After a motorcycle accident, there are losses and expenses that you are likely to incur. These are called damages. Your damages are valued by considering what you lost due to the motorcycle accident. If you are in a motorcycle accident, you can file a personal injury claim.
With the help of motorcycle accident attorneys, you will be able to know what to do to get fair compensation. An attorney’s legal expertise will help you through the navigation process and ensure fair compensation for your claims. This article explores the damages you can recover through a motorcycle accident claim.
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Medical Costs
Medical bills from treating an injury can be costly. Medical expenses make up a significant portion of the expenses. Injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident are often severe.
The following are some of the medical expenses that a victim can recover:
- Hospital bills
- Medication
- Physical therapy
- Prescribed medication
- Rehabilitation
- Any medical care related to the accident
Victims are entitled to current and future compensation for medical costs resulting from the accident.
2. Property Damage
Accidents can damage your motorcycle and your personal property. You should include all costs of motorcycle repair and any personal property. Preserve bills and quotations and use them as supporting evidence in your claim. If you are still determining the costs, you must ask for a quote from your mechanic.
If your motorcycle repair costs exceed the total insurance value, the insurance will compensate you for a fair value for a new purchase.
3. Lost Wages and Income
Accidents may affect your day-to-day activities. Part of it is the ability to earn an income. If the accident hinders a victim’s capability to generate an income, they can request compensation for the same. The victim might want to track the number of days they missed work. This includes:
- Time spent recovering from injuries
- Time spent in hospital visits for medical appointments
- Long-term effects on the victims’ ability to earn an income
If the effects of the accident make you switch jobs, then the victim should get compensation for the considerable change in income.
4. Non-monetary Losses
It is challenging to quantify non-monetary losses. A motorcycle accident attorney will be instrumental in evaluating the damages. Damages such as pain and suffering and emotional distress affect the victim’s quality of life.
The damages are subjective and affect the victim’s well-being. A majority of victims might have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Your attorney will know how to cover them and ensure you are compensated.
5. Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are applicable in cases where the at-fault party exhibits gross negligence. This is a form of punishment. Punitive damages are applicable for all cases, as they are circumstantial.
6. Wrongful Death Damages
A report by the Motorcycle Legal Foundation shows that there has been an increased number of deaths from motorcycle accidents each year. In the event that a family loses a loved one, they can pursue compensation for a wrongful death.
The wrongful death damages include:
- Compensation for medical costs
- Loss of income
- Pain and suffering before death
- Funeral costs
- Loss of companionship
The loss of companionship is also known as a loss of consortium. The victim’s family can be eligible for compensation for the deprived benefits of their relationship.
Conclusion
Knowing the extent of damages in a motorcycle accident makes it easier to file claims. You are entitled to all the damages the accident might have caused you. However, the process is cumbersome, and you will need legal representation.
A lawyer will help you assess the circumstances of your case and negotiate on your behalf. This ensures just compensation for your case.
