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Motorcycle Collision FAQs

Baxley Maniscalco Injury Attorneys

A motorcycle rider stands next to his parked motorcycle on the side of a road. He's holding his helmet in his hands.
Baxley Maniscalco Attorneys At Law

According to a national survey, injured claimants represented by a lawyer recovered an average of $60,000 more than those who handled their claim independently.

As you probably know, personal injury attorneys are typically paid by taking a percentage of the total recovery, usually between 33 and 40%, depending on whether the case is filed with a court.

However, even after reducing the settlement or award by the amount of the attorney fee, represented claimants typically walked away with three times as much compensation as unrepresented claimants.

Table of Contents

    How Long Does It Take to Resolve an Injury Claim From a Motorcycle Collision?

    The average motorcycle injury claim reaches settlement within twelve months if it does not proceed to a jury trial.

    What's the Average Payout for a Motorcycle Accident?

    According to Jury Verdict Research (published by Thompson Reuters), the median motorcycle injury verdict over an eight-year study was $73,300.

    However, this is just one piece of data, actual settlement amounts will vary wildly, depending on the severity of the injuries suffered by the particular individual.

    For instance, one of the Plaintiffs in the study recovered $1,600,000 in settlement after sliding across loose gravel and suffering crushed vertebrae and nerve damage.

    Another recovered $300,000 by jury verdict when a truck turned in front of the motorcycle, and the Plaintiff suffered aggravation of a pre-existing herniated disc, soft tissue injuries, and a torn knee ligament.

    It is very important to work with a qualified, experienced attorney who can compare the particular injuries you have suffered with other similar cases and help you determine what a good recovery would be in your case.

    Do Motorcycles Get in More Accidents Than Cars?

    According to statistics published by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists' risk of a fatal crash is 35 times greater than that of a traveler in a passenger car.

    Can I Recover Pain and Suffering Damages?

    Yes, and you absolutely should. While the specifics will vary by case, pain and suffering compensation makes up a huge portion of the financial settlement or judgment in motorcycle collision cases.

    Because pain and suffering damages are hard to quantify, this is one of the biggest areas that an attorney can make a difference in the amount of your recovery.

    How Do Motorcycle Collisions Compare With Typical Passenger-Car Collisions?

    Out of all the motorcycle collisions that occur in the U.S. each year, approximately three-quarters involve a collision with a passenger automobile.

    Of that number, in two-thirds of those accidents, the driver of the other vehicle violated the motorcycle right-of-way and caused the accident.

    What are the Most Common Injuries Caused by a Motorcycle Wreck?

    The most common injuries after a motorcycle wreck are bruises, scrapes, and road rash. These types of injuries are often caused by the rider being thrown from the motorcycle and sliding across the pavement.

    Other common injuries include broken bones, sprains and strains, and cuts and lacerations. In more severe accidents, motorcycle riders can also suffer from head and brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and internal organ damage.

    These types of injuries can be life-threatening and may require extensive medical treatment. It is important for motorcycle riders to wear proper protective gear, such as helmets and gloves, to reduce the risk of these types of injuries.

    Who Is at fault in Most Motorcycle Accidents?

    Fault depends on a variety of factors, including the specific circumstances of the accident and the actions of the parties involved.

    In some cases, the motorcycle rider may be at fault, either because they were engaging in reckless or negligent behavior, or because they were not following the rules of the road.

    In other cases, the fault may lie with the driver of the car or truck who hit them, who may have failed to yield the right of way, made an improper turn, failed to properly look out for motorcyclists on the roadway, or engaged in some other type of negligent behavior. In most cases, an initial fault determination will be made by the police at the scene of the accident.

    What Should You Not DO After Being in a Motorcycle Accident?

    There are several things you should not do after being involved in a motorcycle accident. First, you should not leave the scene of the accident, even if you are not at fault.

    Leaving the scene of an accident can result in criminal charges and can make it more difficult to investigate the accident and determine who was at fault in causing the crash.

    Second, you should not admit fault or apologize for the accident, even if you think you may be at least partially responsible.

    This can be used against you in court and can affect your ability to recover compensation for your injuries and damages.

    Third, you should not discuss the details of the accident with anyone other than the police and your insurance company. This includes other drivers involved in the accident, witnesses, and anyone else who may be trying to gather information about the accident.

    You should be careful not to provide any information that could be used against you, or that could be misleading.

    Finally, you should not try to handle the accident on your own. It is important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you protect your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to.

    An attorney can help you navigate the legal process and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.

    Never Settle Cheaply

    Recovering the compensation you deserve starts with enlisting experienced legal help.

    Our motorcycle accident attorneys stand ready to provide you with personalized, evidence-based approaches to your specific situation.

    Contact us today to get started with a free and confidential consultation.

    Request a Free Consultation

    Give us your contact information and we’ll set a time to answer any questions you have about a motorcycle related injury.

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