How much a motorcycle accident claim is worth will vary from case to case because of unique factors, and settlements or awards can range from tens of thousands of dollars to millions. The average payout for a motorcycle accident is $73,700 based on data from 1999 to 2006. However, the amount will typically fluctuate based on the severity of your injuries.
Average Payout for Severe Injuries
Motorcycle accident claims involving severe injuries are worth much more due to their impact on a victim’s quality of life. A more mild severe injury such as a concussion may result in a settlement or award between $70,000 to $100,000. A moderately severe injury, such as a herniated disc, can pay between $100,000 to $350,000. Whereas a life-changing severe injury, such as a spinal cord injury (SCI) causing paralysis, loss of limb or traumatic brain injury (TBI) that causes long-term cognitive issues and physical impairments can lead to a settlement or award from $185,000 up to millions of dollars.
Average Payout for Soft Tissue Injuries
The financial losses associated with soft tissue injuries are not as extensive as severe injuries. Recovery time may only take weeks or months, so as a result, these claims have lower average payouts. For example:
- $2,500 to $10,000 — Whiplash Injuries.
- Approximately $15,000 — Ankle Sprains
- Roughly $20,000 — Shoulder Injuries
These figures are only estimates. The only way to accurately understand the value of your claim is to have an experienced attorney assess your losses and the impact your injury has had and will have on your future.
What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident to Increase Your Claim’s Value
Here are the steps to take after a motorcycle accident that are critical to helping you recover the compensation you deserve.
Call 911
Notify the police of your motorcycle accident and request medical assistance for anyone who is injured. The responding officer will create an accident report that will be vital to your claim for compensation. It will detail the collision, including which party the officer believes was at fault and how the crash occurred, which weighs heavily in an insurance company’s settlement offer.
Document the Scene
Photograph or take videos of the accident scene if you can. Try to document the following:
- The positions of the vehicles after the crash
- Damage to the vehicles
- Any damage to the surrounding area
- A wide-angle shot of the entire area
- Skid marks and any other markings on the road
- Street signs and traffic signals
- Any significant road conditions or hazards, such as potholes, uneven lanes, or debris.
- Your injuries
Speak to Witnesses
If anyone witnessed the accident, ask for their name and contact information, and if they can, a brief recorded statement on your phone.
Seek Medical Treatment
See a physician as soon as possible if you are not taken to the hospital. Even if your injuries seem minor, some severe injuries can have delayed symptoms. Therefore, getting checked out right away is critical to your health and will also provide a link between your injuries and the collision.
Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
Florida is a no-fault state, so you will file a claim with your auto insurance company regardless of who was at fault. However, if your damages exceed $10,000 or your injuries are severe, permanent, or debilitating, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. As a result, taking the above steps is critical.
Speak To a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer can assist you with every aspect of your claim and will drastically increase your chances of recovering maximum compensation.
