What Types of Compensation Can I Seek After a Motorcycle Accident?

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, it’s vital to understand the various types of compensation available. This guide outlines the primary categories of damages you may be entitled to seek after such an incident.

Economic Damages

Economic damages, also known as special damages, can be quantified and include:

• Medical Expenses: These encompass costs for emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, and future medical care if long-term or lifelong care is needed.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries forced you to take time off work or reduced your capacity to work, you could claim for lost wages and diminished earning capacity.
• Property Damage: If your motorcycle was damaged or totaled in the accident, you can seek compensation for repairs or replacement.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages, or general damages, are subjective and pertain to non-monetary losses:

• Pain and Suffering: This category includes physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish you’ve experienced due to the accident and your injuries.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from enjoying hobbies, recreation, and other activities that make life enjoyable, you may claim this type of compensation.
• Loss of Consortium: Spouses of accident victims may seek damages for loss of companionship and affection if their relationship has been negatively affected by the accident.

Punitive Damages

In cases where the defendant’s behavior was particularly reckless or malicious, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future. These are not common in motorcycle accident cases, but they can significantly increase the value of your claim if applicable.

Factors Influencing Compensation

The exact amount of compensation you can claim will depend on several factors:

• Severity of Injuries: The more severe and long-lasting your injuries, the higher your potential compensation.
• Impact on Lifestyle: If your injuries have drastically affected your quality of life, this could increase your claim value.
• Fault: The degree of your fault, if any, can affect your ability to recover damages.

Consider seeking legal assistance if you wish to seek compensation. The Ruth Law Team is available to help you navigate the complexities of a motorcycle accident claim. Contact us at (888) 783-8378.

You can also visit us by appointment at one of our Florida Law Offices, Minnesota Law Offices, or Georgia Law Offices.

Please note that the answers to each question may vary depending on the specific facts of your case, and it is always best to consult with an attorney to get more accurate information. Also, this is general information and not legal advice.