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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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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