Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? Here’s How To Maximize Compensation
Every single vehicle accident has its risks, but motorcycle accidents are often more dangerous. According to studies, motorcycle drivers are 28 times more likely to die from an accident compared to driving in a car. Those who do survive face serious life-long injuries they may never recover from.
If you were a victim of a motorcycle injury, you have the legal right to get compensation for what happened. This post will walk you through the types of compensation available for motorcycle accidents and how our lawyers can help you maximize your settlement.
What Types Of Compensation Are Available?
Much like other accidents, a personal injury lawsuit gives you multiple opportunities to recover damages. Most of these fall into one of these three categories:
Economic Damages
These are the financial and concrete losses tied to your accident. This could include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Rehabilitation
- Ongoing therapy
- Medical equipment
- Prescriptions
- Property damage
- Transportation to and from medical appointments
In a personal injury case, these are the easiest damages to prove in court. As long as you have receipts and documentation, you can include them in your settlement.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are more subjective and can’t really be measured. They cover factors such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional damages
- Reduced quality of life
- Loss of enjoyment
- Disfigurment
Even if they aren’t quantifiable, these damages still impact your ability to live life the way you used to. For this reason, insurance companies calculate them as part of your total settlement.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are meant to punish a defendant and persuade them to never commit the same action again. These damages only become possible if the defendant acted in a grossly negligent, malicious, or reckless manner.
For example, say you suffered a severe motorcycle accident, and the person was having road rage. If you can prove they were deliberately trying to run off the road to the point it caused you to crash, the court may force them to pay additional punitive damages on top of the established settlement. These situations are rare, but they can boost the value of your case if they happen.
How To Maximize Compensation
Seek Medical Care Immediately
Medical care always comes first, especially after a motorcycle accident. Even if you aren’t seriously injured, get emergency services on the scene ASAP. Getting evaluated by the doctor right away ensures you get the help you need and have a detailed medical record about your condition after the crash.
Gather and Preserve Evidence
Evidence is the key to any accident lawsuit. Take photos, gather witness statements, and document any property damage. Insurance companies are always trying to find ways to lower their payout, so holding on to all your documents makes it much harder to undervalue your claim.
Don’t Accept The First Settlement
The first insurance settlement offer is almost always lower than what it should be. Don’t feel pressured into taking the first offer just because you feel pressured to. Instead, come up with a fair amount with your lawyer and prepare yourself for negotiations. This way, you put pressure on the insurance company and ensure they actually give you a fair amount.
Our Attorneys Are Here To Help
Getting into a motorcycle accident is a life-changing experience that can leave you traumatized for life. But you have the right to protect yourself and get compensated for what happened. Our New York accident lawyers have years of experience helping clients maximize their claims. If you have any questions or want to schedule a free consultation, please contact us at (866) 839-5886 today.