What Is the Average Settlement for a Motorcycle Accident?

If you’re injured in a crash, you’ll probably wonder what is the typical settlement for a motorcycle accident. It’s normal to want to find that out, but it’s not very helpful. The factors that lead to coming up with a settlement in your case may not be average. Your case could be worth more or less.

Caldwell Wenzel & Asthana, PC, has represented hundreds of clients injured in motorcycle accidents. Over the decades, settlements in these cases have varied based on the severity of the accident, as well as several other factors involved in the determination of settlement amounts. We’ll look at those factors more closely below.

If you’re injured by another’s negligence, the settlement will almost always be covered by an insurance policy. Claims adjusters may treat you very nicely, but they don’t work for you — they work for the insurance company. Adjusters want to settle a claim as cheaply and quickly as possible. If you want to improve your chances of a higher settlement, a motorcycle accident lawyer from Caldwell Wenzel & Asthana, PC, can help.

What Is the Average Payout for a Motorcycle Accident?

Unfortunately, there’s no good repository for statistics showing the average payout for motorcycle accidents. Some law firms keep statistics for their cases, but these can vary widely based on the types of cases they agree to take and the personal injury laws in the states they operate in. Thus, the most reliable way to determine an average value is by comparing the likely value of a motorcycle accident claim to a car accident claim.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, motorcyclists represented 14% of all vehicle accident deaths in 2021, while cars represented 62%. While this may make it seem like motorcycles are significantly safer than cars, Americans owned roughly 10 times as many cars as motorcycles that year, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. This means that motorcyclists are more than twice as likely to die in an accident than car passengers.

The main takeaway from these statistics is that motorcycle accidents frequently result in more serious injuries than car accidents. Even if you’re lucky enough to survive a motorcycle accident, you may suffer more extensive injuries than someone riding in a car who was involved in a similar accident. Since the majority of the compensation from a motorcycle accident claim is based on medical care and lost wages, you can therefore expect the average payout to be higher than that of a car accident claim.

The best way to understand what amount you can anticipate in a settlement for your case would be to talk to a skilled attorney. Our team at Caldwell Wenzel & Asthana has the experience you can trust to list all possible damages you can pursue and the possible value for each. Call us today at (251) 444-7000 so we can discuss the details of your motorcycle accident case.

What Settlement Factors Do You Have Control Over?

A factor to consider is that under Alabama law if it can be shown that you played any role in causing the accident, your case can be dismissed. If an insurer sees this potential weakness in your claim, it will be reflected in a lower settlement amount or no settlement offer at all. Even if you are not to blame, you still have the burden of proving your case. How strong is the evidence that the other party was at fault?

While this may seem concerning, you have considerable control over this factor. As long as you were riding safely, obeying the laws of the road, and taking appropriate precautions against injury, you should be able to prove that you didn’t contribute to your accident. One of the easiest ways to protect your right to receive compensation from another party is to wear a helmet.

This matters because Alabama law requires that all motorcycle riders wear a state-approved helmet. If you weren’t wearing a helmet, you’d most likely be found to have contributed to your injuries unless you were fortunate enough to avoid sustaining head or neck injuries in the accident.

All riders are required by law to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle in Alabama.

You should also make every attempt to avoid violating other traffic laws while riding a motorcycle. Don’t speed, illegally pass other drivers, or text while on your bike. This can be frustrating, because one of the main advantages of motorcycles is their speed and agility, which allow riders to easily slip through traffic. However, doing this could prevent you from getting the financial support you need after an accident.

Some Settlement Factors Are Beyond Your Control

Knowing what the average payout is for a motorcycle accident may not matter much, because of your unique situation. Despite what these figures are, you need to be realistic about the value of your case. You may have been very traumatized by the accident, but without severe injuries, it may be difficult to settle for a high amount.

Insurance companies will pay only for covered accidents and only up to coverage limits. Damages often go beyond those limits. You may get all the money you can from an insurance company but still not have enough to cover all your losses. This is especially true if the same driver caused an accident involving multiple vehicles. That one policy may cover many claims.

Other factors can impact your settlement amount, as well. Not all insurance companies work the same way, so how we handle settlement negotiations for our clients will vary, depending on the insurer involved.

Talk to Our Skilled Motorcycle Accident Lawyers About the Potential Value of Your Settlement

If you or your loved one is a victim of a motorcycle accident, call a motorcycle accident lawyer at Caldwell Wenzel & Asthana, PC, to discuss your legal options. You don’t lose your legal rights when you get on a motorcycle. You or your family may be compensated for the harm caused by negligent drivers.

Schedule your consultation with our motorcycle accident lawyers today by calling (251) 444-7000. We have offices in Mobile, Foley, and Daphne, AL.