Motorcycles are the ultimate expression of freedom. The engine growl, the open road, and the speed all make motorcycles exciting vehicles to own. But like other vehicles, motorcyclists are prone to accidents.
94% of motorcycle crashes occurred in good weather, with over 60% of riders wearing helmets and 72% not under the influence of alcohol. These numbers show that motorcyclists continue to be victims, regardless of whether they ride responsibly.
After a motorcycle accident, fighting a lawsuit on your own is not advisable, as the law can be vast and complicated. Having experienced motorcycle accident lawyers on your side to prove your case can help bring a favorable verdict.
What increases the worth of a motorcycle accident claim?
The damages awarded in a motorcycle accident can change dramatically depending on several factors, including:
The severity of the crash
The greater the severity of the crash, the higher the compensation awarded. Did the rider suffer grave, life-altering injuries or minor bruises? Has the accident impacted the rider emotionally?
The compensation awarded also changes based on how permanent the injuries are. How badly was the rider injured? Did the injury need several complex surgeries, or was a cast enough to cure it?
Answering questions like this helps victims get a rough picture of the compensation they can expect.
Impact on career
How long the victim had to be away from work impacts the total compensation. Did the victim use up all of their sick leaves? Will they be able to work in the future despite their injury? The longer they are away from work, the greater their compensation.
Degree of fault
The victim’s compensation is also determined by their level of responsibility for the accident. If the victim was in no way responsible for the crash, they are owed the full amount.
However, if they were found to be negligent in any way, that amount decreases significantly.
Damages awarded for motorcycle accidents
On average, the medical costs for a motorcycle accident are around $1.2 million.
Non-fatal accidents can cost anywhere between $20,000 and $1 million.
The numbers aside, victims can expect the following damages in their motorcycle compensation.
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Disability
- Disfigurement
How to protect yourself as a rider
Motorcycle accidents commonly occur in specific situations. Here are some tips on how to avoid them:
- Don’t drive in between lanes. This increases the likelihood of an accident occurring because there’s little space to maneuver, and drivers don’t anticipate motorcyclists in that space.
- Don’t drive close to parked cars, as the risk of being hit by someone opening a door increases.
- Always pay attention to the traffic in front of you. Drivers can make mistakes or lose control at any moment. If you’re aware of what’s going on, you have the chance to respond adequately and avoid an accident.
- Don’t drive in the blind spots of other vehicles. Most accidents occur because motorcyclists aren’t visible to other drivers on the road.
- Pay attention to indications that a vehicle may be switching lanes. Move out of the way if you notice the blinker is on or the wheels are turning.
Motorcycle accidents can be costly. Be alert on the road, and you can save yourself a world of pain.
