If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation. However, calculating the full value of your claim can be complex. Many variables affect the total damages in a motorcycle accident case, and without legal guidance, it’s easy to underestimate your claim. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and fight to maximize your compensation.
Your Damages Depend on the Extent of Your Injuries
Every motorcycle accident case is different. There is no one-size-fits-all formula for calculating damages. The value of your case depends on how the crash has impacted your life—physically, emotionally, and financially.
A comprehensive damages assessment includes both economic and non-economic losses. To recover the full value of your claim, you’ll need to demonstrate the extent of your injuries and how they have affected your daily life and future.
Economic Damages in a Motorcycle Accident Claim
Economic damages reflect the financial costs associated with the accident. These are typically easier to document and include:
- Medical expenses (past, current, and future treatment)
- Property damage to your motorcycle and gear
- Lost wages from missed work
- Reduced future earning capacity if your injuries limit your ability to work
These damages can add up quickly, especially in cases involving serious or long-term injuries.
Non-Economic Damages: The Human Impact
Non-economic damages are more subjective but just as important. They compensate you for the personal suffering you’ve endured as a result of the accident. These damages may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disfigurement or scarring
- Embarrassment or humiliation
Insurance companies often try to undervalue these losses using internal formulas, such as applying a “multiplier” to your medical expenses. However, these methods don’t fully capture the emotional and personal impact of your injuries. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney will ensure your story is told and advocate for the compensation you deserve.
You Can Recover Both Past and Future Damages
It’s important to understand that you are entitled to recover for both past and future damages. That means compensation not only for the harm you’ve already experienced but also for the long-term consequences of your injuries—such as ongoing medical treatment, therapy, or inability to return to work.
Since you only have one opportunity to settle your case or present it in court, it’s critical to account for all potential future losses. Your attorney may work with medical experts, vocational professionals, or financial experts to accurately estimate long-term costs and ensure nothing is overlooked.
Reaching a Settlement After a Motorcycle Accident
Most motorcycle accident cases are resolved through settlement rather than trial. After filing a claim, your attorney will present evidence supporting the value of your damages. The insurance company may respond with a low initial offer, leading to negotiations.
With skilled legal representation, you can push back against lowball offers and negotiate a fair settlement that reflects the full scope of your damages. If a fair agreement cannot be reached, your attorney can take your case to court to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Speak to a Norristown Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Bikers Have Rights
If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle crash, don’t leave your compensation to chance. Contact a Norristown motorcycle accident lawyer at Bikers Have Rights. Schedule your free consultation today by contacting us online or calling 215-525-1616 or 877-333-0300. Our office is located in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, and we represent injured motorcyclists across Pennsylvania and New Jersey.