After an accident, you might be facing a long recovery and medical bills. Even if the other driver was entirely at fault, gathering all the information about medical bills and other expenses you need to file a claim for damages could be challenging.
In addition, many insurance policies have a set amount for each injury or accident. Once that threshold is reached, no further compensation is provided.
It's essential to understand what damages are available to motorcycle accident victims in Tampa so that you can make informed decisions about your case if you are injured in such a crash.
With the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney, recovering from a motorcycle crash can be much easier than going it alone.
Basics of Motorcycle Accident Law
Damages in personal injury cases are intended to compensate victims for their losses. There are two types of damages -- actual and statutory. Actual damages are easily quantifiable, such as medical expenses and lost wages.
Statutory damages, on the other hand, are meant to compensate the victim for things that are harder to quantify, such as pain and suffering. When a motorcycle accident results in injury, victims are entitled to all three types of damages.
When a motorcycle driver is at fault, they are responsible for covering all of the victim's injuries, regardless of whether they have insurance. Tampa motorcycle accident victims are entitled to compensation for a variety of injuries, including:
Stated Damages
Stated damages are the costs associated with your injuries and health issues. These include medical bills, missed work, and loss of future earning capacity. You might also be entitled to stated damages if you were involved in a motorcycle accident.
These are damages that insurance companies usually pay out on accident claims, even if they are not the party responsible. These damages are related to the accident and injuries but do not have a direct cost association.
Examples of stated damages include the cost of the emergency response, towing, and motorcycle repair. Said injuries are simple to document. You must submit an itemized list of expenses, including documentation such as receipts or medical bills.
Your insurance company will then attempt to pay them. You'll want to talk to an attorney about your rights if they can't.
Actual Damages
Actual damages are the costs associated with your injuries and health issues. These include medical bills, missed work, and loss of future earning capacity. You may also be entitled to actual damages if you were involved in a motorcycle accident.
These are damages that insurance companies usually pay out on accident claims, even if they are not the party responsible. These damages are related to the accident and injuries but do not have a direct cost association.
Examples of actual damages include the cost of the emergency response, towing, and motorcycle repair. Actual damages can be complicated to document. You'll need to provide a detailed account of the accident, your injuries, and the costs you've incurred due to the accident.
Your doctor will likely be helpful, as will your loved ones. These individuals can help you track medical bills and missed work. You'll also want to keep a written account of every dollar spent. This record can serve as documentation for your claim.
General Damages
General damages are non-economic losses arising from a motorcycle accident. These include loss of consortium (relationship with a spouse), loss of enjoyment of life, pain and suffering, and the cost of hiring domestic services.
You may also be entitled to general damages if you were injured in a motorcycle accident. These are damages that insurance companies usually pay out on accident claims, even if they are not the party responsible.
These damages are related to the accident and injuries but do not have a direct cost association. General damages can be complicated to document. You'll need to provide a detailed account of the accident, your injuries, and their impact on your life.
This can be challenging to do with others. It's helpful to talk with a counselor. They can help you better understand how the accident has impacted you, as well as how to explain it to an insurance adjuster or judge.
You'll also want to keep a written account of the accident and your injuries. This record can serve as documentation for your claim.
Special Damages
Special damages are those that are unique to motorcycle accidents. These include the cost of repairing or replacing equipment damaged in the accident and the cost of replacing or repairing custom modifications or aftermarket parts.
You may also be entitled to special damages if you were injured in a motorcycle accident. These are damages that insurance companies usually pay out on accident claims, even if they are not the party responsible.
These damages are related to the accident and injuries but do not have a direct cost association. Special damages can be complicated to document. You'll need to provide a detailed account of the accident, your injuries, and the cost of repairs.
This can be challenging to do with others. It's helpful to talk with a mechanic. They can help you better understand the prices and how to explain them to an insurance adjuster or judge.
You'll also want to keep a written account of the accident and your injuries. This record can serve as documentation for your claim.
Loss of Earning Capacity
Loss of earning capacity is one of the most common damages sought after a motorcycle accident. This is the amount of money a victim would have made had they not been injured in the accident.
People who've been seriously injured often find that their work is no longer feasible. In this case, the victim is entitled to compensation for the difference between what they were making and what they could earn.
This loss of earning capacity is a complex type of damage to calculate. It requires hiring a professional economist to analyze your work history, education, and skills.
Hiring an economist as soon as possible is essential, as they can only work with up-to-date information. The longer you wait, the less accurate their findings will be.
How to Find a Good Lawyer
You have a few options when it comes time to find a lawyer. First, ask your loved ones if they have any recommendations. You should consider searching online for motorcycle accident lawyers in Tampa if they still need to.
Here, it would be best to look for a few key factors. Looking for a law firm with a high rating and positive reviews would be best. You'll also want to find a law firm with a history of success in motorcycle accident litigation.
With this information, you can start your search for a lawyer. Consider your budget and timeframe.
Finally, talk to at least two or three lawyers. Ask them about their experience and their approach to the case. You want to make sure that you feel comfortable working with them.
Call Ryan T. Hughes Law To Get The Legal Help You Deserve
You must act quickly if you or someone you know is injured in a motorcycle accident.
The sooner you file a claim, the better. We're prepared to handle your case at the Ryan T. Hughes Law Firm.
Our attorneys have years of experience representing injured victims and are equipped to handle injury and death cases.
We understand how difficult it can be to recover from an accident, especially if you cannot work. We aim to help you get the compensation you deserve so that you can focus on your recovery.
