Virily Editor
The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming. You and your family may be left dealing with high medical bills. In addition, you may face lost income and emotional distress. Thankfully, you can file a claim to recover compensation following a motorcycle accident.
A motorcycle accident attorney can help you fight for compensation for your losses. They can also explain what compensation you’re entitled to. Read on to learn about the types of compensation you may recover in a motorcycle accident case.
Economic Damages
A motorcycle accident may cause you to suffer financial losses. Economic damages refer to compensation for such losses. There are different forms of monetary damages, including:
Lost Income
As you recover from your injuries, you may be unable to go to work and earn wages. Hence, you can claim compensation for the lost income.
Your injuries may also cause you to be unable to work in your previous job. Thus, you may need to take a lower-paying job. You may recover compensation for the reduced earning capacity in such a situation.
Medical Expenses
After a motorcycle accident, medical bills can add up quickly. These treatment expenses often make up a considerable part of the compensation amount. You can claim compensation for different medical costs, including:
- Physical therapy
- Doctor’s visits
- Surgery
- Prescription medication
- Hospital stays
Depending on your injuries, you may need long-term medical care. A lawyer can help you ensure that you recover damages for all your future medical costs. That way, you won’t have to pay for treatment out-of-pocket.
Property Loss
Your motorcycle may get damaged during an accident. You have a right to claim compensation for the cost of repairing it. Presenting evidence of the repair expenses will help your claim. So, safeguard any receipts that show the cost of repairs.
The accident may also lead to the total destruction of your motorcycle. Repairs may not be an option in such a case, and you’ll need to replace the motorcycle. You can claim compensation for the cost of replacing it. Both repair and replacement expenses fall under property loss.
Non-Economic Damages
Some of the losses suffered due to a motorcycle accident are subjective. Non-economic damages refer to compensation for such types of losses. Here are some common forms of non-economic damages in motorcycle accident cases.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering refer to the physical pain and emotional distress you feel resulting from your injuries. Calculating compensation for pain and suffering can be complex.
Some of the factors that help determine compensation for pain and suffering include:
- The severity of the injury
- The length of recovery time
- The impact the injuries have on your ability to lead a normal life
- The testimony of medical experts can help prove your pain and suffering.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
In a motorcycle accident, the injuries sustained can be life-changing. Hence, you can claim compensation for the accident’s negative impact on the quality of your life. Such compensation is typically known as a loss of enjoyment of life.
Other non-economic damages include:
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Disability
- Mental anguish
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are usually awarded if the defendant’s actions were particularly reckless. The court may award you punitive damages in addition to other damages.
Unlike other damages, punitive damages aren’t intended to compensate you. Instead, they punish the person responsible for the accident. They also aim to deter others from engaging in similar conduct in the future.
Wrongful Death Damages
Severe motorcycle accidents may sometimes lead to death. The victim’s family can file a case to recover wrongful death damages. These damages aim to cover the costs associated with the death. These costs include medical bills and funeral expenses.
Wrongful death damages can also include subjective losses. You may recover compensation for the loss of companionship offered by the deceased.
Final Say
A motorcycle accident can have significant financial, physical, and emotional impacts. You are entitled to compensation for the losses you incur due to a collision. Understanding what compensation is available will help you fight for the justice you deserve.
