If you got hurt in an accident and experienced significant financial losses, you are probably wondering what damages you can collect for a motorcycle accident. Victims could be entitled to various types of compensation in a motorcycle accident case, such as economic and non-economic damages.
We can help you determine the forms of damages you could be eligible to seek and pursue a fair value for your case.
Compensation for Economic and Non-Economic Losses
Economic damages typically come with a dollar value and can include but are not limited to:
- Medical bills and future medical bills
- Wage losses and future income loss
- Household services
- Home health aide services
- Property damage
- Accident-related expenses
- Lost earning capacity
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages, on the other hand, compensate accident victims for any pain and suffering they have had to endure because of an accident. For some motorcycle accident victims, life has changed beyond all recognition, and they may never be able to live on their own again or enjoy activities that they used to enjoy before the accident.
Individuals suffering from catastrophic injuries could recover significant non-economic damages, which can include, among others:
- Loss of enjoyment
- Pain and anguish
- Emotional trauma
- Worsening of prior conditions or injuries
- Loss of consortium
However, economic and non-economic damages are highly specific to a case. A motorcycle accident lawyer can evaluate your case to find out what damages you or a loved one could recover.
Recovering an Adequate Settlement
Motorcycle accidents can be devastating for victims who may have extensive property damage and sky-high medical bills to deal with. Accidents can also be excruciatingly expensive. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), motorcycle crashes cost $16 billion in direct costs in 2010 alone.
However, accident victims will often have to fight for what they are entitled to receive after an accident. Claimants will have to prove the at-fault party’s negligence and the damages they are owed.
Accident Evidence Can Support Your Case
The more evidence you can provide for proving a negligent party’s fault, the better for your case. Evidence in motorcycle accident lawsuits can include:
- Police accident reports
- Witness statements
- Photographs of the accident scene and your injuries
- Traffic or dash camera recordings
- A journal with details of your accident and recovery
Suffering from devastating injuries can prevent victims of motorcycle accidents from collecting evidence in a timely manner. However, your motorcycle accident lawyer can help you with all aspects of your case, including gathering the crucial evidence required to prove your case and damages.
The Elements of a Personal Injury Lawsuit
The evidence we can help you collect will prove the following four elements of a personal injury lawsuit:
- The at-fault driver owed you a reasonable duty of care.
- The at-fault driver breached their duty of care.
- As a result of that breach, you suffered harm.
- You have compensatory damages due to that harm.
How a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help You Recover
While motorcycle accident victims can potentially represent themselves in personal injury cases, having a dedicated motorcycle accident lawyer can make a claim less stressful.
As the American Bar Association (ABA) notes, hiring a personal injury lawyer can help you avoid being at a disadvantage. The technicalities of filing a lawsuit and proving a case can make the whole process overwhelming. A lawyer can help in several ways, such as:
Researching Your Claim Comprehensively
To recover an adequate settlement, you will have to identify all at-fault parties in your accident and prove their negligence. A lawyer from our firm knows how to tackle this and can do the essential research required for the best possible outcome for your case.
Gathering Evidence for Your Case
Gathering the necessary evidence can be challenging. However, we will know where to look and can gather the records you need. A motorcycle accident lawyer from our firm can also consult with your doctors and secure medical reports that show proof of causation, linking your injuries to the accident.
Negotiating a Fair Settlement on Your Behalf
Not all motorcycle accident cases will end up at trial. An out-of-court settlement can be a preferable solution for all parties. However, insurance companies can be tough to deal with, as they typically drag their heels when it comes to offering a fair and comprehensive settlement.
Rather than dealing with this on your own, consider hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer from our firm who knows how to handle insurance companies and can protect your legal rights. It is absolutely crucial to scrutinize any out-of-court settlement offers in detail as you will generally not have legal recourse to seek more awards once you accept a settlement.
Representing Your Interests in Court
We can help you determine when it is time to stop negotiating with the at-fault party’s insurance and take your case to court. We can also file your lawsuit, represent your case, and fight for adequate compensation.
Call Our Attorneys Now
While it can be tricky to know exactly what damages you can collect for a motorcycle accident, we can discuss your claim or lawsuit and estimate its potential worth. Call the legal team at Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices now to secure a free consultation with one of our dedicated team members at (888) 522-6291.