The US has a large biker community. Sadly, there are statistics that say that many motorcyclists die or are injured each year due to the negligence of other motorists. It is challenging to get justice as a motorcycle accident victim, considering the biased judgment and assumption that riders are always or mostly at fault.
Therefore, you’ll need help from a qualified lawyer when filing your motorcycle accident claim. They’ll help fight the bias and assist you in getting the compensation you deserve.
In this article, we’ll examine the economic losses that can result from motorcycle collisions and analyze how a lawyer can help claim damages.
Damages Suffered by Motorcycle Accident Victims
Motorcycle accident victims arguably suffer more damage than in other motor crashes. A bike’s open design makes it more risky, especially in speeding or extreme weather situations.
Here are the types of losses victims face in motorcycle accidents:
• Non-economic loss: They include mental trauma, pain, and social anxiety.
• Wrongful death: Worst-case scenarios lead to death, with the family of the victim not getting fully compensated.
•Punitive damages: This is when you’re determined to be at fault for causing the accident.
• Economic loss: Non-economic damages may normally require money, especially when consulting professional help in times of distress or pain.
Here’s an in-depth look at the economic damages you can claim after a motorcycle accident.
Medical Payments
Regardless of the nature and magnitude of an accident, riders suffer at least minor injuries that may require medical attention. If the accident is severe, victims might need to have regular checkups.
You’re liable to get medical coverage at the defendant’s expense. The coverage can be paid in cash as part of the compensation or insurance coverage. A good motorcycle accident lawyer should help you get medical coverage to settle your bills until you are back to your normal, healthy self.
Rehabilitation and Therapy/Counseling
Apart from death, severe motorcycle injuries can lead to paralysis or physical impairment. Such situations need rehabilitation, which can be expensive even after receiving significant compensation due to the inevitable long recovery periods. Rehabilitation may require:
• A home doctor or nurse due to movement issues
• Mobility aids like wheelchairs, scooters, and seats
• Acquiring prosthetic body parts
As a result, the victim’s life can change drastically. It can also deteriorate their mental state, thus requiring therapy from a professional. Counseling might extend to the victim’s caregivers to help them cope with the changes.
Property Damages
Repairing a motorcycle after any damage can be very expensive. Luckily, motorcycle accident victims are eligible to get their bikes repaired.
If the accident was minor, you can agree with the other party involved and sort out the issue outside the court. However, it’s still crucial to involve a motorcycle crash lawyer. It helps in the event of future legal processes or accidents. For severe scenarios that require a trial, calculate the asset damages and ensure they’re included in the total compensation.
In such cases, a lawyer should negotiate for a new hire or get a new one if your motorcycle is written off, especially when going against an insurance company.
Missed Salaries
Extended periods spent in the hospital are missed opportunities for a payday. The defendant is liable to cover lost wages on top of the total reward. This is especially necessary if you earn money through your motorcycle, like doing deliveries or using it as a photography/videography prop.
If you sustain long-term injuries and are unable to return to your normal job, the defendant should pay the respective expenses. The court, through a lawyer, can help determine the appropriate amount to collect, preferably monthly, from the at-fault group/individual.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents are on the rise, endangering many third parties, like pedestrians. As a biker, follow all the rules to keep yourself and other road users safe. In unavoidable accidents, you’ll be eligible for the discussed economic damages. However, you must prove your innocence to qualify for full compensation.