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You pay nothing until we win
by Matthew C. Andrew - November 22nd, 2024
Motorcycle accidents can be devastating, leaving victims with serious injuries, costly medical bills, and a long road to recovery. If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in Meridian, ID, you might wonder how much you can receive in compensation. While settlements vary greatly depending on various factors, it’s essential to understand the general process and what you might expect. At Andrew Injury Law, we have extensive experience helping injured motorcyclists get the compensation they deserve. Let’s explore what an average motorcycle accident settlement might look like.
There is no fixed “average” settlement for motorcycle accident cases. The amount you receive largely depends on the specifics of your case, including the severity of your injuries, the insurance limits, and whether you were partially at fault. According to the Motorcycle Legal Foundation, settlements can range from $30,000 to $200,000 or even more, but this can vary based on individual circumstances. Cases involving severe injuries or wrongful death typically result in higher payouts.
While pursuing a motorcycle accident claim without a lawyer is possible, it’s generally not recommended. Accident victims often deal with aggressive insurance companies that aim to minimize payouts. You may accept a lower settlement than you’re entitled to without legal representation. Hiring a lawyer with experience in motorcycle accidents ensures all factors are considered, significantly increasing your chances of maximizing your settlement.
There’s a broad range, depending on the case specifics. According to Forbes, the average settlement for motorcycle accidents can be influenced by the extent of medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the defendant’s insurance coverage. Cases with grave harm like broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, or spinal cord damage may result in settlements on the higher end of the spectrum, especially when long-term care is needed.
Fault plays a crucial role in determining your motorcycle accident settlement. Idaho follows a “comparative negligence” rule, which means that your compensation may be reduced if you are found partially responsible for the accident. For instance, if the court determines that you were 20% at fault, your final settlement would be reduced by 20%. Knowing how Idaho’s laws pertain to your case is essential in determining the potential outcome of your claim.
In these situations, damages can vary widely based on the severity of injuries and other factors. The settlement value will likely increase if the lesions result in significant medical costs, lost income, and long-term rehabilitation. Compensation is often categorized into three primary types of damages: economic, non-economic, and, in rare cases, punitive damages.
Insurance policy limits can greatly affect the amount of your motorcycle accident settlement. In Idaho, the minimum liability coverage required for bodily injury is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. Suppose your damages exceed the at-fault driver’s insurance limits. In that case, you may face challenges in collecting the total amount unless there are other available sources of compensation, such as underinsured motorist coverage.
This factor may affect your motorcycle accident settlement, especially in court cases. Unfortunately, there is often a negative stigma against motorcyclists, with jurors perceiving motorcyclists as reckless or risk-takers. While this bias is unfair, it may influence the outcome of a trial.
It takes several months to a couple of years to settle a motorcycle accident claim. This depends on the case’s complexity, the severity of the injuries, and whether a settlement is reached out of court or if the case goes to trial. Lawsuits that involve catastrophic injuries or disputed liability often take longer to resolve.
Motorcycle accident settlements often involve compensation for various types of harm. These can generally be divided into: economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.
Include all the tangible financial losses associated with the accident. These can cover medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and any future long-term care or rehabilitation costs.
Refer to the intangible costs of the accident, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the loss of enjoyment of life. These are harder to quantify but are a significant part of motorcycle accident settlements, particularly when injuries are severe or life-altering.
They are rare in motorcycle accident cases, but they may be awarded when the defendant’s actions were incredibly reckless or intentional. These damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.
Handling a motorcycle accident settlement can be complex, especially when your priority is recovery. At Andrew Injury Law, our skilled Meridian Motorcycle Accident Lawyer are here to guide you through the process, working to maximize your compensation while addressing any biases against motorcyclists. We present the facts and emphasize that motorcyclists deserve the same rights and protections as other drivers. Our team also works to expedite the process by managing negotiations and building a solid case for court if necessary, ensuring you have comprehensive support every step of the way.
Matt Andrew has been an attorney and member of the Idaho Bar since 2007 and has a varied and fascinating legal career. Since 2013, Matt has focused on representing seriously injured people in personal injury and workers’ compensation cases. Matt has successfully tried multiple cases to verdict before the Idaho District Courts and the Idaho Industrial Commission.
Member of the Idaho Bar since 2007
Bar Number: #7698
Location: Meridian, Nampa, and Caldwell, Idaho.
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Matt was very helpful in explaining the law and setting realistic expectations about my mothers case. He listened to the facts and gave solid advice about what to do next. I know his time is valuable and limited so I appreciated his complementary consultation and advice. I will definitely turn to him in the future.
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A contingency fee is a type of payment arrangement that our Idaho personal injury firm uses. It is an agreement with our clients where our attorney’s fee is contingent upon the successful outcome of the case. In other words, we only receive payment if we win the case or secure a favorable settlement for you. That payment comes from your final settlement or award, so you never need funds from your own pocket to pay us.
