Determining the average settlement for a motorcycle crash is challenging, as case outcomes are often confidential. What is more, everyone who is in these accidents is affected differently, so the amount and forms of compensation they receive will vary. Two individuals involved in the same accident could experience vastly different damages.
The nature of the injuries, extent of medical treatment, liability, relevant laws, and settlement negotiations are factors that can impact the case result. It is not easy to figure out what a fair settlement would be on your own, though. You may want to consider hiring a Waxahachie motorcycle accident lawyer at our firm to take on this task and others on your behalf.
Frequent Injuries Suffered by Motorcyclists in Accidents
Motorcycles do not provide the protection vehicles do, leaving motorcycle riders particularly vulnerable in crashes. They might suffer injuries, such as:
- Chest and abdominal injuries
- Biker’s arm
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Bulged or herniated discs
- Road rash
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
It is crucial for you to get medical attention as soon as possible after a crash. That could be taking the ambulance to the hospital or scheduling an appointment with your doctor. This prevents your motorcycle accident injuries from worsening and ensures you begin treatment promptly.
On top of ensuring you are okay, prompt medical care protects your right to recover fair compensation. Delaying medical attention could lead the insurance company to argue that your injuries are unrelated to the crash or worsened by your inaction. In either case, they could request to be released from financial responsibility and transfer it over to you.
For a free legal consultation, call (972) 938-1234
Compensation You May Recover After a Motorcycle Crash
Although there is no way to determine the average settlement for a motorcycle crash, there are certain things we look at to get an idea of what types of compensation you qualify for.
- Your injuries and how they affect your way of life
- The nature and cost of your medical treatment
- Your ability to work
- How your family has been affected
From there, our Waxahachie personal injury lawyer may find that you may be entitled to recover these forms of compensation, among others:
- Loss of income: It is possible that you had to take time off work to recuperate or attend doctor’s visits.
- Future loss of earning capacity: You might have taken a lower-paying job or reduced your work hours to avoid overexertion.
- Pain and suffering: The injuries you sustain may inflict severe pain.
- Property damage or loss: You may receive financial help for repairing or replacing your motorcycle.
- Medical bills for past and future treatment: Depending on the severity of injuries, you could require pain medication, surgery, physical therapy, assistive medical devices, and follow-up doctor’s visits.
- Disfigurement and scarring: Your injuries could compromise your mobility and leave prominent scarring.
- Mental trauma: In addition to physical injuries, motorcycle accidents can significantly impact your emotional and mental well-being.
Our legal team represents families who have lost loved ones to fatal accidents. If you are in that situation right now, one of our Waxahachie wrongful death lawyers can recover funeral expenses, medical bills, loss of consortium, pain and suffering, and loss of income while you and your family grieve this tragic loss.
Determining Liability in a Texas Motorcycle Accident
Determining liability can often be contentious in motorcycle accident cases. Multiple parties might bear responsibility, or there might be disputes regarding the cause of the crash. Your attorney can collect different forms of evidence, like traffic camera footage, the police report, and witness statements, among other things, to determine what transpired. We will demonstrate the negligence of the other party or parties using the following model:
- Duty of care, which is the other party’s obligation to act with care
- Breach of duty, which was the negligent behavior that took place (e.g., speeding, dooring, failing to yield or check blind spots, or distracted driving)
- Causation, which is the accident itself
- Damages to show how the motorcycle accident affected you financially, physically, and emotionally
You must have all four of these elements in your case for it to be considered valid. Your attorney can apply this model to each at-fault party and pursue them for compensation according to their portion of responsibility.
Click to contact our personal injury lawyers today
How Motorcycle Crash Settlements Are Negotiated
Your lawyers will request an appropriate amount of compensation from the liable insurance company. They might not come back with a satisfactory offer, especially at first. They may argue that your claim is too high, that you share fault for your injuries, or that the policy does not cover your damages.
In that event, your lawyers can begin negotiations. Oftentimes, we can settle your motorcycle accident claim outside of court. There are instances, however, in which going to trial is the most suitable route. Our team will not hesitate to continue your legal battle there if it comes to that.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Understanding Deadlines for Filing Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits in Texas
Texas puts time constraints on motorcycle accident cases to keep them on track. Per Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003, you typically have two years to sue the other party. Both personal injury and wrongful death claimants must comply with this deadline.
Courts typically do not accept lawsuits filed after the two-year deadline. Missing the deadline may prevent you from holding the liable party accountable for your injuries and losses. However, given enough of a heads-up, our motorcycle accident lawyers can help you file suit before time runs out.
Discuss Your Case with Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today
At Clay Jenkins & Associates, the average motorcycle accident settlement does not matter to us. Our goal is to get you the financial compensation you need and deserve. We have been fighting for clients since 1948, and we are ready to serve you. Call us today for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win for you.
Call or text (972) 938-1234 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form