Motorcycle Accident Settlement Calculator

Anybody who has been involved in a motorcycle accident is going to want to know: ‘How much is my case worth?” There are a number of ways to get a good idea of what you can expect from a motorcycle accident settlement. The best way is to talk to a lawyer, but there is also something called a motorcycle accident settlement calculator that can give you a very rough idea of how much your case could potentially be worth. 

The motorcycle accident settlement calculator is simply an online tool that asks you a series of questions about your accident and then uses the answers to produce a possible range of numbers that you may be able to collect in your case. It is always better to speak with a lawyer directly; however, understanding how motorcycle accident settlements are determined will allow you to make the most informed decision when dealing with your case.

What Is a Motorcycle Accident Settlement Calculator?

A motorcycle accident settlement calculator is simply an online tool used to approximate the potential value of a motorcycle accident case. The majority of motorcycle accident settlement calculators will ask you a variety of questions about your accident such as:

• Medical bills (both past and future);
• Lost wages;
• Damage to your motorcycle.
• Pain and suffering;
• Permanent injuries/disfiguration;
• Other out-of-pocket expenses resulting from the accident.

Once you enter your responses to each question, the calculator will generate a probable range of settlement dollars. Keep in mind, these are simply estimates. Each motorcycle accident case is different, and the actual dollar amount awarded in a settlement is dependent upon a wide array of case-specific variables.

How Do Free Motorcycle Accident Settlement Calculators Work?

Free motorcycle accident settlement calculators use established formulas based on standard legal practices and/or industry standards. Most motorcycle accident settlement calculators operate under similar principles:

Economic Damages Calculation

Economic damages represent the tangible/quantifiable expenses that you have encountered as a result of your motorcycle accident, including:

• Emergency room and surgical treatments;
• Future treatment and associated medical costs;
• Lost wages due to time off from work;
• Loss of ability to earn money as a result of the accident;
• Cost of repairing/replacing your motorcycle;
• Travel expenses to visit doctors;
• And other similar expenses.

Each of these types of costs is easy to determine as they are supported by documentation such as medical bills, lost wage statements, etc.

Non-Economic Damages Calculation

Non-economic damages represent the non-tangible/subjective type of losses that you have experienced as a direct result of your motorcycle accident, such as:

• Pain and suffering;
• Mental anguish/emotional distress;
• Disruption in enjoying activities that you enjoyed prior to the accident;
• Permanently scarring or disfiguring;
• Loss of companionship (loss of relationship).

In order to determine a non-economic damages calculation, a calculator will take your economic damages and multiply them by a multiplier (typically a factor of 1.5-5) based on the degree of injury that you sustained. More severe/permanent injuries will generally result in larger multipliers.

Realistic Motorcycle Accident Settlement Calculator: Expectations vs. Reality

When looking for a realistic motorcycle accident settlement calculator, it is essential to realize that these tools are meant to provide you with an estimate of the potential value of your motorcycle accident case. They are never a guarantee of the actual compensation you will receive. Here are some reasons why:

Factors That Can Reduce the Accuracy of a Settlement Estimate

Policy Limits: If the at-fault party has limited insurance coverage, your potential settlement may be capped at the at-fault party’s policy limits, regardless of the severity of your damages.

Comparative Fault: If you are found to be partially at fault for the motorcycle accident, your settlement amount will be reduced in accordance with the percentage of fault attributed to you. For example, if you are deemed to be 20 percent at fault for the accident, your settlement amount would be reduced by 20 percent.

Evidence of Liability: Cases with clear liability and substantial supporting evidence (i.e., police reports, witness statements, videotape, etc.) typically result in higher settlements.

Location/Jurisdiction: Compensation values vary greatly depending on where you live. Urban areas and states with high population densities tend to have higher average settlement amounts than rural areas.

Experience of Legal Counsel: Experienced motorcycle accident attorneys are capable of securing settlements that are 3-4 times greater than those received by unrepresented individuals.

Average Motorcycle Accident Settlement Amounts

While each case is different, having a general idea of the typical settlement amounts for various degrees of injury can help you establish realistic expectations:

• Sprains/Fractures: $5,000-$25,000
• Broken Bones/Concussion: $25,000-$100,000
• Spinal/Cerebral Injury: $100,000-$500,000
• Paralyzing/Amputating Injury: $500,000-$Millions

Again, these are general estimates, and your individual settlement will be strictly dependent on your own unique situation.

