Motorcycle Accident Settlements in Florida

How Do You Get the Best Settlement for Motorcycle Accidents Possible?

In order to achieve the winning motorcycle accident settlement you deserve, you need to help of an experienced attorney with a proven track record of winning these types of cases.

According to the Center For Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) at the University of South Florida, during the past five years, only about 2% of all Florida traffic crashes involved a motorcycle. Despite these low figures, motorcycles continue to be involved in a disproportionate number of fatal crashes, with motorcycle fatalities representing nearly 17% of all traffic crash deaths in Florida during the most recent five-year period.

Just about every motorcycle accident involves some type of injury, many of which can be life-changing. When faced with debilitating injuries, accident victims often face an uphill battle getting the compensation they deserve – in the form of a favorable motorcycle accident settlement.

To obtain the optimal settlement for your motorcycle accident case, it’s best to speak with one of our attorneys about the specifics of your particular crash. With 30+ years of combined experience and millions of dollars recovered annually for our clients, our experienced team of lawyers is here to get you the best possible motorcycle accident settlement.

If you are in need of a motorcycle accident lawyer near you, call us today at (855) 408-5100, our team is here to help motorcycle accident victims throughout Florida – contact any of our offices in Largo, Tampa, or Sebring today.

What’s the Average Motorcycle Accident Settlement in Florida?

A motorcycle accident settlement varies from case to case since there are so many factors that are weighed when either a jury or the insurance company makes their final decision. The amount of insurance benefits available to victims really depends on the assets of the insured person who caused the accident. In some cases, the final settlement may not be higher than the liability limit of the insured’s policy.

If the person who is determined to be at fault for the accident has few material assets, their lawyer many times will advise them to accept a settlement that is equal to the coverage of their insurance policy.
It’s important to understand that defining an “average motorcycle accident settlement” is almost impossible – because there is no such thing.

For example, we could quote some arbitrary statistic saying that the average settlement for motorcycle accidents between 1999 and 2006 was $73,700. But, since the majority of accident cases settle before even going to court, the true amount of an average settlement is a moving target.

How Are Settlement Amounts for Motorcycle Accidents Near Me Calculated?

Remember, although Florida is considered a no-fault state for cars & trucks – meaning they must have personal injury protection or “PIP” coverage – the same is not true of motorcycles.

Motorcycle insurance coverage can vary a great deal from one rider to another. When an insurance claim is not enough to cover damages you’ve incurred following an accident, it may be necessary for you to file a lawsuit to seek compensation for those damages.

A settlement for a motorcycle accident can be reached at any time, going to court is not a certainty. Settlements represent an official agreement that is valued by an agreed-upon amount of money paid in order to bring an end to a dispute or conflict.

Another difference affecting settlement amounts in motorcycle accident cases is that riders do not have to show a permanent injury in order to be compensated for pain and suffering.

Determining the settlement value of a motorcycle accident claim involves calculating the following factors:

• The insurance policy of the at-fault driver
• Your insurance policy
• The severity of the damage to you & your motorcycle

As with insurance policies, the factors that cause a motorcycle accident vary greatly. Each accident has unique circumstances which ultimately determine the amount of any motorcycle accident settlement awarded.

Every accident case results in different payouts, the factors to calculate the settlements depend on the insurance policy specifics of the involved parties, in addition to the damages and injuries suffered as a result.

What Types of Damages Are Awarded in Settlements Motorcycle Accidents?

There are essentially two types of damages awarded in motorcycle accident cases:

• Special – otherwise known as economic damages
• Non-economic damages

Economic damages account for past, present, and future financial losses the victim has suffered as a result of the accident. These economic damages are typically based on the exact dollar amounts you have lost, or continue to be responsible for in the future as a result of your accident.

