California sees its fair share of yearly motorcycle accidents. Most attorneys experienced with motorcycle accidents will tell you that motorcyclists are the most vulnerable vehicle operators. Thus, they often suffer the most severe personal injuries. Generally, severely injured people need more compensation for their recovery. This payday is necessary to cover their accident expenses.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle accident, or if you’re simply a motorcycle rider wanting to be prepared, contact a motorcycle accident attorney. When you first meet with them, they can let you know what legal options may be available to you.
Landmark Settlements and Verdict Amounts in California
There have been several landmark motorcycle accident cases in California. Each one is unique, but all have the same results; an injured driver is awarded compensation thanks to the diligence of sound legal counsel. Notable settlement amounts are listed below:
- One Settlement for $9,923,388 in 2015
- Three settlements for $1,400,000, $5,000,000, and $22,588,041 in 2016
- Four Settlements for $46,000,000, $12,500,000, $12,000,000, and $7,000,000 in 2018
- Two settlements for $21,496,420 and $4,000,000 in 2019
- Two settlements for $8,000,000 and $5,000,000 in 2020
- One settlement for $16,000,000 in 2022
Payout Averages for Motorcycle Accident Settlements in California
The averages for motorcycle accident settlements are spread out across several categories. The range of any given settlement payout usually depends on the type of injury suffered. Understanding the injuries and their average settlement ranges can help you be prepared should you ever find yourself fighting to win the compensation you deserve.
- Minor injuries, bruises, minor cuts, and sprains usually settle in the range of $3,000 and $10,000
- Moderate injuries, and broken bones requiring surgery or physical therapy can net settlements of $10,000 to $50,000.
- Severe injuries, severe head trauma, or spinal cord injuries usually require long-term medical care and are known to settle at $50,000 to $200,000+
- Wrongful death settlement amounts range from $250,000 to $1 million and up.
An Overview of California Motorcycle Accident Case Settlements
To grasp the reality of motorcycle accidents in California, one must examine several factors. These factors significantly influence the outcome of motorcycle accident claims. They are:
- The Extent of Injury- The worse injuries are, the higher compensation tends to be. The most seriously injured people need the most care.
- Insurance Policy Maximums- The policy ceiling for the at-fault party can influence payouts. Large settlements are less likely against low policy maximums.
- Liability- Liability factors greatly into settlements. The more at fault a driver is, the more likely their insurance company will need to cover the damages.
- Medical Bills- The price of required medical services can influence payouts.
- Additional Factors- Details related to lost wages, property damage, and miscellaneous expenses can affect settlement amounts.
