The Economic and Non-Economic Losses a Victim Will Sustain in a Motorcycle Accident
Knowing you can get compensation can provide relief when you are involved in a motorcycle accident, especially if it is someone else’s fault. Motorcyclists have little protection, and when they are involved in a crash, it can cause severe injuries, and the medical treatment can last for days, months, or even years.
In such situations, the lawyers will provide legal protections for motorcycle accident victims, as they are experienced and know how to put their best foot forward. They gather evidence, negotiate with the insurance companies, factor in the damages, and come up with the best solution.
According to a study, motorcycles make up just 2% of the registered cars in New York City, but from 2010 to 2014, they were responsible for 14% of the city’s fatal traffic accidents.
Motorcycle accident victims will endure two types of losses, economic and non-economic; below is a detailed guide:
Types of Damages
Economic damages: These damages consist of quantifiable damages. These include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Loss of future earnings and income
- Property loss
- Burial and funeral costs
- Cost of obtaining additional help
Non-Economic Damages: Calculating the medical, loss of income, etc., is easy. One can add the amounts and come up with a figure. However, calculating the non-economic damages is challenging. These damages are:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Inconvenience
- Loss of companionship and society
- Mental suffering
Pain and Suffering
There are no rules for calculating pain and suffering. Pain and suffering have categories: Physical and mental distress. Physical pain constitutes the bodily pain suffered by the injured party. This includes the pain suffered by the victim during the accident and the future effects.
Physical pain also results in mental stress, including anxiety, fear, and shock. Severe mental stress includes loss of appetite, depression, sleep loss, mood swings, and a lack of energy. Victims can also have PTSD, which significantly affects their future employment and personal relationships.
How a Lawyer Helps in Making a Case
If the accident was due to the mistake of others, your lawyer will prove the negligence of the guilty party. When filing for the claim, the process involves filing the claim with the guilty party’s insurance company. After that, the insurance provider starts their investigation. So, your lawyer will provide the supporting evidence. This evidence helps in building the case; these include:
- Video footage and photos of the accident scene
- Medical records and bills
- Property damage
- Vehicle repair bills
Lawyers also help with the following.
Negotiate with the Insurance Provider
One important aspect of filing a compensation claim is that you have to deal with the insurance company. Insurance providers are not on your side; they try to avoid paying you out. The lawyers can negotiate with the insurance companies and get the best deals.
Filing Within the Statute of Limitation
Every state has a statute of limitations; if you file after that, your cases will be dismissed. Lawyers ensure that your claim is filed within the period.
Conclusion
Summing up, motorcycle accidents can be severe, and they can be traumatic experiences for anyone involved. Accidents can lead to injuries that can be life-threatening or permanent. Even minor injuries can cause severe mental stress. So, it is vital to get justice and receive the required compensation. If you or your loved ones are involved in a motorcycle accident due to the mistakes of others, then you must contact an experienced lawyer who will help you get the proper compensation.