Motorcycle accident victims have been known to endure debilitating injuries. The more severe and impactful the injury, the more your insurance and civil claims could be worth. However, there are many factors that go into valuation calculations.
Figuring out how much compensation you can get for a motorcycle accident in Nevada should be left to the professionals if you want an estimate you can trust. Your Las Vegas car accident attorney with H&P Law can intensively review your losses to ensure we are maximizing your claim’s value. Here is more about how much your case could be worth and how to recover total compensation for your damages.
Understanding the Value of Your Motorcycle Accident Injuries and Damages
Few motorcycle accident victims understand the value of their damages until they start to go over them in detail with their car accident attorneys. It is crucial that you grasp what your claim is worth before you go into negotiations with the insurance company or file a personal injury lawsuit against the liable party. Otherwise, you could be at an increased risk of being taken advantage of or manipulated into accepting a settlement worth far less than you claim is valued.
There are many types of damages that could be paid out on your claim. Tort laws are designed to compensate injury victims for every single loss. However, there are other types of damages that can be awarded at the judge’s discretion as well.
Compensatory Damages
Compensatory damages are known by many names. Some refer to them as economic and non-economic damages or general damages versus special damages. However, they all describe compensation motorcycle accident victims are entitled to after a collision.
Economic or special damages are financial and include every monetary loss related to the accident. Non-economic or general damages are intangible and their value is subjective since every person’s life can be affected so differently. Here are some of the most commonly awarded damages in Nevada motorcycle accident claims so you have an idea of the types of losses that you could recover if your case is successful:
Pain, Suffering, and Other Non-Economic Damages
Despite the fact that non-economic damages do not have financial value, their impact on your life means something and should be addressed accordingly. For that reason, your motorcycle accident lawyer with H&P Law will carefully go over every way you have been impacted by not only your injuries but the collision itself. Some examples of these pain and suffering damages could include:
- Loss of support and love
- Loss of companionship and guidance
- Emotional distress
- Loss of society and advice
- Mental anguish
- Skin scars
- Embarrassment
- Permanent disability
- Disfigurement
- Indignity and shame
- Reputational damage
- Diminished quality of life
Lost Wages, Income, and Tips
When you need to take time off work to heal from your injuries, you may immediately find yourself struggling to cover your expenses. This impact on your daily life is undeniable and should be answered for. Fortunately, you have the right to be reimbursed for all wage-related damages, which might include:
- Lost income
- Loss of tips
- Loss of employer-provided health insurance
- Loss of retirement savings contributions by your company
- Loss of future potential earnings
- Vocational rehabilitation costs
- Loss of paid time off or sick leave
- Loss of bonuses and holiday pay
Medical Bills
The costs of healthcare across the county can make your jaw drop. Even seemingly minor motorcycle accident injuries can cost victims thousands of dollars or more. Health insurance only covers so much, and it may surprise you to learn many hospitals and healthcare providers will refuse to accept insurance payments until you have gone through litigation, as they can recover more if your claim is successful.
Every single medical expense should be taken into account as we calculate the value of your claim. This does not only include current costs but any future expected medical expenses as well. Some of the most common healthcare costs the liable party should cover include:
- Hospital bills
- Diagnostic tests
- Ambulance bills
- Medical treatment
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Reconstructive surgery
- Medical devices
- Healthcare equipment
- Co-pays
- Prescription medications
- Mental health counseling
- Rehabilitation services
Should Punitive Damages Be Awarded?
Punitive damages are a hot topic in the personal injury world. Many motorcycle accident victims wonder whether such an award is possible in their case. The truth is that punitive damages are not awarded as often as people believe.
Punitive damages are only issued in specific circumstances. Perhaps the driver that hit you was drunk and had a history of DUI convictions on their record. Or maybe the distracted driver that hit you had several distracted driving citations on their record.
These examples may constitute gross negligence. However, punitive damages can also be awarded for malicious intent. Find out whether punitive damages apply in your case when you are calculating the value of your claim with your personal injury attorney.
You May Have Several Opportunities for Legal Recourse
So how can you ensure you get the most out of your motorcycle accident claim? Do not limit your opportunities. Far too many injury victims hesitate or refuse to bring their cases to trial.
But going to court can be an excellent chance to recoup every loss. Some damages can be recovered through insurance. However, this is not always enough to meet the accident survivor’s needs.
Keep your options open. Consider the advice of your trusted legal advocate. Take advantage of every opportunity to hold the liable party accountable so you can move forward with your life.
Turn to Nevada’s Leading Motorcycle Accident Law Firm for Help Today
There is no average settlement for a motorcycle accident case. The fallout of these collisions can impact victims in too many varying ways for rough estimates to be even remotely accurate. Get a better idea of how much your motorcycle accident claims could be worth when you go over the specific circumstances of your case with a highly experienced legal advocate.
Contact a Nevada personal injury attorney with H&P Law as soon as possible to get started. Our firm offers free case reviews to motorcycle accident victims in Las Vegas, Henderson, and surrounding cities. Take advantage of this chance to take control of your future when you call our office or complete our convenient contact form to schedule yours today.
