If you have suffered severe injuries in a rear-end accident that was someone else’s fault, you might wonder how much a rear-end accident is worth. Unfortunately, this is almost impossible to answer. Since every motorcycle crash is different, so is the possible compensation that a victim could receive.
In general, a motorcyclist who suffered extensive and life-altering injuries in a rear-end accident would most likely collect a more substantial settlement than someone who had only a few minor injuries and some property damage.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle accidents can become costly, accounting not only for medical bills incurred to treat injuries but also for victims losing income due to the crash.
If you want to find out how much compensation you could potentially recover, you could consult with a motorcycle accident lawyer who can evaluate your accident claim and advise you accordingly.
Serious Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
Most of us probably associate rear-end accidents with the inconvenience of minor fender benders. However, when you are a motorcycle rider, getting rear-ended by a truck or large car at even moderate speeds can prove fatal.
If the motorcyclist does not die in the accident, such crashes can cause long-term misery as well as financial hardship for those suffering from permanent and debilitating injuries. According to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), motorcycle crashes racked up around $16 billion in costs in 2010 alone. This figure includes medical bills, lost income, and many other expenses associated with motorcycle accidents.
These are some of the more serious motorcycle accident injuries that could require extensive medical and rehabilitative treatment.
Head Injuries
Head injuries suffered in motorcycle accidents, if not fatal, can severely impact an accident victim’s life. Even when they wear a helmet, a motorcyclist could suffer a traumatic brain injury that leaves permanent effects such as cognitive problems, seizures, migraines, and more.
Broken Bones
While some fractures can heal simply with a cast, other broken bones might require expensive surgery and rehabilitative measures to fix. Some accident victims may never regain full function and range of motion after suffering a severe fracture.
Severed Limbs
Since a motorcycle rider does not have the protection of being inside a car or truck, they are more prone to severe injuries. Sometimes, limbs get severed in an accident or suffer such severe damage that a doctor might decide to amputate.
Spinal Cord Injuries
A spinal cord injury can cause motorcycle accident victims to experience nerve damage and numbness, sometimes to the point of complete paralysis.
Other Possible Injuries
Motorcycle crashes can cause many other serious injuries—for example, to soft tissues and skin. Road rash, a typical motorcycle accident injury, can seem harmless. Yet, even a minor injury such as road rash can produce complications such as a skin infection.
Severe injuries can require years of medical treatment and therapies. Some victims will need help with daily tasks for the rest of their lives and might never return to work. In addition to the physical pain and suffering from debilitating injuries, victims can also experience severe psychological trauma such as anxiety and depression.
If you have suffered catastrophic and disabling injuries in a rear-end accident, you might also concern yourself with how to pay your bills. However, if the accident happened due to another driver’s negligence, you could potentially recover a settlement for your damages. It is crucial to contact a motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible after the crash to understand your legal options. After evaluating your situation, your lawyer will explain your legal options, the economic and non-economic compensation you could get, and how the process will unfold.
Potential Compensation in Rear-End Accidents
If the driver who rear-ended you acted negligently, you could recover compensation for your injuries. While it can be challenging to generalize how much a rear-end accident is worth if you suffered extensive injuries, you could receive awards for any of the following damages:
- Lost wages and future lost income
- Accident-related medical expenses
- Medical devices, such as a wheelchair or prostheses
- Modifications to your home
- Repair bills for your motorcycle
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish
- Loss of life enjoyment
- Loss of limb or limbs
- Disability
- Disfigurement and scarring
If a particularly reckless driver caused your accident and injuries, you could receive punitive damages in addition to any compensatory damages.
A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Stand by Your Side
Proving the negligence of another driver, holding them responsible for your damages, and recovering an adequate settlement can all be particularly challenging. However, you do not have to fight your battle for justice and compensation alone. A motorcycle accident lawyer can work on all aspects of your case and stand by your side to protect your rights.
Especially while you recover from your injuries, you might find it tempting to accept a settlement offer made by the at-fault party’s insurance. While you might think that this will put an end to your financial struggles, you might want to let a personal injury lawyer review any settlement offer in detail. First, you might not fully realize the future consequences of your injuries and any treatments you might require down the road. Second, an attorney can assess your damages to negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company and, if necessary, take a case to court.
Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC, today at 800-959-1444 for a free case evaluation with a team member.
