though settlement amounts vary depending on the particulars of each case:
- Injuries minor: $10,000 to $50,000
- Injury range: moderate: $50,000 to $200,000
- Permanent incapacity or severe injuries: $200,000 to $1,000,000+
Cases involving catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, or severe negligence (such as an accident caused by an intoxicated driver) may result in even larger settlements.
What to Do Following a Motorcycle Accident
If you have been in a motorbike accident, you can make your claim stronger by doing the following:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health comes first, and your claim will be supported by your medical records.
- Record the Scene: Take pictures of the collision, the damage to the car, the state of the road, and any obvious injuries.
- Obtain Statements from Witnesses: Eyewitness reports might be useful in establishing fault.
- Get a Police Report: This document serves as an official record of the incident and may reveal who was at blame.
- Speak with a Motorcycle Accident Attorney: You can negotiate the greatest settlement with insurance companies with the assistance of an experienced lawyer.
Why Hire a Lawyer for Motorcycle Accidents?
Due to the strategies used by insurance companies and the prejudices that motorcycle riders frequently encounter in personal injury claims, motorcycle accident lawsuits can be complicated. A knowledgeable lawyer can assist by:
- Performing a comprehensive inquiry
- Having discussions with insurance providers
- Defending you in court if need
- Making certain that you are fully compensated for your damages and injuries
- Get the Settlements You Are Owed
Don’t accept less than you deserve if you or a loved one has been hurt in a motorbike accident. For a free consultation, get in touch with O’Connor & Partners, PLLC right now. Our skilled lawyers defend the rights of people hurt in motorcycle accidents in the Hudson Valley, including Albany, Kingston, Poughkeepsie, and beyond.