If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, there are several types of damages you can recover. These can cover medical bills, loss of income, or pain and suffering. It is essential to understand these types of damages, to know what to expect if you are the victim of a motorcycle collision.
1. Repairs and Loss
If you were involved in a motorcycle crash, you will likely receive compensation for property damage. In case your motorcycle is damaged, or it is totaled, you will receive compensation for the value of your motorcycle.
Also, if your car is totaled, the insurance company will likely pay you the fair market value of the vehicle. You may also be eligible for damages to repair your motorcycle or automobile.
2. Medical Bills
You may be able to receive compensation for your medical expenses related to the accident. Be sure to keep track of your medical records and doctors’ visits so you can submit this information to your lawyer.
In case your physician tells you that you will need long-term treatment like chiropractic services or physical therapy, your compensation can cover these treatments as well.
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, contact a motorcycle accident lawyer. A legal expert can help you prove the extent of your injuries and get the financial help you need.
3. Loss of Earning Capacity
Loss of earning capacity is also known as compensation for lost wages. The courts will consider how much income you’ve lost while you’re healing from your injuries as well as the income you will likely lose in the future, as a result of your accident-related injuries.
Your award will likely include any missed wages that you would have made if you had been at work while receiving medical treatment or recovering. In case you have to take a job that does not pay as well as your previous one to make ends meet after the accident, your damages can include the money you have lost from taking on a new job.
If you have severe permanent or semi-permanent injuries, your lawyer will present your case to the judge to see that you receive ongoing payments to cover your cost of living if you’re not able to work.
4. Pain and Suffering
This form of compensation is somewhat challenging to calculate since you can’t assign a specific value to pain and suffering. However, you are entitled to compensation for the pain you experience daily as you attempt to heal, make changes to your work or school schedule, and deal with the anxiety, depression, or PTSD from the accident.
A pain and suffering compensation also addresses that you are no longer able to enjoy the things you did before the accident. For instance, if you were injured badly, you may not be able to drive, play sports, or play with your children.
You may also be unable to attend social gatherings or show affection to your spouse or significant other. Your compensation amount will depend on how long you will be in mental and physical pain and how much your injuries interfere with your daily life.
For instance, if you are in a wheelchair temporarily due to a broken leg from the accident, your compensation will likely be higher than if you have bruises on your leg due to the impact of the collision.
Final Thoughts
A qualified legal team can assess your case and let you know how much you can expect to recover in damages. The award you receive should cover the cost of your damaged vehicle and any time you missed from work to recover from your accident, as well as medical bills you incurred.
Be sure to work with your attorney to negotiate with insurance companies so you won’t receive a lower amount than what you deserve.
Comments 1
With how many bills there are involved with motorcycle accidents, I can bet that this would need to be handled by a professional. Disputing the compensation involved with those kinds of accidents would be difficult if you don’t have any idea of how the law works. I’d definitely hire an accident attorney should I find myself in any kind of motorcycle accident.