If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you might be wondering what your injury claim is really worth. You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of motorcyclists are hurt in crashes, and most of them face an uphill battle when trying to recover compensation. Insurance companies often count on you not knowing your rights or the true value of your claim.
Before you sign anything or accept a settlement offer, it’s essential to understand the factors that determine the value of a motorcycle injury claim and why hiring a motorcycle accident attorney could be the smartest move you make.
Why Motorcycle Accident Claims Are Different
Unlike car accidents, motorcycle crashes often lead to more severe injuries. Without the protection of a steel frame, airbags, or seat belts, motorcyclists are more vulnerable to head trauma, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and road rash. The emotional toll can be just as severe, from PTSD and anxiety to long-term physical rehabilitation.
That’s why your motorcycle accident claim needs to reflect not just your current medical bills, but the full picture of your injuries and losses.
What Goes Into the Value of a Motorcycle Injury Claim?
Several factors determine how much your motorcycle accident case might be worth:
1. Medical Expenses (Past and Future)
This includes emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, medications, and any future care you may require. If your injuries are permanent or require ongoing treatment, this can dramatically increase the value of your claim.
2. Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity
If you’ve missed work due to your injuries, you’re entitled to recover those lost wages. If your ability to work has been permanently reduced, that loss of future earning power must also be factored into your claim.
3. Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering are subjective, but very real. It includes both physical pain and emotional distress. Illinois law recognizes this, and these damages can be significant, especially for serious injuries that affect your quality of life.
4. Disfigurement and Disability
Motorcycle crashes can cause scarring, amputations, or paralysis. These life-altering effects can be compensable under Illinois law.
5. Property Damage
Don’t forget the value of your motorcycle itself, gear, helmet, and other damaged property.
6. Comparative Fault
Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you’re found to be partially at fault for the accident, your compensation can be reduced. But if you’re 50% or less at fault, you can still recover. A skilled motorcycle accident attorney can help ensure fault is assigned fairly.
The Insurance Company’s Game: Settle Fast, Pay Less
Insurance companies are not on your side. Their goal is to minimize payouts and close cases quickly. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you might be approached with a quick settlement offer. It may sound tempting, especially if medical bills are piling up and you’re out of work.
But here’s the truth: those first offers are almost always lowball offers. They’re hoping you don’t yet know the full extent of your injuries or the long-term consequences. Once you accept, you give up your right to seek more compensation, even if your condition worsens.
Why You Need a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Studies show that injured victims who hire an attorney receive significantly more compensation, sometimes over three times more, than those who handle claims alone. A motorcycle accident lawyer can:
- Calculate the real value of your claim based on all damages
- Handle negotiations with insurance companies
- Gather and preserve evidence (e.g., medical records, police reports, crash scene photos)
- Identify all potentially liable parties (e.g., other drivers, municipalities, manufacturers)
- File a lawsuit if the insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases, including motorcycle accidents, is two years from the date of the crash. But the longer you wait, the harder it becomes to gather critical evidence and eyewitness testimony.
Don’t Sell Yourself Short
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t make the mistake of settling too soon. You only get one chance to recover what you’re owed. A motorcycle injury can impact your health, your career, and your future, and your claim should reflect that.
Get a free consultation with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney before you talk to the insurance adjuster. Knowing your rights is the first step toward getting the compensation you truly deserve.
Contact the attorneys at Fabbrini Law Group today. We’ll fight for the full value of your claim so you can focus on healing.