Average Motorcycle Accident Settlement Amount in California

Motorcycle accidents can range from minor incidents to catastrophic collisions. Regardless of the severity of an accident, victims who sustained injuries may have grounds to file a claim. This process typically involves working with an insurance provider to reach an agreement on how much you deserve to be compensated for your losses. If you’re considering pursuing a claim, it’s good to know more about the average motorcycle accident settlement amount in California.

Average Settlement Amount for a Motorcycle Accident in California

It’s difficult to estimate how much you may be awarded for a successful motorcycle accident because every case is so different. Your total settlement amount ultimately hinges on the evidence you can present to prove the other party’s fault and show the extent of your injuries.

A few factors can impact your settlement amount, including:

• Ability to cooperate with the at-fault party: After you file a claim, the next step is to enter negotiations with the at-fault party, or more likely, their insurance provider. Insurers are always trying to save money, so it’s important to understand how to negotiate with them.
• Insurance companies: In most cases, you can expect to work with the at-fault party’s insurance provider to negotiate a settlement. If the at-fault party is uninsured or underinsured, however, your own insurance may cover the damages instead.
• Negotiations vs. litigation: If negotiations are unsuccessful and you cannot reach a settlement agreement, you can file your claim with the San Bernardino Superior Court. A motorcycle accident lawyer can handle both negotiations and litigation for your case.
• The severity of the incident: Insurers and courts can take several factors into consideration when calculating your settlement, including things like loss of wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, and property damage. The extent of the impact the accident had on your life affects how much you may be awarded.

Calculating Pain and Suffering in a Motorcycle Accident in California

When you file a motorcycle accident claim, you’re eligible to recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include any exact financial losses from an accident, such as loss of income, medical bills, and property damages. Understanding the causes of motorcycle accidents, such as driver negligence, hazardous road conditions, or vehicle defects, can also play a crucial role in determining liability and the compensation you may receive.

Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are a bit more ambiguous. Instead of randomly assigning a dollar amount to the amount of pain and suffering a person endures, California utilizes a couple of different methods to calculate the right amount.

Two Methods

There are two main methods insurance companies or courts may use to determine a value for pain and suffering: the per diem method and the multiplier method. The multiplier method is the more common of the two and involves adding up your economic losses and multiplying them by a rate based on the severity of the accident.

The per diem method involves coming up with a daily dollar amount that a person is reasonably owed for their injuries and determining how long to pay them that amount. To come up with an actual amount, insurers or courts consider things like the nature and extent of the injuries, the length of time it takes you to recover, and your total loss of income due to the accident.

A Look at Motorcycle Accidents in California

California has the highest number of registered motorcycles compared to other states. As of 2023, there were about 936,809 motorcycles registered in the state. That’s why it’s hardly surprising that the state has among the highest reported numbers of motorcycle injuries and fatalities.

Motorcycle fatalities in California increased by 3.8 percent between 2021 and 2022. In 2022, motorcyclists made up 14 percent of motor vehicle fatalities. Alcohol impairment was involved in approximately 1.3 percent of those fatal motorcycle crashes.

Even without the involvement of alcohol, operating a motorcycle in California comes with its fair share of risks. Our job at Belgum, Fry & Van Allen is to help the victims involved in accidents, hold the accountable party responsible, and recover damages for their losses.

FAQs

Q: What Can I Do Right After a Motorcycle Accident to Help My Case in California?

A: It’s expected to be frazzled and overwhelmed after a motorcycle accident in California, but it can be highly beneficial to gather as much evidence and information from the scene as possible. Keep this for your records. You should then seek immediate medical attention in case you suffered serious injuries. Finally, you should engage an experienced lawyer.

Q: Do I Have to Work With a California Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

A: After a motorcycle accident, you do not have to work with an attorney. While you have the right to represent yourself in a motorcycle accident case, it can be challenging to take care of everything on your own. That’s why it’s highly recommended that you do work with a California motorcycle accident lawyer, even if it’s not required.

Q: How Much Is the Average Motorcycle Accident Settlement in California?

A: Your total settlement amount can depend on many factors, including the severity of the accident and whether or not both parties share fault in the incident. As a pure comparative fault state, California law allows accident victims to recover damages even if they’re mostly at fault for the incident. However, you can expect your settlement amount to be reduced by your percentage of fault if that’s the case.

Q: What Factors in a Motorcycle Accident in California Can Potentially Increase My Compensation?

A: When it comes to determining your settlement value after a motorcycle accident, insurers and courts look at your injuries and the impact the incident has had on you. Things that make your recovery time longer or that significantly increase your overall pain can typically boost the value of your potential settlement offer.

This can include more serious personal injuries such as amputations, burns, disfigurement, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and wrongful death cases.

Reach Out to a California Motorcycle Accident Lawyer to Discuss Your Case in More Detail

Motorcycle accidents can often be more serious than a standard vehicle collision, which is why our team at Belgum, Fry & Van Allen is dedicated to helping our clients hold the right parties accountable and receive the compensation they deserve.

Whether you need a small piece of legal advice or you’re seeking full-service legal representation, we’ve got you covered. Call our office to set up an appointment with our team today.