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You’ve just been through one of the most challenging experiences of your life—a motorcycle accident. Now, you’re left with mounting medical bills, lost wages, and the daunting task of moving forward. Naturally, you might wonder what kind of settlement you can expect or look for some motorcycle crash settlement examples.

The truth is, there’s no “one-size-fits-all” answer to the question of the average motorcycle accident settlement in North Carolina. But here’s the good news: understanding the factors that affect your settlement can give you clarity and control over the process.

When you know what impacts compensation, you can take confident steps toward getting what you need to rebuild your life.

At Mehta & McConnell, PLLC, we’re here to guide you through this journey, ensuring you understand the road ahead and how to maximize your potential recovery.

What Is the Average Settlement for a Motorcycle Accident?

The answer to this question depends on the specifics of your case. Every motorcycle accident is unique. A combination of factors, such as the severity of injuries, damages, liability, and the availability of insurance coverage, shapes settlements.

Rather than focusing on averages, looking at the elements determining compensation is important. These include:

  • The extent of your injuries and medical costs;
  • The financial impact, including lost wages and future earning capacity;
  • How clear liability is in the accident; and
  • The types and limits of insurance coverage involved.

By understanding these key factors, you’ll be better equipped to make informed decisions and pursue the maximum compensation. Read on to learn more about these factors and how they impact your claim. 

Severity of Injuries and Medical Expenses

Your injuries play a central role in determining the value of your settlement. Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries, including broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal damage.

The costs associated with these injuries—such as emergency care, surgeries, physical therapy, and long-term medical treatment—can significantly increase the compensation you may be entitled to.

Proper medical documentation is essential to establish the extent of your injuries and their impact on your life. That includes medical bills, doctor’s notes, and expert testimony, all of which help paint a clear picture of your damages.

Property Damage and Other Financial Losses

Beyond injuries, motorcycle accidents often lead to significant property damage. Your settlement will likely include the cost of repairing or replacing your bike.

Other financial losses like missed work, reduced earning capacity, and out-of-pocket expenses are also factors in the equation.

For example, your settlement may include lost wages if you cannot work for weeks or months while recovering.

If your injuries permanently impact your earning ability, this loss of future income can also be considered. Keep detailed records of these expenses to ensure you accurately represent them in your claim.

Intangible Damages

While financial losses like medical bills, property damage, and lost wages are easier to quantify, noneconomic damages can also form a substantial part of your settlement.

These damages include compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the loss of enjoyment of life.

Because these damages are subjective, they often require compelling evidence, such as testimony from mental health professionals and documentation of how your injuries impacted your daily life. 

Determining Liability

Liability is one of the most critical factors in any motorcycle accident settlement. North Carolina’s contributory negligence laws make this issue particularly important.

Under these laws, if you are found to be even one percent at fault for the accident, you may not receive any compensation.

Contributory negligence is one reason why providing an average settlement for a motorcycle accident is so hard. You could have two victims with similar injuries and financial losses, but if one victim is partially liable for their accident, they will recover nothing.

Available Insurance Coverage

The amount of compensation you receive can also depend on the insurance policies involved. In North Carolina, drivers must carry minimum liability insurance, but these limits may not fully cover your damages.

If the at-fault driver’s policy falls short, your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can help bridge the gap, provided you purchased that coverage.

Why Working with an Experienced North Carolina Motorcycle Attorney Matters

Navigating a motorcycle accident claim alone can be overwhelming, especially when insurance companies prioritize their bottom line. An experienced North Carolina motorcycle accident attorney can level the playing field by gathering evidence, calculating the full extent of your damages, and negotiating a fair settlement.

At Mehta & McConnell, PLLC, we understand the challenges you face after a motorcycle accident. Our team is here to advocate for your rights and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Whether it’s gathering evidence to prove fault or working to maximize your settlement, we’re with you every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accident Settlements

Understandably, accident victims have many questions about how motorcycle accident claims work in North Carolina. Here are answers to some of the most common questions from prospective clients.

What Determines the Average Compensation for a Motorcycle Accident Settlement?

The value of your settlement depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, the cost of medical care, property damage, lost wages, and the extent of noneconomic damages like pain and suffering. Liability and the availability of insurance coverage also play critical roles.

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Motorcycle Accident Claim?

The timeline for settling a claim can vary widely. Factors like disputes over liability, the complexity of your injuries, and the negotiation process with insurance companies can all affect how long it takes. Working with an attorney can help expedite the process.

What Happens If the At-Fault Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?

If the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance, your own uninsured motorist coverage can help cover your damages. This type of coverage protects you in situations where the other party cannot pay.

However, it’s important to remember that your insurance company treats this like a liability claim, which means they may also want to minimize the potential payout.

Contact Our North Carolina Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

While there is no average motorcycle accident settlement, understanding the factors influencing compensation can empower you to take the proper steps after a crash. From documenting your injuries to proving fault, every decision you make can impact the outcome of your claim.

At Mehta & McConnell, PLLC, we’re dedicated to helping accident victims in North Carolina secure the compensation they need to move forward. We have over three decades of combined experience with personal injury claims. Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can assist you in your recovery journey.

Author Photo

Jason McConnell

Jason McConnell is the managing attorney of Mehta & McConnell Injury Lawyers, a Charlotte, North Carolina Workers’ Compensation law firm. In his free time he enjoys playing golf, cooking, traveling and following the UNC Tar Heels and Carolina Panthers.

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