Motorcycle accidents can cause serious injuries and leave victims facing expensive medical bills, lost income, and emotional distress. Still, no two injury cases are the same, so there is no way to determine the average motorcycle accident settlement.
To find out how much you or a loved one could recover for motorcycle damages, our Bellevue motorcycle accident lawyers can review the details of your case and work to maximize the compensation you receive.
What Factors Can Affect a Motorcycle Crash Settlement Amount?
Understanding what affects the settlement amount in these cases can help you get a fair outcome for your situation. Here are common factors that determine how much accident victims can recover in these cases:
Medical Expenses
The cost of medical treatment plays a big role in the settlement amount. This includes:
- Emergency services
- Hospital expenses
- Surgery costs
- Physical therapy
- Medication (prescription and over-the-counter)
- Future medical care
Severity of Injuries
Generally, the more serious the injuries, the higher the settlement. Severe injuries that result in long-term or permanent disability can lead to larger settlements.
Lost Wages
If the accident caused you to miss work, you could be compensated for lost wages. This also includes future lost earnings if you cannot return to work or need to take a lower-paying job due to your injuries.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering refers to the physical, mental, and emotional distress that victims endure after an accident. When pain and suffering is connected to severe injuries from a crash, it can result in higher compensation in this category of damages.
Liability
When it is clear which party is at fault, your settlement amount could be higher. However, if there’s shared fault, the settlement might be lower depending on the percentage of your responsibility.
Insurance Policy Limits
The insurance coverage of the at-fault party may also limit how much compensation you can receive. If their insurance has low limits, it may affect the total settlement.
Property Damage
The damage to your motorcycle and other personal property will also be considered in the settlement. The cost of repairs or replacing your motorcycle will affect how much you receive.
The factors above will influence how much you may recover in a settlement. By understanding these factors, you can get a clearer idea of what to expect in your case.
You can seek legal counsel from our personal injury lawyers in Bellevue to get a better idea of what financial recovery looks like in your case.
Motorcycle Accident Settlements in Wrongful Death Cases
When a motorcycle accident results in a loss of life, the victim’s family might be able to recover damages. Settlements in wrongful death cases often include compensation for the family’s financial and emotional losses, such as funeral and burial expenses, lost income, and the loss of companionship.
These settlements tend to be higher than those for non-fatal accidents due to the serious and lasting effects on the family. In wrongful death cases, working with a lawyer is crucial to ensure the family receives the compensation they deserve.
Our compassionate Bellevue wrongful death lawyers guide families through the legal process for these cases. We gather evidence to support their claims and hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions.
Should You Hire a Lawyer to Manage Your Bike Crash Case?
Hiring a lawyer can affect the outcome of your motorcycle accident case. We can work to secure fair compensation by handling negotiations, managing legal paperwork, and protecting your rights throughout the process.
With legal representation on your side, you will have professionals who understand the extent of your losses and will demand the awards you deserve. Having an attorney managing complex insurance claims also saves you time and allows you to focus on healing from the accident.
A lawyer from our firm can also handle your case, which includes:
- Collect accident evidence (e.g., photos and videos, a police report or accident report, witness testimony, medical records, repair or replacement estimates).
- Communicating with insurance companies on your behalf.
- Negotiating for a fair settlement.
- Calculating the full value of your damages.
- Represent you in court if necessary.
Attorneys Can Counter Biases and Stereotypes About Motorcycle Riders
Hiring lawyers to represent you can protect you against unfair negative stereotypes about motorcycle riders that may influence how an insurance company values your claim.
These biases can sometimes lead to lower settlement offers, as some insurers might assume riders are reckless or at fault for accidents.
Our legal team will challenge any negative assumptions that could affect the financial outcome by presenting strong evidence and emphasizing the facts of your case.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Damages in a Motorcycle Accident?
Several parties could be held responsible for damages in a motorcycle crash, including the following:
- Other drivers: If another motorist’s reckless or negligent driving caused the motorcycle wreck, you can hold them responsible for your damages.
- Motorcycle manufacturer: If a defective motorbike or its parts played a role in the crash, the manufacturer may be held liable for producing a faulty product.
- Vehicle manufacturer: If a defect in the other driver’s vehicle led to the accident, the vehicle manufacturer could be responsible for damages.
- Government agencies or municipal entities: Poorly maintained roads, missing signage, or unsafe road conditions can make a government agency responsible if these factors contributed to the accident.
- Pedestrians or cyclists: If a negligent pedestrian or cyclist crossed a street or road unlawfully or disrupted traffic in any way, they could be held liable.
- Motorcycle maintenance companies: If improper repairs or maintenance by a mechanic or service provider led to the accident, they might be held accountable.
Each case is different, and multiple parties can share liability. An investigation can help determine who is responsible for your accident.
Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits Have a Filing Deadline
If you cannot recover a motorcycle accident settlement from an insurance company, you may be able to recover financial relief with a personal injury lawsuit. If you pursue this option, you have to act by a certain time.
In Washington State, the statute of limitations for motorcycle accidents is three years from the accident date under state law. Injured parties suing for wrongful death damages also get three years, but the deadline starts on the date of the deceased individual’s death.
If you are considering taking legal action in civil court, you should seek legal help as soon as possible. You risk losing your chance to sue for damages if you miss the deadline.
Call Us Today for Help With a Motorcycle Accident Settlement
While we cannot determine the average motorcycle accident settlement, we can provide personalized advice on what financial recovery might look like in your case and guide you through the next steps.
Premier Law Group has been helping injured clients, including motorcyclists, across Washington State for more than 20 years. During a free consultation, one of our attorneys can answer your questions and explain how we can assist you. Call us today to get started.
Jason at premier law group is truly an outstanding individual. Our particular case was not something that their firm usually sees but they were more than willing to help us and give us all of the information they had available. I can't recommend them enough.