Motorcycle accidents in Washington State can leave you facing serious, potentially life-threatening injuries. When reckless behavior on the part of others is to blame, you have the right to seek compensation. Washington Injury Law provides trusted legal representation to clients in these cases, and one of the most common questions asked is, “What is the average payout for a motorcycle accident?”
There is no one answer, as each case is different, and the amount you are entitled to depends on the severity of injuries, liability, and other factors. As a former prosecutor with years of experience and a proven history of securing six- and seven-figure settlements, our Seattle motorcycle accident lawyer fights to get clients the maximum amount they need to cover their losses. She explains more about the average compensation for WA motorcycle accidents and how to protect your rights in a claim.
Motorcycle Accidents in WA: Your Rights To Compensation
The Washington Traffic Safety Commission reports that over 100 people are killed each year due to motorcycle accidents in WA, while hundreds of other victims suffer potentially disabling harm.
Common types of motorcycle accident injuries for which you may be entitled to compensation include:
- Road Rash: Severe abrasions from sliding across the pavement can cause infections and permanent scarring.
- Broken Bones: Complex fractures to arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones are common due to the force of impact.
- Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma can damage body organs and may result in internal bleeding, which can be life-threatening.
- Lower Extremity Injuries: Injuries to the legs, knees, and feet are common, often resulting in long-term mobility issues.
- Head and Brain Injuries: Even when wearing a helmet, riders are at risk of concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Impacts on the spinal cord or column may cause partial or complete paralysis, impacting quality of life.
When these or other serious motorcycle accident injuries in Washington State happen, it can jeopardize your health and ability to work for a long after. If another driver is to blame, you can hold them liable. The average settlement for motorcycle accident injuries in WA generally covers all current medical bills, lost income, and projected future losses.
Compensation for Motorcycle Accidents In Washington State
Under the Washington Revised Code, compensation in injury claims is referred to as damages.
Average compensation for motorcycle accidents in WA will generally include a combination of:
- Economic Damages: This covers all hospital bills, physical therapy, and other medical costs, as well as the damage to your motorcycle and lost earnings while you recover. Economic damages also cover future expenses, including reduced income due to any long-term disabilities.
- Non-Economic Damages: In an average motorcycle settlement in WA, compensation is available for your physical pain, emotional suffering, any lasting scarring or disfigurement, reduced quality of life, and loss of consortium, which compensates for the impact on relationships with your spouse or family.
- Punitive Damages: An additional amount we can push for in certain types of motorcycle accident claims, it punishes the at-fault driver for gross negligence and intentional misconduct (such as drunk driving).
These are the average types of compensation awarded in motorcycle accident settlements in WA.
Discuss your case with our Washington State motorcycle accident lawyer to determine the exact amount to which you may be entitled.
What Is The Average Payout For A Motorcycle Accident In Washington State?
Based on reports from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcycle accidents impact thousands of people throughout the country each year and result in nearly $10 billion in losses. What is the average payout for a Washington State motorcycle accident?
Each case is as different as the individual victims involved, so there is no average settlement for a motorcycle accident in WA. The amount awarded typically factors in all of the circumstances involved, which include:
- The severity of injuries suffered: The more serious your injuries, the higher your potential settlement.
- Your estimated recovery time: Longer recovery periods often lead to higher settlements due to increased medical costs and lost wages.
- Your prognosis for recovery and long-term impairments: Depending on your doctor’s prognosis and any permanent or long-term disabilities, the average motorcycle accident settlement in WA may include compensation for future medical care, lost earnings, and reduced quality of life.
- Negligence by the at-fault driver: The greater their negligence, the more compensation you may be entitled to in your claim.
Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident to Maximize Your Settlement
If you get injured in a motorcycle accident in Washington State, taking the following steps can help to protect your rights and increase the amount of your settlement:
- Report the Accident Immediately: Call 911. The officer at the scene will complete a formal accident report. Be sure to get a copy.
- Gather Evidence: If possible, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage and get contact information for witnesses.
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health takes top priority. Get medical care immediately and follow all of your doctor’s instructions.
- Avoid Making Statements To Insurers: Insurance companies use anything you say against you to reduce or deny your claim. Before speaking to them, signing any documents, or accepting a settlement, contact our experienced Washington State motorcycle accident lawyer first.
To Get The Maximum Amount You Are Entitled To, Contact Our Washington State Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
The average compensation for motorcycle accidents in WA depends on how it happened, who was at fault, and the harm you suffered. While there is no average payout, you can count on Washington Injury Law to fight for the maximum amount you need to recover.
As a former prosecutor, our Seattle motorcycle accident lawyer has extensive experience and a proven track record of getting clients six- and seven-figure settlements. To get the compensation you are entitled to, contact our office and request a consultation at Washington Injury Law today.