Motorcyclists are vulnerable. The Georgia Department of Driver Services reports that bikers make up “11 percent of total traffic fatalities,” despite making up less than 2 percent of registered vehicles. Motorcyclists are far more likely to be seriously hurt in a collision. For that reason, there is often a lot more at stake in motorcycle accident claims.
This raises an important question: What is the average motorcycle accident injury compensation? The short answer is that there is no true “average”—your settlement will always depend on the specific circumstances. In this blog post, our Roswell motorcycle accident attorneys explain the key things you should know about the average payout for a claim in Georgia.
Motorcycle Accident Compensation is Always Determined on Case-By-Case Basis
There is no true “average” motorcycle accident payout. Instead, the amount of compensation that will be granted to the victim is always determined on a case-by-case basis, with careful attention to the specific nature of the claim. Notably, the value of a motorcycle accident injury claim can vary dramatically. Indeed, determining the value of a motorcycle accident injury claim is inherently complex. Each crash requires a comprehensive, detail-focused investigation to find out exactly what happened, why it happened, and the extent of the damages. If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident in Georgia, you need a top-tier attorney on your side.
An Overview of the Key Factors that Impact a Motorcycle Accident Payout in Georgia
Knowing that there is no true “average” payout in a motorcycle accident claim—anything from five figures to six figures to even seven figures is within the normal range—it is crucial that you understand the factors that could impact the total value of your case. Here are three of the most important factors that impact how much a motorcycle accident claim is worth in Georgia:
- Liability: Georgia is an at-fault motorcycle accident claim. Your payout will depend, in part, on your ability to establish liability (fault). To secure the greatest possible insurance settlement or trial verdict, you must establish liability. If you are found responsible for the accident, it could significantly reduce or even eliminate your chances of receiving a payout. Notably, Georgia follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule for motorcycle accident claims. If you are less than 50 percent at fault, you can still get compensation, but your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. What happens if you are found to be 50 percent or more at fault for a crash? You could be denied any compensation.
- Damages: Damages are another key factor in a motorcycle accident claim in Georgia. With a very narrow exception for punitive damages—which can only be awarded in a small number of cases—a payout for a motorcycle accident is designed to be compensatory in nature. In other words, your payout is consistent with the actual losses you suffered because of the accident. These are split into two categories: economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are measurable costs like medical bills, lost wages, and motorcycle repairs. Non-economic damages are more about the personal impact, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Insurance: Finally, insurance coverage can have a significant impact on your payout. Why? There are a few key reasons. Georgia law requires all motor vehicle operators, including motorcyclists, to have liability insurance. The coverage matters. Notably, insurance companies want to pay out as little as possible to victims and their families. Your ability to navigate the motorcycle accident claims process will determine how much you can recover as a payout. Do not agree to settle your claim for less.
To maximize your motorcycle accident compensation, it is vital that you have an experienced attorney on your side. The right lawyer can make the difference. You may be entitled to recover financial compensation for motorcycle repairs, medical bills, lost wages or loss of future income, pain and suffering, and other non-economic damages.
Get Help From Our Roswell, GA Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
At Lawbike Motorcycle Injury Lawyers, we exclusively handle motorcycle accident claims. It is our mission to help you secure the absolute maximum financial support. If you have any questions about the value of your motorcycle accident injury claim, we can help. Call us at 1-866-529-2453 or connect with us online for a no-cost, no-obligation case review. From our Roswell law office and our Atlanta law office, we are passionate advocates for motorcycle crash victims throughout Georgia.