Average Motorcycle Accident Settlement Amount in California
California’s average motorcycle accident settlement amount typically ranges between $10,000 and $150,000 for moderate injuries.
However, in more serious cases, particularly those involving long-term complications like traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage, settlements can easily exceed $1 million, depending on the circumstances of the accident.
Here’s how our law firm, Feher Law, helped accident victims recover their California motorcycle accident settlement amounts:
- $9,000,000 verdict – Soulliere vs Suzuki Motor Corp: In this case, the motorcyclist broke his leg because of a problem with the motorcycle’s design. The court gave a large verdict because the injuries caused high medical bills, constant pain, and long-term disability.
- $875,000 settlement: This involved a motorcyclist who sustained a mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) following a crash.
The payout amount in a motorcycle accident case will largely depend on several critical factors:
- Whether or not there was an injury
- Pain and suffering
- The severity of the injury
- Death
- Negligence
- Insurance
- Legal representation
Need help with a fair settlement for a motorcycle accident?
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident and are having trouble getting a fair settlement, we’re here to help you with the settlement process. Our team knows how complicated these cases can be, and we’re committed to making sure you get the final settlement amount you deserve.
Don’t let the stress of the accident keep you down. We work with clients all over California, so wherever you are, we’re ready to assist you.
Discover how a California motorcycle accident lawyer can help you with your next steps
Factors that affect motorcycle accident payouts
When dealing with payouts from a motorcycle accident, a few factors can affect how much money you get.
Severity of the injury
How serious your injury is can affect how much you get from a motorcycle accident settlement. Usually, the more severe the injury, the bigger the payout.
This difference exists because serious injuries often mean longer recovery times, higher medical bills, and a bigger impact on your day-to-day life.
Common injuries in a motorcycle accident include:
- Fractures in arms, legs, ribs, or other areas of the body
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Skin injuries caused by sliding on the pavement
- Damage to organs such as the lungs, kidneys, or spleen
- Loss of limbs due to severe trauma
Whether or not there was an injury
Whether or not you were injured is a key factor in how much you can get from a settlement. If there were no injuries, the compensation will mostly cover property damage.
But if you were hurt, the payout would include elements such as your medical bills, lost wages, and other related costs.
Pain and suffering
Pain and suffering refers to the physical and emotional distress caused by an injury after a motorcycle accident. It covers the lasting effects on your daily life and overall well-being beyond medical bills and lost wages.
Examples of pain and suffering include:
- Chronic physical pain from the injuries
- Anxiety or depression following the accident
- Emotional trauma and psychological distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or nightmares
- Fear or anxiety about riding a motorcycle again or driving in general
Our Huntington Beach motorcycle accident attorneys are available 24/7 to pursue a motorcycle accident settlement in California on your behalf
Negligence
California follows a comparative negligence approach, which affects how much compensation you can get after a motorcycle accident. Even if you were partly to blame, you can still receive money for your damages, but your payout will be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
For example, if you are found to be 20% responsible for the accident, and your total settlement is $100,000, your compensation will be reduced by 20%, meaning you’d receive $80,000. This rule helps accident victims get compensation even if they share some responsibility.
Death
If a motorcycle accident tragically leads to death, the settlement usually becomes more complicated and much larger. The family of the person who passed away might be able to receive wrongful death compensation. It can help cover various expenses and losses caused by the accident.
Examples of expenses in a wrongful death case include:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Medical bills for treatment prior to death
- Loss of income that the deceased would have provided
- Loss of companionship for surviving family members
- Emotional pain and suffering endured by the family
Insurance
Insurance policies can significantly influence the average settlement for a motorcycle crash. Here’s how different types of insurance can affect your motorcycle injury claim:
Underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage
If the driver at fault doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your damages, underinsured motorist coverage can help make up the difference, potentially increasing your settlement amount.
If the at-fault driver has no insurance, uninsured motorist coverage will cover your expenses. This coverage will help protect you from out-of-pocket costs and ensure you get the insurance settlement you need.
Liability coverage
This insurance covers damages to others you have caused, but it doesn’t cover your own injuries or property damage. If you’re at fault, the liability coverage pays for the damages to the other party, but you’ll need additional coverage to cover your costs.
Comprehensive and collision coverage
These policies cover your motorcycle and injuries, regardless of who caused the accident. Comprehensive insurance handles non-collision-related damages, while collision insurance covers damage from accidents.
Legal Representation
Hiring an experienced Torrance motorcycle accident attorney can help you get the payout you deserve.
Here’s why having legal help is so valuable:
- Expert knowledge: Our personal injury lawyers understand the laws and regulations affecting your case, and we know the legal system and how to protect your rights.
- Maximizing compensation: We assess your damages, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight to get you the fair compensation you deserve.
- Handling paperwork: We handle all the paperwork and deadlines, reducing your stress and ensuring everything is filed correctly and on time.
- Negotiation skills: Our team has experience negotiating with insurance companies and other parties to secure a better settlement for you.
- Access to resources: Our motorcycle accident lawyer has access to expert witnesses and other resources that can strengthen your case.
- Peace of mind: With us handling your personal injury case, you can focus on recovering from your injuries while we manage the legal details.
Overall, having legal representation can significantly impact the outcome of your motorcycle accident claim and help you get the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Maximizing the average settlement for motorcycle accidents in California
To achieve the highest possible settlement for a motorcycle accident in California, it’s important to focus on several key strategies.
- Document all injuries: Ensure that all injuries are thoroughly documented with medical records and photographs. This detailed documentation helps demonstrate the full extent of your injuries and supports your personal injury claim for a higher settlement.
- Gather strong evidence: Collecting comprehensive evidence from the accident scene strengthens your case. Solid evidence can establish fault and bolster your claim for higher compensation.
- Consult a skilled attorney: Working with our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys can greatly impact your personal injury settlement amount. We will negotiate effectively with insurance companies and advocate for the compensation you deserve.
- Consider long-term impacts: Account for ongoing medical treatment and reduced quality of life. Including these factors in your claim can lead to a higher settlement that reflects the full scope of your damages.
- Be prepared for negotiations: Be ready to negotiate with insurance companies and other parties involved in a motorcycle crash. A well-prepared approach can help you secure a more favorable settlement offer and ensure you receive fair compensation.
Using these strategies can increase your chances of getting a maximum settlement and the compensation you deserve after a motorcycle accident.
We’ll get you the maximum motorcycle accident lawsuit payout you deserve
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, getting the most money possible is key to covering your expenses and moving on.
Our team of attorneys at Feher Law is dedicated to fighting for the highest compensation for you. We know motorcycle accident cases inside and out and will work hard to get you every penny you’re owed.
Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Let us handle the legal details while you focus on getting better. We’re here to help you through the process and secure the best average payout for a motorcycle accident.
Contact our San Bernardino motorcycle accident lawyers today for a free consultation
Final points on the average compensation for a motorcycle accident in California
When seeking compensation for a motorcycle accident in California, several factors will influence your settlement.
The amount you receive depends on the severity of your injuries, property damage, and the overall impact on your life. Generally, more severe injuries lead to higher settlements.
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