Motorcycle Accident Settlement Calculator Located Near Illinois

If you’re searching for a motorcycle accident settlement calculator located near Illinois, you’ll want to keep in mind the following Illinois-specific considerations that may affect your case:

Illinois-Specific Considerations

Modified Comparative Negligence: In Illinois, cases are governed by modified comparative negligence. To prevail in your case, you must be less than 51 percent at fault. If you are 50 percent or more at fault, you cannot recover damages. Additionally, the percentage of fault attributed to you will reduce your overall recovery accordingly.

Statute of Limitations: Typically, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Illinois. Failure to do so may mean that you lose your right to collect damages.

At-Fault Insurance: Illinois is an at-fault state for motorcycle accidents. Therefore, the at-fault party’s insurance will pay for the damages you suffer. This is in contrast to no-fault states, where the injured party’s own insurance pays regardless of who was at fault.

Helmet Laws: Motorcyclists in Illinois are not required to wear helmets; however, if you failed to wear a helmet and it contributed to your injuries, it may impact your settlement.
Working with Local Attorneys

Local Illinois motorcycle accident lawyers understand the specific laws, judicial precedent, and insurance company practices in the area. As such, they are far more likely to provide you with a reasonable settlement estimate than an online calculator that does not account for local jury awards/settlement patterns.

PTSD Settlement Calculator: Taking Account of Mental Health Injuries

Many motorcycle accident victims experience significant psychological trauma. A PTSD settlement calculator can help you to estimate the compensation you may be eligible for regarding your mental health injuries, which are commonly overlooked but are just as devastating as physical injuries.

Recognizing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Following a Motorcycle Accident

PTSD is extremely common among motorcycle accident victims. Common symptoms include:

• Flashbacks/intrusive memories of the accident;
• Nightmares/sleep disturbances;
• Avoiding motorcycles/driving;
• Hypervigilance/exaggerated startle response;
• Anxiety/depression/mood changes;
• Difficulty concentrating.

Determining PTSD Damages

To document PTSD and to establish the proper level of compensation for your mental health injuries, you will need to:

• Documentation of diagnosis from a licensed mental health professional (psychologist, psychiatrist, therapist);
• Document of treatment records/evidence of ongoing therapy/counseling/psychiatric medication;
• Testimony of a mental health professional as to the severity/prognosis of your mental health condition;
• Documentation of how PTSD affects your daily life/work/relationships/enjoyment of activities.

PTSD Settlement Ranges

PTSD settlement values vary based on the severity of the condition:

• Mild PTSD with temporary symptoms: $10,000-$50,000;
• Moderate PTSD with long-term symptoms: $50,000-$150,000;
• Severe PTSD with permanent disability: $150,000-$500,000+;
• Many motorcycle accident victims who develop PTSD also have physical injuries, which significantly increase the total settlement value of their claims.

Important Factors to Increase Your Settlement Value

To maximize your motorcycle accident settlement, please focus on the following key aspects:

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Regardless of whether or not you believe you were seriously injured, seek immediate medical attention after a motorcycle accident. Many injuries do not present themselves immediately, and medical records will provide a clear connection between the motorcycle accident and your injuries.

Follow All Treatment Recommendations

Go to all scheduled medical appointments and follow the recommendations of your healthcare providers. Insurance companies will attempt to use gaps in treatment to dispute the severity of your injuries.

Document Every Detail of Your Claim

Maintain a detailed record of:

• Medical bills/receipts;
• Lost wage statements provided by your employer;
• Photographs of your injuries and property damage;
• Daily symptom journal documenting your physical pain;
• Correspondence between you and the insurance companies.

Do Not Accept the First Offer

Typically, the first offer made by the insurance company is far lower than the amount of compensation to which you are entitled. The insurance companies hope that you will accept the initial offer in hopes of settling the matter quickly. Working with an attorney to negotiate on your behalf will almost always result in a significantly higher settlement than the initial offer.

Understand the Full Scope of Your Injuries

Before accepting a settlement, it is vital to understand the full scope of your injuries. Some injuries will require continuous treatment, and some will result in permanent limitations. Once you settle, you will not be able to pursue further compensation.

When to Hire a Lawyer to Represent You in a Motorcycle Accident Case

While a motorcycle accident settlement calculator provides a useful estimate of the potential value of your claim, a calculator cannot replace professional legal counsel. Please contact an attorney if:

• You have sustained serious or permanent injuries.
• Liability is contested.
• The insurance company has denied your claim or offered a settlement amount that you believe is inadequate.
• You are uncertain as to the true value of your claim.
• You are being pressured to settle your claim quickly.
• Your medical bills exceed the policy limits of the at-fault party.

Motorcycle Safety Lawyers work on a contingency basis. This means that we will only receive payment for their services if you win your case. Most initial consultations with attorneys are complimentary, providing you with an opportunity to assess your options and rights without any financial obligation.