Life can change in the split second it takes to get into a motorcycle accident.
You’re left with injuries, hospital bills, and a possibly totaled bike. Now comes the battle with insurance companies to get the compensation you need.
The problem is…
Insurance companies are NOT on your side. Their entire business model is based around paying out as little money as possible – even when you deserve more.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- Why your settlement amount varies so widely
- Mistakes that reduce your compensation
- How to calculate what you’re really owed
- Tips to maximize your motorcycle accident settlement
Why Your Settlement Amount Actually Matters
When you’re focusing on getting your health back after a motorcycle crash, the last thing you want to do is worry about settlement amounts.
But the truth is that a huge amount of money is at stake in your claim.
Settlements range from $66,000 to $99,000 on average. That number can vary wildly based on how you approach your case and what you fight for.
Motorcycle accident lawyer services are about far more than just making sure all your paperwork is in order. . Using the best New Mexico Accident Firm, LLC, will guarantee that you attain the right support and compensation as a result of the incident.
A good motorcycle accident settlement is one that pays you every dollar you’re legally entitled to after another person’s negligence destroys your life.
A qualified San Diego motorcycle accident lawyer knows exactly how to build a case that insurance companies can’t lowball.
But here’s the kicker…
If you don’t have proper legal representation on your side, you’re almost certainly leaving MASSIVE amounts of money on the table.
Studies show that claimants with legal representation see settlements 3.5 times higher on average than those who go it alone.
Your attorney acts as both a shield and sword. They keep insurance companies from taking advantage while also fighting hard to get you every dollar possible.
The Real Cost of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle settlements are higher than car accident claims for a very good reason – the injuries are almost always worse.
You aren’t protected by a metal cage when you ride on two wheels. The result is typically more severe injuries, longer recovery times, and higher medical costs.
The point is that your settlement needs to cover all your damages. That means:
- ER visits and hospitalization
- Physical therapy/rehab
- Lost wages during recovery
- Future medical costs for permanent injuries
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage to your motorcycle
Insurance adjusters will do everything in their power to minimize these costs.
They’ll rush you into a quick settlement when you don’t even know the extent of your injuries.
Don’t fall for it.
What Factors Into Your Settlement Amount?
Every motorcycle accident is unique. But there are consistent factors that influence settlement amounts.
The most important is the severity of your injuries.
Minor injuries like road rash may earn you $10,000 – $25,000. Broken bones or head injuries will push settlements higher in the $50,000 – $150,000 range. Catastrophic injuries resulting in permanent disability may be worth over $500,000.
The key is to document every aspect of your case from day one.
Liability is the second biggest factor. If the other driver was clearly at fault – running a red light, texting, etc – your case is stronger.
Your insurance coverage matters too. If the other driver is underinsured, you may need to rely on your underinsured motorist coverage.
The Biggest Mistakes That Reduce Your Settlement
Now that you know the general factors that go into a motorcycle settlement, let’s look at the mistakes that people make to lower their compensation.
Mistake #1: Accept the first offer
Insurance companies ALWAYS lowball initial offers.
They know most people don’t know what their case is worth and are in a hurry to settle.
The first offer is typically only 30-50% of what your case is actually worth.
NEVER accept the first offer from an insurance company without an attorney present.
Mistake #2: Posting on social media
You think your social media accounts are private. The insurance company thinks otherwise.
Insurance adjusters are on Facebook, Instagram, etc. searching for ways to devalue your claim.
“Oh she wasn’t in that much pain, she was hanging out at the beach last weekend.”
“Look at this party photo, he can’t POSSIBLY be in pain!”
Keep your private life private until your claim is settled.
Mistake #3: Don’t get immediate medical treatment
Insurance companies will argue your injuries weren’t that bad if you don’t see a doctor ASAP after an accident.
Even if you think you’re okay, GET IT CHECKED OUT!
Mistake #4: Don’t give recorded statements
You are not legally obligated to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company.
Anything you say can be twisted to hurt your case.
Let your attorney handle all communications.
How Settlements Are Calculated
The first step in calculating a settlement is to add up your economic damages.
Medical bills (past and future), lost wages, property damage, and other out-of-pocket expenses.
Those add up to your baseline.
But where it gets interesting is with non-economic damages.
Insurance companies often use a “multiplier method” for these.
They take your economic damages and multiply by a number (1.5 to 5 or more) based on injury severity.
Don’t let them dictate the multiplier. Your attorney knows how to argue for the higher end of that range.
Why Legal Representation Changes Everything
Attorney motorcycle accident lawyer services can make a HUGE difference in your settlement.
Why?
Because attorneys completely change the dynamics of your claim.
They know all the tricks insurance companies play. They’ve seen it all and know how to shut down each tactic.
They have a precise valuation of your case. You and I, without legal training, have NO IDEA how to value a claim.
Attorneys know to factor in things like potential future medical complications or lost earning potential over your lifetime.
They know how to gather all the necessary evidence – witness statements, accident reconstruction, medical expert testimony, etc.
Insurance adjusters take attorneys seriously. They know if it goes to trial, their carrier will end up writing a much larger settlement check.
What To Do After Your Accident
Time is NOT your friend after a motorcycle accident.
Evidence is lost. Witnesses forget details. Act quickly to build your case while everything is fresh.
Your action plan:
- Seek medical treatment immediately
- Document everything
- Don’t talk to insurance adjusters
- Keep detailed records of all expenses
- Contact a qualified motorcycle accident attorney
Most personal injury attorneys work on contingency, so there’s no cost unless they win your case.
Time To Get What You Deserve
Maximizing a motorcycle accident settlement is not a matter of luck. It’s about understanding the process and avoiding common mistakes.
Insurance companies hope you:
- Accept a lowball offer
- Make damaging statements
- Miss filing deadlines
- Don’t know your rights
Don’t make it easy for them.
Your injuries are real. Your pain is real. Your financial losses are real. It’s time to demand a motorcycle accident settlement that fairly compensates you.
The difference between an OK settlement and the highest possible compensation is often one simple decision – the decision to get qualified legal representation as soon as possible.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.