Economic damages can include:

• Permanent physical disability
• Loss of wages and/or employment
• Lost or diminished earning capacity
• Past, present, & future medical expenses
• Potential caregiver costs

Non-economic damages represent more subjective losses, like the emotional and physical pain, and the suffering or discomfort that all resulted from your accident. These damages cannot be as easily calculated, but still have monetary value based on similar cases.

Non-economic damages can include:

• Emotional distress, like depression or anxiety
• Loss of companionship
• Pain and suffering

What Factors Determine the Amount of a Motorcycle Accident Settlement?

As we mentioned earlier when discussing calculating damages, determining the value of those damages awarded in your accident claim is difficult without first learning the specifics of your case, and the individuals involved.

But there are a few important variables you should be aware of that can increase or decrease the value of a motorcycle accident settlement in the state of Florida.

Severity of Injuries

When compared to cars & trucks, motorcycle riders have minimal protection when an accident happens. The unique nature of injuries and property damage resulting from a motorcycle accident range from minor to severe – and everywhere in between.

In cases where serious injuries result (brain injuries, broken bones, loss of limbs…etc.), significant financial and personal losses are likely incurred on behalf of the victim during the period immediately following the accident through the recovery period. Conversely, accident cases involving little to no property damage and minimal injury (soft tissue injuries) may result in fewer damages paid by the insurance companies.

Determining Negligence

One of the first issues explained in any motorcycle accident case is proving negligence, or fault, on the part of the other party or parties involved. Showing negligence validates your claim and illustrates how the actions of the other driver are what caused the accident. If there is a question as to who is at fault, many times the unbiased testimony of an eyewitness can settle the issue. However, without the help of an experienced attorney, determining negligence can be difficult.

Impact Of Loss

One of the most important factors in establishing the settlement value of your motorcycle accident payout is by providing evidence to illustrate how seriously the accident has affected your lifestyle and/or your livelihood. A rider who is permanently disabled would certainly receive a higher settlement amount than another rider who only received minor soft-tissue injuries.

How Long Does Reaching a Settlement for Motorcycle Accidents Take?

The average motorcycle settlement can take a few months, but many complicated cases can take years to settle. Most of that time involved is spent by the insurance company lawyers investigating both parties’ claims about the accident in question.

Hiring an experienced motorcycle accident attorney will certainly help you achieve a higher settlement in a shorter time frame.

Recent Motorcycle Accident Settlements & Awards in Florida

Here is one of our recent motorcycle accident payouts we successfully argued to give you an idea of our results.

$757,000 Motorcycle Settlement

Our client suffered noncatastrophic injuries in a motorcycle accident. The insurer for the at-fault party made no pre-suit offers. Two months prior to trial, the insurer’s highest offer was $422,000. Shortly prior to trial, the insurer agreed to pay $757,000 to avoid trial, which our client accepted.

And also see our car accident settlement page and truck accident settlement page for more information.

See What Our Clients Say About The Cloud Law Firm

Rating: 5/5 

“Mia Cloud and her assistants were always there for any questions I had. They were professional, kind and attentive. I would recommend Mia to anyone who has gone through a car accident and needed help. They were thorough from day one. Any time I had questions Mia would actually call me personally to answer them. I appreciate everything they did for me. Would highly recommend!”

Amanda
Largo, FL

Rating: 5/5 

“I was referred to the Cloud Law Firm by my physician, whom worked them before. Mia and Chris Cloud were great to work with. They were understanding of my needs and provided me with all of my options. They had a vast knowledge of the law and navigating the procedures that needed to be taken. My case was resolved to my satisfaction and I highly recommend them. Their staff was always polite and courteous. If you call them or email, you WILL get a call back.”

Carolyn
Largo, FL

Rating: 5/5 

“Mia helped me settle my car accident that happened last year. In one year she was able to settle my case and help me take care of my medical bills while also allowing me to keep some money in my pocket. She did a great job and in a timely manner. I would highly recommend Cloud Law Firm to anyone in need of help.”

Vasillaq P.
Largo, FL
January 26, 2020

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