Being injured in a motorcycle accident can be frightening. There are economic damages, such as motorcycle repairs, medical bills, and lost wages if you lose work. There are also noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering and loss of quality of life, especially if the injuries are serious. If damages occur, victims are likely entitled to compensation. The average motorcycle accident settlement in Las Vegas depends on the damages that occurred during the accident.
Motorcycle accidents happen for a number of reasons. All these reasons are taken into consideration when a settlement is being negotiated. In Las Vegas, the settlement amount can range from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the severity of the accident and other details of the incident. According to Jury Verdict Research, the average national motorcycle settlement between the years of 1999 and 2006 was around $73,700. Current averages can be expected to be higher.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Riding a motorcycle carries a greater risk of accident and injury than most other road vehicles, so it is important that everyone exercise a certain amount of safety when motorcyclists are present. Common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Motorcycle Collisions: Collisions are the most common cause of motorcycle accidents. One frequently seen type of accident that causes collisions is cars making left turns and striking motorcyclists, which can be caused by low visibility, driver distraction, or speeding. Other reasons for collisions include head-on collisions with another vehicle and the motorcyclist striking a stationary object, such as a pole or fire hydrant.
- Road Hazards: Because motorcycles are less stable than cars, it is imperative that motorcyclists pay close attention to road hazards, as they can be the cause of a severe accident. Some accident-causing road hazards include bumpy roads, slick pavement, puddles, railroad crossings, road debris, and gravel.
- Lane Splitting and Other Motorcyclist Behaviors: Lane splitting happens when a motorcycle rides in between lanes, particularly when traffic is congested. Other behaviors include alcohol usage, speeding, and not wearing a helmet.
Factors Involved in a Motorcycle Accident Settlement
A settlement is determined based on a number of factors pertaining to the accident. These include:
- The motorcyclist’s injuries: The extent of the injuries, as well as the amount of medical care needed to recover from the injuries, will be taken into consideration. The amount of time needed to recover will also be considered.
- Evidence: Evidence is very important. If you can support your claim that the other driver was at fault with persuasive evidence, you are more likely to receive a higher settlement.
- At Fault Determination: Nevada is a modified comparative negligence state. This means that you are allowed to recover financial damages from an accident as long as you are no more than 50% at fault for the accident.
- Insurance: Whether an accident settlement is settled in or out of court, insurance companies are still likely to contribute towards damages. If the other driver does not have insurance, you cannot collect from their insurance agency, but you can potentially recover damages from the driver in civil court.
Damages in a Motorcycle Accident Settlement
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, you could be entitled to compensation. The damages that you are given will depend largely on the effects the accident has on your life afterward.
- Medical Bills: One of the most common things that victims try to recover is their medical costs. Even with medical insurance, there will likely be some costs associated with follow-up medical care, even with minor injuries.
- Lost wages: Sometimes, a person’s injuries are severe enough that they cannot work, either temporarily or permanently. If the injuries are minor, it is likely that they may only miss a few days or weeks, but they can still be entitled to the wages lost during this time period.
- Future earning capacity: In extreme cases, such as accidents that cause paralysis, the injured person may never be able to return to the same job they did before the accident. To calculate this, a lawyer will hire an economic professional to present the calculated amount to either the insurance adjuster or the court.
- Non-economic damages: These include damages that cannot easily be declared by an obvious dollar amount, such as pain and suffering and loss of quality of life.
FAQs
Q: What Is the Average Personal Injury Settlement in Nevada?
A: The average personal injury settlement in Nevada is difficult to determine. Personal injuries cover a wide range of accidents. For instance, a slip-and-fall settlement will be significantly less than a wrongful death settlement. Settlements can range from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars, with the most extreme cases going up into the millions.
Q: What Types of Personal Injury Cases Have the Largest Settlements?
A: The types of personal injuries that often have the largest settlements are the more severe injuries, such as amputations, severe burns, traumatic brain injuries, and neck injuries. In most instances, the more severe the injury, the larger the payout will be. The exact payout will be determined based on additional factors, such as any treatment needed and the effects the injury has on the victim’s quality of life.
Q: What Is the Average Payout for a Motorcycle Accident in Nevada?
A: The average payout for a motorcycle accident in Nevada varies depending on the details of the accident. Relevant details include the extent of the harmed person’s injuries, the cost of medical care, lost wages, and loss of future earnings. Non-economic damages can also be taken into consideration, such as pain and suffering and loss of quality of life.
Q: Do 80% of Motorcycle Accidents Result in Death?
A: More than 80% of motorcycle accidents result in injury or death to the motorcyclist. The most common cause of death is head injuries. This is why wearing a helmet is so important while riding a motorcycle. Helmets have been known to significantly reduce the risk of injury and death in motorcycle accidents.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Creating a plan for recovering the compensation you are owed can be difficult, especially if you are trying to emotionally and physically recover from the accident. Easton & Easton can be the resource you need to handle the case while you focus on handling your recovery. Contact us today for more information.