Under a contingency fee agreement, Andrew Injury Law also typically covers all the upfront costs associated with your case, such as court fees, document preparation, expert witnesses, and investigation expenses. These costs are then recouped from the final settlement or judgment if the case is successful.
We use contingency fees to provide access to justice for those without the financial means to afford legal representation. It allows everyone to pursue a personal injury claim with the right legal help – and without worrying about the added cost.
Read more about contingency fees here.
Personal injury damages refer to the compensation you might be entitled to if you suffered harm due to the wrongful conduct of someone else. The law provides relief for such injuries in the form of monetary damages.
Damages can fall into different categories:
Economic damages – These compensate for financial losses you can prove with bills or receipts. They often include medical bills, lost income from missing work, out-of-pocket injury-related costs, future expenses and lost earnings, and more.
Noneconomic damages – Some losses are not tied to bills or expenses, but you still deserve compensation for them. Some intangible and noneconomic damages include pain and suffering, mental trauma, and permanent disabilities or disfigurement.
Punitive damages – These do not apply in every case. However, if the party that caused your injuries acted so egregiously that the court decides to impose additional liability, the court may award punitive damages to you up to a certain amount. These are not tied to your specific losses, but instead the conduct of the defendant.
Read More: Is Idaho a No-Fault State?
States set deadlines for taking legal action called statutes of limitations. Once the deadline passes, you cannot file a successful claim. In Idaho, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the injury, and there are few exceptions to this time limit.
The purpose of a statute of limitations is to ensure that legal actions are initiated within a reasonable period after the injury occurs. It provides a degree of certainty and finality to potential legal disputes and helps ensure evidence is reliable and does not weaken over time.
However, the statute of limitations also means you need to act fast following a personal injury. There is much to do before filing a lawsuit, so always seek help from Andrew Injury Law as soon as you know you have injuries and suspect someone else was at fault.
Read more about the Idaho statute of limitations here.
Naturally, you want to know how much money you might expect for your injuries and losses. Settlements and awards can vary widely – ranging from a few thousand dollars to multi-millions. Unfortunately, there is no way to advise what your claim might be worth without fully evaluating your circumstances.
Some factors we consider when determining the value of your claim include:
The insurance company will undervalue your claim – but we never will. You can trust Andrew Injury Law to fight for the total compensation you need and deserve.
Read more about how a personal injury claim in Idaho is calculated here.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, please fill out the form below for your free consultation or call us at 208-517-7670
No Fees Unless We Win Your Case
Matt Andrew was so helpful and encouraging regarding our small auto accident negotiation. We received clear and comprehensive suggestions and outline of action for us to take. We are grateful to have spoken with him directly and on the first phone call to his office. Great attitude and genuine interest in helping. Definitely recommend.
Matt is a “Tell it like it is”, Attorney. He will scour the data, and go to bat for you. He becomes your liaison, so you can really focus about just getting better, and though he wont loan you any money, he’ll tell you what you need you need to do to survive if you’re out of work for a bit. Attorneys aren’t cheap, you’ll end up with more if you use one. Heed his advise for the strongest case argument in your favor.
I called Matt he was driving he took my information and he immediately called me back, he answered my question and gave me advice on how to handle the situation, he very helpful for my situation, he was thorough
Andrew Injury Law is a personal injury law firm in Idaho. We focus on representing individuals who suffer injuries from someone else’s negligence. We use a compassionate and aggressive approach to help our clients after an injury. Our team knows that injuries can be life-altering. Our Boise injury lawyer fights for our clients every step, leading to trial if necessary. Get in touch with the Boise injury lawyers from Andrew Injury Law today.
Andrew Injury Law represents people who need help during the most challenging times. Injuries are life-changing in many ways. Even a minor injury can leave you out of work for weeks with mountains of medical bills. Permanent injuries require more medical attention and bring more bills. Our team is here to help you every step of the way. Call our personal injury lawyer in Caldwell for a free case review.
You must get legal representation immediately when you suffer an injury or lose a loved one. The insurance companies are vultures looking to diminish your claim. They don’t care about the pain you are suffering. They only care about their bottom line. When you file a personal injury claim, you will pursue justice and compensation for your injuries and losses. Andrew Injury Law helps injured individuals seek compensation from negligent parties. We offer free case reviews, so call our office today.
Our primary goal is to hold the at-fault party responsible by getting you financial reimbursement for your injuries. Schedule a free consultation today with our Meridian personal injury lawyer from Andrew Injury Law.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Attorney Matthew Andrew, who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
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If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, please fill out the form below for your free consultation or call us at 208-517-7670
No Fees Unless We Win Your Case
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