Do you know what it costs to be involved in a motorcycle accident? Hopefully, you will never have to, but if you do, you will want qualified lawyers like those at Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers to be on your side. We have the expertise and experience to help you recoup the damages of your physical, emotional, and financial injuries.
The Physical Cost of a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycles, unlike standard four-wheel vehicles, do not offer much in terms of protection for their driver. Motorcycle drivers are exposed to the elements every time they take off on their bike, and in the event of a crash, are exposed to more injury-inducing factors as well. Because of this, motorcycle crash victims often suffer serious injuries when involved in accidents with other vehicles. Some of the most commonly sustained injuries from a motorcycle crash are:
Head Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries, which can affect the victim for weeks to years after the incident, are common results of motorcycle accidents. Side effects and symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, memory loss, and more.
Spinal Cord and Neck Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can result in lifelong problems for the victim and occur when any part of the cord or nerves are damaged. Side effects and symptoms can include loss of strength, movement, and even the function of the body below the injury (paralysis).
Fractures
Common bone fractures from motorcycle crash injuries include neck, collarbone, shoulder, arm, wrist, ribs, hip, leg, and foot fractures, and can necessitate surgery, casts, and physical therapy for the victim.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Lacerations, sprains, strains, tears, burns, and contusions are all common side effects for motorcyclists involved in accidents.
The Emotional Cost of a Motorcycle Accident
Often referred to as noneconomic damages, the emotional effects of a motorcycle accident and injury can be just as damaging as the physical and can affect their loved ones, work, and social relationships as well. Oftentimes, accident victims will experience:
Psychological Trauma
Victims who suffer motorcycle crashes can experience traumatic memories, phobias, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from the accident for years after the event.
Loss of enjoyment
Those who suffer injuries from a motorcycle accident may no longer be able to enjoy life as they used to due to ongoing pain or the inability to be involved in activities as before, resulting in mental anguish for the victim.
Loss of lifestyle
Many activities may no longer be doable for victims, especially those of serious accidents. This can mean a victim also suffers socially in addition to their emotional pain.
The Financial Cost of a Motorcycle Accident
From the moment a motorcycle accident occurs, the financial cost of the crash begins to add up, and sometimes, doesn’t stop. Here are some of the most common economic damages faced by motorcycle crash victims:
Medical expenses
From ambulances to hospital stays, surgeries, prescriptions, physical therapy, counseling, and more, the economic burden of medical care is extreme for motorcycle accident victims.
Damage to motorcycle
Oftentimes motorcycles are irreparably damaged in a crash, and as most motorcycles cost between $5,000 to $10,000, victims have lost several thousand dollars in a bike alone.
Loss of income or future wages
Depending on the physical and psychological injuries of the victim, they may be unable to work for some time or permanently, meaning they have lost their livelihood from the accident. (For self-employed individuals, this can be complicated, but simplified with the right lawyers on your side.)
In the case of death, funeral and burial expenses
Death can occur as a result of a motorcycle crash, and in addition to the unimaginable cost of the loss of life for one’s loved ones, there are also costs associated with holding a funeral and burying or cremating the remains.
The Complex Nature of Compensation
In California, motorcycle accident injuries can be complex cases, and as such require skilled lawyers who are willing to research and who understand legal precedents to help you estimate the value of your case; you should never trust your insurance carrier’s initial estimate, as they will not take the time and care to look at all of the variables that make your accident unique. The fact of the matter is, insurance companies want to settle claims quickly; at Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers, we want your claim to be settled fairly. To set your claim up for success, there are several steps you must take. Our lawyers are here to help you understand the injury settlement process from start to finish.
Experience a serious motorcycle accident?
Check out our Motorcycle Accident Page to learn more about how the process works.
Know When to Ask for Legal Guidance for Your California Motorcycle Accident Settlement
After a motorcycle accident, contact the attorneys at Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers. We handle many areas of traffic injury law, including motorcycle accidents. We believe you should be able to focus on recovering from your accident while we handle the legal details. We truly care about California motorcyclists! Get your free online case evaluation.