6 Valid Reasons to Seek Compensation after a Motorcycle Accident
Riding a motorcycle can be a thrilling experience. With so many beautiful places and roads, getting on a motorcycle and riding wherever the road takes you is part of the fun. Unfortunately, when passenger vehicle drivers are negligent or reckless, motorcyclists are at risk of being injured.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Adminstration states that motorcycle riders are 28 times more likely to be involved in an accident than drivers of other types of vehicles, such as passenger cars. The severity of your injuries, among other things, will affect the compensation you may be entitled to if you were hurt in a motorcycle accident.
1. Lost Wages and Income
A personal injury lawsuit may be your best option if a motorcycle accident leaves you hurt and unable to work. However, before initiating one, it’s best to consider the motorcycle accident claim process. You need to give your lawyer details concerning your income and standard of living so that he can ensure fair compensation.
You may be able to seek compensation if there is any reason to believe that you will miss work in the future. However, suppose a person sustains an injury that prevents them from earning the same amount of money they did before the accident. In that case, they can assist in calculating the full amount of compensation to which they are entitled.
2. Medical Expenses
Medical costs are the most evident damages a person might obtain following a motorcycle accident. More serious wounds will cost more to treat financially. You are still entitled to compensation for medical costs even if your health insurance has paid for your bills. You may also deduct the cost of any necessary medical equipment, copays, and prescription drug costs.
You can get help on a lien basis if you have a valid claim for reimbursement but no insurance or other means of covering your medical expenses. These damages may also be available to people with catastrophic injuries who require ongoing medical care for the rest of their lives. Your future medical expenses can be calculated with the assistance of financial experts, with whom our attorneys often consult.
3. Property Damage
The motorcycle is frequently destroyed in motorcycle accidents. All of the harm to your vehicle and other types of property damage brought on by the collision may be covered under your right to reimbursement. You can seek reimbursement for damaged property, such as a laptop destroyed in the crash while in your backpack.
4. Damages Available in Wrongful Death Lawsuits
A wrongful death claim is a personal injury lawsuit that a decedent’s remaining family members can bring. Typically, plaintiffs can get paid for both economic and non-economic losses. A wrongful death lawsuit can help families get reimbursed for their loved one’s lost wages, funeral costs, and previous medical bills. Nothing can bring your loved one back, but if they died in a motorcycle accident caused by another person, we recommend speaking with a local wrongful death attorney.
5. Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages such as loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, pain and suffering, grief, anxiety, emotional and physical impairment, emotional distress, and inconvenience can be pursued by victims. Lawyers often collaborate with physicians, medical experts, and other professionals to provide evidence about your past, present, and future non-economic damages.
6. Punitive Damages
Although the categories of damages listed above are the most typical in motorcycle accident cases, punitive damages are rare.
Punitive damages may only be granted in injury situations when the at-fault party’s acts clearly show “willful misbehavior, malice, fraud, wantonness, oppression,” or conduct that demonstrates indifference to consequences, per OCGA 51-12-5.1.
Punitive damages are intended to deter future undesirable behavior and punish the culprit rather than to reimburse the victim. Punitive damages, such as DUI convictions, are only given out in certain circumstances.
If your situation qualifies for punitive damages, your attorney can inform you. If so, they can assist you in compiling proof of the negligent party’s actions and disregard for your safety and the protection of other road users.
Bottom line
A motorcycle accident may negatively impact your quality of life, which can result in serious bodily injuries and mental and emotional suffering. Depending on the extent of your wounds, you might not be able to return to your old job, resulting in a loss of income. Working with an expert lawyer, knowing the many damages you might collect in a motorcycle accident claim, and protecting your rights will help you ensure you receive the full compensation you are entitled to.
