The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that, in 2020, motorcyclists were four times more likely to suffer an injury than their passenger car peers per vehicle mile traveled nationwide.
Sadly, 5,579 motorcyclists lost their lives in crashes in 2020 in the United States, the highest number on record per year since the Fatal Accident Reporting System (FARS) began reporting this data in 1975.
Washington motorcycle accident survivors may suffer various injuries, from broken bones to traumatic brain injuries and soft tissue wounds.
If the accident was due to the negligence of another, they might have a legal claim against the irresponsible driver who caused the crash.
Our Yakima, Washington motorcycle injury attorneys can help you calculate the average motorcycle accident settlement based on the facts of your case.
Every situation is different, so there is no guarantee of receiving compensation, but having an adept legal team on your side can help maximize your chances of proving and winning your case.
Contact us online or call (509) 866-4166 today for a free consultation.
What Is the Average Settlement for a Motorcycle Accident?
Motorcycle accident settlement amounts vary greatly depending on factors such as:
- The circumstances leading to and following the accident,
- The severity of the victim’s injuries,
- The defendant’s conduct around the accident,
- The likelihood that the injured party will fully recover from their injuries,
- The applicable Washington State and federal laws, and
- The amount of recovery similarly situated victims received in past cases.
Any of these factors can significantly impact the amount you receive in compensation.
Further, plaintiffs with an attorney typically have an increased chance of recovering money for their losses because lawyers can find strategies that others miss.
Attorneys can also help you understand and meet the applicable statute of limitations for your claim.
Moreover, insurance companies and at-fault parties are more likely to take your claim seriously if legal counsel represents you. This can work to your advantage during settlement negotiations and at trial.
How Do You Calculate the Average Motorcycle Accident Settlement?
Calculating the average motorcycle accident settlement involves compiling the total damages that you might receive for your injuries and the accident.
The settlements received by plaintiffs change from case to case. Also, be aware that Washington law limits the amount of damages motorcycle accident victims can receive.
What Types of Motorcycle Accident Compensation Can I Receive?
The settlement received by accident victims compensates them for the number of losses they incurred from the crash and their injuries.
In legal terms, the compensation is referred to as economic and noneconomic damages. Let’s go over specific categories of compensation you might receive if you win your case.
Medical Expenses
You may receive a financial award for the medical expenses you incurred to treat the injury.
This might include surgeries, rehabilitative therapy, prescriptions, transportation costs to attend appointments, and more.
In some cases, you may recover compensation for anticipated future costs to treat your injuries, such as ongoing physical therapy or corrective surgeries.
Lost Wages
Lost wages include the wages you have lost because of the accident and injury. Additionally, this category includes future lost wages and, if applicable, loss of earning potential.
If you were near a promotion or salary increase when the accident occurred, a fair damages award might take this into account.
Property Damage
Motorcycle accidents can cause significant and costly property damage. Settlement agreements typically reimburse plaintiffs for repairing or replacing damaged property, such as the motorcycle.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering is a category of noneconomic damages that seeks to compensate you for the human cost of experiencing the accident and the injuries.
For example, if you suffered a spinal cord injury in a motorcycle accident and cannot walk, this impacts you in more ways than just the financial aspects.
Want help calculating the average motorcycle accident settlement? Please fill out the form below.
How Precise Is a Motorcycle Accident Settlement Calculator?
Unfortunately, standard online motorcycle accident settlement calculators are less accurate than plaintiffs would like. They may not account for all your injuries and their costs.
Additionally, if you are using an insurance company’s calculator, it is almost certainly inaccurate.
The insurance companies may, for example, undervalue the pain and suffering experienced by crash victims to avoid paying out the claim’s true worth.
Dedicated Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Serving Washington State Motorcycle Crash Survivors
Motorcycle accident settlements are often a lifeline for crash victims whose lives have been uprooted by the terrible consequences of the collision.
Our team of Washington motorcycle accident attorneys has over 50 years of combined experience zealously fighting for the rights of crash victims throughout Washington State.
If you or a loved one were injured in a motorcycle accident in Washington State, contact our office today by calling (509) 866-4166 or contacting us online to schedule a consultation.
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