How Much is My Motorcycle Accident Injury Claim Worth in SF

Two different factors must be considered while ascertaining a settlement claim for a motorcycle accident injury, i.e., economic and non-economic aspects. Economic factors or general damages include:

• Out-of-pocket expenses
• Ambulance costs
• Physical rehabilitation
• Home accommodations – Includes purchase or renting of medical equipment in case of permanent disability or injury. 
• Lost wages
• Counseling costs
• Paid-for medical expenses
• Future medical expenses for long-term recoveries
• Loss of valuables or other property damage
• Loss of capacity to earn
• Job loss
• Motorcycle repair costs, etc.

While the non-economic factors or special damages include:

• Pain and suffering
• Loss of companionship or consortium
• Disability
• Loss of quality of life
• Loss of hearing or eyesight
• Daily life disruptions
• Physical or emotional distress
• The degree of negligence of the other party
• Permanent injuries or disfigurement, such as loss of mobility, weakness, stiffness, scars, etc.

An expert personal injury lawyer carefully calculates all these aspects and more, collects all the necessary proofs and documents, factors in all the primary and secondary receivables, and makes a case for you to get a good compensation package. Usually, the insurance adjusters move up the chain with their settlement offer as soon as they see you have a credible personal injury attorney by your side and an itemized list of damages. But, if the offer is still not up to the mark, your lawyer will advise you not to accept it and go for the litigation process to make a case in court for a fair amount.

Remember, knowing the factors taken into consideration while calculating a settlement amount is one thing, and evaluating and ascertaining it is another. Personal injury attorneys are trained, specialized, experienced, and expert individuals who know the intricacies and the ins and outs of motorcycle injuries. They can help you make a strong case that demands an excellent monetary value to compensate for your damages. Each case is unique, and missing out on a single detail can make you receive less than what you deserve, and adding something that is not credible can make your case weaker.

How are Injury Claims Calculated?

During motorcycle accidents, the injuries people get inflicted with are most often the most significant component of the total settlement package. With the medical service costs increasing every year, even minor injuries can result in substantial medical bills. The amount of your injury claim pertains to the costs and losses you endured because of the accident. The diagnostic bills, therapies, treatment, medication, loss of wages due to the treatment, long-term recovery costs, etc., and much more are processed to assess the value of an injury claim. The common types of injuries from motorcycle accidents in San Francisco, California are: 

• Head injuries
• Bone fractures
• Leg injuries
• Road rash
• Muscle damage
• Biker’s arm
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal injuries
• Lower-extremity injuries
• Thorax injuries, etc.

Driving a car is not as complicated and risky as driving a motorcycle. The body of the individual being exposed makes it more vulnerable to more extensive injuries. There are over 8 million motorcycles registered in the United States, and 975 out of every 100,000 of them are involved in an injury-afflicting accident each year. If you own a motorcycle, you should keep an excellent personal injury attorney’s contact in your phone at all times.

Type of Insurance Coverage I Should Have For My Motorcycle

Some people do not purchase motorcycle insurance, and some buy just enough to comply with the law. However, motorcycle insurance is crucial as it covers both you and your motorcycle in case of an accident. Some people think their auto insurance policy covers their motorcycle accidents as well, which is a misconception. Not having adequate motorcycle insurance can harm your motorcycle injuries claims.

Here are the different types of motorcycle insurance you can purchase:

Liability Insurance

In San Francisco, California, you are required by law to have at least $15,000 worth of liability insurance if you own a motorcycle. This type of insurance pays for any damage you cause to either public property, persons, or persons’ property. If you skip getting this insurance, you will pay for the damages you cause yourself; you need to know Prop 213 of California law. It states that you forfeit the majority of your claims if you do not have motorcycle insurance. This can have dire and devastating impacts on you and your family in case of a severe accident. Therefore, this insurance is a must-have.

Comprehensive and Collision Insurance

Collision insurance covers your motorcycle if any accident occurs. It will repair or replace your motorcycle, regardless of whose fault the accident was. However, the deductible amount considers who was at fault, and you can claim that amount if it was the other party. 

Comprehensive insurance covers the damages that your motorcycle receives in cases other than accidents, such as natural disasters, vandalism, or theft. It is entirely up to you if you want to purchase these two insurances or not, unless you have financed your bike. In that case, your financing company will most likely require you to buy both comprehensive and collision insurances.

Under insured or Uninsured Coverage

Uninsured or Under insured coverage pays for your damages if the other at-fault party is not or inadequately insured and cannot pay for your claims. Many truck and car drivers in San Francisco, California, are driving around with only the state minimum insurance or no insurance at all. To prevent yourself from getting into a helpless situation after an accident where the other party is at fault, we recommend buying as much uninsured or under insured coverage as you reasonably can.