Riding a motorcycle is enjoyed by many as a thrilling way to travel the open road. But this means of transportation also provides fewer protections than other methods of transport. Understanding the types of injury claims that occur in motorcycle accidents can help you better understand the dangers facing motorcyclists and the need to remain aware of your surroundings at all times. It can also inform you of the various options you have available to recover damages based on any injuries you sustain in a motorcycle crash.
Injury claims in motorcycle crashes
Many motorcycle accident injuries are catastrophic in nature. Virtually any part of the body can be impacted by a motorcycle crash. An NHTSA study found that the most deadly and debilitating injuries in motorcycle crashes occur when the front of the motorcycle is the point of impact.
Victims of motorcycle accidents are vulnerable to sustaining a wide range of injuries and long-term health outcomes. The compensation provided to a motorcycle crash victim is based on multiple factors, including the nature and severity of the injuries, the impact of the injuries on the victim’s ability to work and life enjoyments, and the impact sustained by the other driver.
Some of the most frequent claims resulting from motorcycle crashes include:
Medical bills
Motorcycle crash injuries have the potential to include the spinal cord, brain, and organs. They can also result in bone fractures and even the amputation of one or more limbs. Medical treatment, surgery, and rehabilitation services in addition to hospital stays are all very expensive. With a claim for compensation to cover your medical treatment, you can recover the costs of these expenses (past, present, and future).
Pain and suffering
A motorcycle injury claim can include a request for compensation based on pain and suffering you experienced from the accident caused by someone else’s negligence. These accidents can induce great trauma upon a victim, both physically and emotionally. The immediate family of the victim can also be affected by pain and suffering due to the devastating nature of the injuries involved. These damages go beyond those involving medical expenses, loss of income, or property damage.
Loss of earnings capacity
Sometimes motorcycle accident victims suffer injuries that leave them unable to perform basic work duties, either temporarily or on a permanent basis. This can eliminate the victim’s source of income. Compensation based on your salary is available through a motorcycle injury claim if you have suffered injuries that resulted in the loss of your current or future income potential.
Mental anguish
Mental trauma and pain is another category of damages available through a motorcycle injury claim. These damages are available to claim if the victim’s injuries cause personal grief or inhibit his or her participation in family events or favorite activities. If, in the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, you are not able to manage from a mental standpoint, you can claim impairment.
Property damage
You may be entitled to recover compensation for the repair costs of your motorcycle based on the circumstances of the crash. If your motorcycle has been damaged beyond repair, you may claim the entire cost of the vehicle. Damage claims can also include the costs of a rental vehicle.
Punitive damages
If the conduct of another motorist due to negligence or intentional/malicious action resulted in your motorcycle accident, you may be eligible to claim punitive damages against the liable party. These damages are often very significant in dollar value. They are intended to punish the defendant for his or her reckless actions and deter others from engaging in the same or similar activity in the future.
At Taylor Jones Taylor, our experienced motorcycle injury attorneys are here for you if you have been injured in a motorcycle crash caused by the negligence of another party. We can investigate the details of your accident and provide effective advocacy to help you recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Our team provides reliable and honest representation to clients in the Olive Branch, Southaven, and Hernando areas. To set up a consultation about your case, give us a call today at 662-342-1300 or use our contact form.
Benjamin L. Taylor is a lifelong resident of DeSoto County and has distinguished himself in the area of products liability and personal injury law. He has a reputation as a fierce advocate for his clients and has obtained millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements over his career. He has been listed in the publication Super Lawyers of the Mid-South in the area of product liability. To learn more about Mr. Taylor, please refer to his biography page.
