The Short Answer:
There’s no universal average motorcycle accident settlement amount that applies to every case. In Maine, motorcycle accident settlements depend on several factors like injury severity, insurance coverage, and who was at fault. While minor injury claims may settle in the tens of thousands, cases involving severe injuries or permanent disability can reach 6 or even 7 figures.
In this guide, we’ll break down what influences motorcycle accident settlements in Maine, offer insight into possible settlement ranges, and explain how Lowry Law can help you fight for the full compensation you may be entitled to.
Key Takeaways
- Settlement values vary widely. Factors like medical costs, lost income, and the extent of your injuries all play a major role in determining your payout.
- You may be entitled to multiple types of damages. Motorcycle accident settlements often include compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and property damage.
- Legal representation can boost your results. A skilled motorcycle accident lawyer can identify all sources of compensation, build a strong case, and push back against unfair insurance tactics.
- Lowry Law fights for maximum compensation. We handle everything from investigation to litigation, so you can focus on recovery.
Table of Contents
- Factors That Affect Motorcycle Accident Settlement Amounts
- Examples of Motorcycle Accident Settlement Ranges
- Types of Compensation Available for a Motorcycle Accident in Maine
- Tips for Maximizing Your Motorcycle Accident Settlement
- Maximize Your Settlement With Lowry Law
- Don’t Settle for Less—Let Lowry Law Fight for You
Factors That Affect Motorcycle Accident Settlement Amounts
No two motorcycle crashes are the same and neither are their settlements. The value of your potential motorcycle accident compensation depends on a combination of factors, including:
Severity of Injuries
The more severe your injuries, the greater your motorcycle accident injury settlement is likely to be. Soft tissue injuries typically settle for less than broken bones, head trauma, or spinal damage. Permanent disability often results in the highest payouts.
Medical Expenses
Compensation should account for past, present, and future medical treatment. This includes surgeries, physical therapy, assistive devices, and long-term care.
Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity
If you’re unable to work, your settlement may include both lost income and diminished earning potential. This is especially relevant for younger victims or those in physically demanding careers.
Property Damage
Your motorcycle, gear, and any personal belongings damaged in the crash may also be factored into the settlement amount.
Pain and Suffering
Non-economic damages include emotional distress, trauma, and a reduced quality of life. These are harder to quantify but can make up a significant portion of a motorcycle accident settlement.
Insurance Coverage
In Maine, compensation is affected by the at-fault driver’s insurance policy and your own underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage. Identifying all sources of coverage is vital to pursuing a fair settlement for a motorcycle accident.
Fault and State Law
Maine follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you’re found to be 50% or more at fault, you may be barred from recovering damages. If you’re less than 50% at fault, your compensation will be reduced accordingly.
Legal Representation
Whether or not you have an experienced motorcycle accident attorney on your side can make a significant difference in your potential settlement. Without legal representation, you risk accepting a lower offer than you may deserve or missing out on compensation entirely.
Examples of Motorcycle Accident Settlement Ranges
Motorcycle accident settlements in Maine span a broad range, depending on the severity of injuries, level of fault, available insurance coverage, and more. Below are examples that illustrate how compensation amounts can vary:
- Minor Injuries: Cases involving soft tissue damage, road rash, or sprains may settle for a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars.
- Moderate Injuries: Broken bones, concussions, or injuries requiring extended treatment may lead to mid- to high 5-figure settlements.
- Severe Injuries: Accidents resulting in permanent disability, spinal cord injury, or traumatic brain injuries can result in 6- to 7-figure compensation.
Insurance companies may offer early settlements that undervalue your case. That’s why it’s important to understand the full extent of your injuries, long-term costs, and legal rights before agreeing to any offer. Working with a qualified attorney helps ensure your claim is thoroughly evaluated and you seek the full value of what you may be owed.
Types of Compensation Available for a Motorcycle Accident in Maine
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash, you may be entitled to several forms of compensation. These damages are typically divided into economic, non-economic, and sometimes punitive damages.
These are financial losses you can document with receipts, bills, or wage records:
- Medical Expenses: Hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and future care needs.
- Lost Wages: Income you’ve missed due to your injuries.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: Compensation for long-term or permanent disability that affects your ability to work.
- Property Damage: Repair or replacement costs for your motorcycle and any damaged personal items.
These cover the intangible ways your injuries have impacted your life:
- Pain and Suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress from the accident.
- Emotional Trauma: Anxiety, depression, PTSD, or loss of enjoyment of life.
- Loss of Companionship: If the injuries affect your relationship with a spouse or loved one.
- Scarring or Disfigurement: Especially relevant in motorcycle accidents involving severe road rash or facial injuries.
In rare cases where the at-fault party acted with extreme recklessness or malicious intent (such as drunk driving), courts may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.
Tips for Maximizing Your Motorcycle Accident Settlement
Securing the highest possible settlement after a motorcycle accident requires more than just filing paperwork. Strategic steps taken early on can strengthen your case and increase your potential compensation:
1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Even if your injuries seem minor, get checked out by a medical professional. Medical records serve as valuable evidence and ensure your injuries are properly documented from the start.
2. Follow Through With All Treatments
Stick to your treatment plan, attend all follow-up appointments, and avoid gaps in care. Insurance companies may use missed visits to argue that your injuries aren’t serious.
3. Preserve Evidence
Take photos of the accident scene, your motorcycle, your injuries, and any road hazards. Collect witness contact information and save all repair estimates, medical records, and related receipts.
4. Don’t Accept the First Offer
Insurance companies often make low initial offers and try to pressure you into settling quickly. Don’t agree to anything without reviewing it with an attorney.
5. Avoid Giving Recorded Statements
Be cautious when speaking to insurance adjusters. What you say can be used against you. Direct them to your lawyer instead.
6. Work With a Trusted Motorcycle Accident Attorney
A skilled lawyer can investigate your case, gather expert testimony, calculate the full value of your claim, and fight for the compensation you deserve. At Lowry Law, we understand how to build strong cases that insurance companies take seriously. Reach out today for a free case review.
Maximize Your Settlement With Lowry Law
At Lowry Law, we know how insurance companies operate and we know how to push back. Our mission is to make sure you aren’t taken advantage of after a serious motorcycle accident. We combine a deep knowledge of Maine law with aggressive advocacy to pursue the maximum compensation available.
- Thorough Case Investigation: We gather police reports, witness statements, and photographic evidence to build a strong foundation for your claim.
- Strong Negotiation Skills: Insurance adjusters are trained to reduce payouts. We know their tactics and counter them with persuasive legal arguments and hard evidence.
- Trial-Ready Representation: If negotiations fall short, we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial and advocate for you in court.
- No Upfront Costs: You don’t pay us unless we win your case, so there’s no risk in hiring us to fight for you.
When you work with Lowry Law, you get a dedicated team that puts your recovery first and fights to secure every dollar you may be entitled to.
Don’t Settle for Less—Let Lowry Law Fight for You
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you don’t have to navigate the legal system alone or risk accepting less than your case may be worth. At Lowry Law, we understand what goes into determining the value of a motorcycle accident settlement in Maine, and we work tirelessly to pursue the maximum compensation possible for our clients.
From investigating your accident to negotiating with insurers and taking your case to trial if needed, we’re committed to protecting your rights and your future. Best of all, you pay nothing unless we win.
Contact us today for a free consultation, and let our experienced Maine motorcycle accident lawyers go to work for you.
