When a motorcycle is involved in an accident with passenger vehicles or commercial trucks, the results can be absolutely devastating. Motorcyclists who survive such accidents can see their entire lives changed in a matter of seconds—one second they’re cruising down the open road, and the next, they’re struggling to get out from under an enormous amount of medical debt, facing a long and grueling recovery, and wondering if life will ever be as it was before the crash.
While filing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit against the negligent driver who caused the crash can’t heal a victim body and soul, compensation that can come from such a claim or suit can help pay for medical care and alleviate other financial concerns. The damages that a motorcycle accident victim can seek can be divided into two categories: special damages and general damages.
Special Damages in Motorcycle Cases
Special damages, also known as economic damages, are those that financially compensate a victim for out-of-pocket expenses incurred as a result of the accident. Special damages can include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Motorcycle repair or replacement expenses
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from working
- Loss of irreplaceable or priceless items
General Damages in Motorcycle Cases
General, or non-economic, damages compensate victims for non-monetary losses related to the motorcycle accident. These types of damages often make up the largest part of a personal injury claim or lawsuit. Examples of general damages include:
- Past and future pain and suffering
- Emotional distress or mental anguish
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Physical impairment
- Lowered quality of life
Also, people who lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident caused by another person’s negligence may be able to claim additional damages under the Wrongful Death Statutes, such as:
- Grief
- Loss of love and companionship
- Loss of household and personal services
- Burial and funeral expenses
Were You Injured in a Motorcycle Accident?
If you were injured, or lost a loved one, in a motorcycle accident, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit to seek compensation for both special and general damages. Taking legal action against a negligent driver can seem intimidating, but having a knowledgeable lawyer by your side can help. Not only do seasoned personal injury lawyers understand the ins and outs of the civil court system, they also know exactly which special and general damages to demand on your behalf.
Contact our motorcycle accident attorneys at Sevenish Law today to schedule an appointment for a free initial consultation to discuss the details of your motorcycle accident or wrongful death case.
You can also download a free ebook, “Indiana Motorcyclist Guide: Protecting The Biker 101”. This free resources provides valuable information to help keep riders safe as well as detailing what you can do if you were injured in an accident.
