It is difficult to determine a specific amount you should settle for after a motorcycle accident someone else caused because every accident is unique, and the monetary outcome depends on various factors, including:
- The extent of physical and emotional injuries suffered
- Property damage
- Lost income due to not being able to go to work
- Medical bills
- Out-of-pocket costs related to the accident
Motorcycle accidents can be financially crippling, so you would want your settlement to cover all past, present, and future damages.
According to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), motorcycle accident injuries can be long-term and costly. Victims with permanent disabilities may need financial and medical assistance for the rest of their lives.
While nobody can turn back time, and money can only do so much to compensate for injuries, the person who caused you harm should make you whole again financially.
However, it can be quite challenging to calculate your damages accurately, as you may not yet know what the future holds regarding your injuries. You could need ongoing medical treatment and services, such as physiotherapy, due to delayed adverse health effects from the accident.
Consulting a motorcycle accident lawyer can give you an idea of what type of settlement to expect. An attorney can advise you based on the specifics in your accident case.
Accepting an Out-of-Court Settlement
When it comes to settling for compensation, you might have to make some difficult decisions. In some cases, accepting an out-of-court settlement might work for you. Indeed, many personal injury cases are settled out of court, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS). Some advantages of out-of-court settlements are:
They Can Be Quicker to Resolve
An out-of-court settlement can be quicker than a court case. Some court cases draw out over the years, and in the meantime, you may be responsible for your costs and expenses, such as medical bills and property damage.
They Have Fewer to No Expenses
Even if your attorney works on a contingency basis without charging you attorney’s fees up front, court cases do come with some expenses you may have to pay for out of your pocket. This can include any court fees or paying for expert witnesses to testify in your case.
Other Factors to Consider
It may be less stressful for you to handle your personal injury case outside of the courtroom. A case that costs less and moves faster is certainly appealing for anyone dealing with a motorcycle accident.
However, out-of-court settlements also carry considerable disadvantages, so it is important that you are aware of what it means to accept an out-of-court settlement. A motorcycle accident lawyer can offer advice on how to avoid some of the pitfalls of settling with a defendant or insurance company out of court. Among those are:
- Giving up your right to legally pursue your damages
- Not knowing the full extent of your future medical costs yet
Even if you decide that an out-of-court settlement is right for you, you might want to consult with a lawyer to make sure you are receiving a fair settlement from the insurance company and/or the defendant.
Remember, once you accept a settlement, you have lost the opportunity to pursue legal recourse. This means you might want to review the settlement offer carefully to ensure that the amount is high enough to cover not only the damages you have today but also those of tomorrow.
Compensation Available in Motorcycle Accidents
If someone else caused your accident and injuries, you would want to take the necessary steps to recover adequate compensation. A motorcycle accident lawyer can help you assess your costs and other damages to arrive at a reasonable and fair settlement amount. How much you should settle for after a motorcycle accident will depend on the extent of your injuries and other losses. Compensation could include:
- Medical bills
- Medical devices such as prostheses or a wheelchair
- Pharmaceutical needs
- Cost for help at home
- Modifications to your home
- Lost wages and future lost wages
- Transportation costs
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of a limb or a sense
- Disability
- Disfigurement and scarring
You also might be eligible for other types of compensation not listed here. However, you might not want to delay seeking legal advice after a motorcycle accident. Most states have set deadlines for filing personal injury lawsuits. Deadlines differ from state to state, but filing your lawsuit too late could prevent you from receiving any compensation.
Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC, at 800-959-1444 now for a free evaluation of your motorcycle accident case.
