What Possible Damages Could I Receive After a Motorcycle Accident?

If you ride a motorcycle, you probably enjoy the excitement and thrill of hitting the open road on a warm summer day or while enjoying the crisp autumn air and beautiful foliage of North Carolina. The freedom of writing wherever the road takes you is an integral part of the lure of motorcycling. Unfortunately, riding a motorcycle is not always as glorious as it appears. Experienced motorcyclists understand the dangers inherent in motorcycle riding.

Even if you are an extremely careful motorcyclist who wears a helmet and other protective equipment, there is always a likelihood that a negligent driver could collide with you and cause significant injuries. As a motorcyclist, you are 28 times more likely to be involved in an accident while on a motorcycle than when driving in another vehicle, according to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in North Carolina, understanding the types of damages you could be entitled to through an insurance settlement or personal injury lawsuit is essential. If another driver, pedestrian, motorcyclist, or third party was responsible for causing your motorcycle accident, you could pursue financial compensation from that party.

Damages caused by a motorcycle accident can range from minor property damages on your motorcycle itself to significant medical expenses for bodily injuries. Generally, the more severe and long-lasting your injuries, the more compensation you may be entitled to receive.

The best way to estimate your claim's value is to speak to an experienced attorney. The attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, offer potential clients free case evaluations. We can discuss your case with you and help you better understand your legal rights and what types of damages you may be entitled to recover for your injuries.

Even if you were not injured in a motorcycle accident, or you only suffered mild injuries, you may have suffered property damage. You can pursue the cost of any damage to your motorcycle or other property through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.

The cost of your damages could be the price of replacing or repairing the damaged parts of your motorcycle. If your motorcycle is completely totaled, you can pursue compensation that will help you purchase a new bike. Depending on the extent of your property damage, your damages might include the following:

• Damage to your motorcycle
• Damage to any property you were carrying on your motorcycle, in your side bag, or on your person
• Damage to any protective gear you are wearing, such as your protector footwear, jacket, eyewear, gloves, or helmet
• Damage to the clothes you were wearing
• Damage from bodily injuries you suffered during the accident

For many individuals who were seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, medical expenses make up the bulk of their claim for compensation. If you have been seriously injured, you may pursue damages for any and all associated costs. Motorcyclists do not have the same type of exterior protection as those in passenger vehicles.

As a result, serious injuries like traumatic brain damage, spinal cord damage, severe road rash, and bone fractures are more likely for motorists to suffer. Treating these injuries can be extremely costly, sometimes costing hundreds of thousands of dollars or over $1 million. You can pursue the following costs of treating your injuries:

• Any necessary ambulance service at the accident scene
• An initial medical examination after you are taken to the hospital
• Diagnostic tests, such as MRIs, CAT scans, x-rays, and bloodwork
• Any treatment you need in the hospital, including surgeries
• Hospital stays and stays and rehabilitation facilities
• Any other medical expenses, including your doctors' fees and the cost of medicine 

Recovering from a severe injury can have negative consequences on a person's mental and emotional health. You can recover from the pain and suffering you have experienced as a result of your injuries or continued disability. You can also seek damages for the loss of your quality of life. Working with an attorney to prove and value your pain and suffering damages is important.

If you have suffered injuries from a motorcycle accident in North Carolina, it is crucial that you reach out to an attorney as soon as possible. You only have a limited amount of time to file a personal injury claim for compensation. Contact the skilled personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, today to schedule your free case evaluation and learn more about your rights.