Helen Saulnier 
Injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident can be even more severe than in a car collision, considering riders usually have limited protection. In fact, according to the NHTSA, you’re four times more likely to sustain injuries in a motorcycle accident than in a car crash.
Getting involved in a motorcycle accident can not only lead to damage to your motorcycle but can also result in severe physical injuries that could even make you unable to work again. This can place a huge financial burden on you, especially if your family depends entirely on your salary.
Fortunately, if someone else’s negligence caused the accident, you may be entitled to compensation. However, the amount of compensation you get depends on many factors, including the severity of your injuries and more. Working with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can help you value your claim fully to ensure you get the maximum compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one was involved in a motorcycle accident, here are some of the damages that you may be able to recover:
1 – Economic Damages
Economic damages are the costs you incur following a motorcycle accident. Medical expenses are one of the economic damages you can recover in a motorcycle accident claim. Motorcycle accidents can lead to sustaining severe injuries that require costly medical care. Your medical bills can include transport to the emergency room, treatment and medication, hospitalization, surgeries, and rehabilitation therapy. Apart from the current medical expenses, you should include all your future expenses associated with ongoing treatment.
Besides medical expenses, your economic damages can also include compensation for loss of income due to your injuries and damages to your motorcycle. You can also seek compensation for the out-of-pocket expenses you incur after a motorcycle accident, including modifications to your car or home, hiring an in-house nurse, or purchasing a wheelchair or crutches.
2 – Non-Economic Damages
Another non-Economic damage that you can claim in a motorcycle accident case is non-economic damages. While economic damages are easy to quantify, non-economic damages are usually unquantifiable costs you incur after a motorcycle accident. This includes compensation for the pain and suffering you experience from your injuries. Pain and suffering may also include the mental and emotional distress you experience that could negatively impact your quality of life and disrupt your day-to-day life.
To fully value your pain and suffering damages, your attorney must provide evidence showing your injuries’ severity. Testimony from experts, friends, and family can also help demonstrate how your injuries have affected your quality of life.
3 – Punitive Damages
You may also receive compensation for punitive damages, the extra amount a court orders the at-fault driver to pay in an accident lawsuit. Punitive damages are often awarded if the court finds the at-fault party engaged in gross misconduct or negligence, causing the accident. The number of punitive damages will mostly depend on how bad the other party’s behavior was and is meant to punish them and discourage others from repeating the same mistake.
Endnote
Getting into a motorcycle accident can lead to severe physical injuries and mental and emotional anguish, affecting your quality of life. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may be unable to work again in your previous job, leading to a loss of income. Understanding the different types of damages you can recover in a motorcycle accident claim and working with an experienced attorney can help protect your rights and ensure you get the maximum compensation you deserve.
