Our Maine Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Explain How Damages Are Calculated After an Accident
Many people love motorcycles for the freedom and sport they offer. Where better to take a ride than the beautiful roads of Maine? Unfortunately, with sport and freedom comes an increased risk of being involved in an accident and suffering an injury. According to WGME, in 2019 from January to August alone there were 20 fatalities relating to motorcycle accidents.
Motorcycles leave their riders more susceptible to injury due to their size and lack of protection they provide. Larger vehicles often hit motorcycles due to an inability to see them.
In the event of an accident, these vehicles can result in serious injuries. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, it may be in your best interest to contact an experienced Maine motorcycle accident attorney.
Our lawyers at Lowry & Associates are experienced in representing people injured in motorcycle accidents and helping them receive the justice they deserve. There are various factors an insurance company will consider when calculating damages. For this reason, it’s important to have legal representation who can help you with the insurance companies. Furthermore, we can help you calculate what your claim may be worth.
What Could I Be Compensated For?
When calculating your claim, it is important to consider what you may be compensated for. There are a number of damages you could recover.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are considered damages on which a dollar amount could be placed. These are damages you can calculate such as:
Medical Bills
Motorcycle riders are not only more likely to get into an accident, but they are also more likely to be injured in an accident. Since riders are exposed, they suffer from serious injuries like traumatic brain injuries and broken bones. The medical bills for these types of injuries can be very expensive. An attorney may be able to help you obtain compensation for your medical expenses.
Lost Wages
If you had to spend a significant amount of time away from work for doctor’s appointments or spend time on bed rest, you may be eligible for compensation to help cover wages you lost due to your injuries. Also, if you’re unable to perform the same work you used to before your injuries, compensation may be available.
Property Damages
If your vehicle was damaged, you may be able to recover the cost to get it fixed. In the event your vehicle was totaled, you may be able to recover the blue book value of your vehicle before it was damaged.
Non-Economic Damages
Noneconomic damages are defined as damages that cannot be calculated by adding up bills and receipts. Without an experienced attorney to help you, it is more difficult to receive compensation for these types of damages.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering encompass a number of damages you may be able to receive compensation for. You can seek payment for not only physical pain but mental anguish as well. This could mean compensation for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), insomnia, grief, and more.
Loss of Consortium
This claim is actually for the spouse of the injured victim. If the victim can no longer provide the spousal duties he/she once offered, the spouse can then seek reparations for this. These claims are typically awarded to those who have a spouse who died or suffered long-lasting or permanent injuries.
How Fault Impacts Compensation
Though every case is different and the circumstances and outcomes can vary, you may be able to get an idea of how much compensation you may receive based on who is responsible for the accident.
Maine operates under the at-fault system, meaning it is the responsible driver who must pay for the damages of the victims. However, if you were found partly responsible for the accident, the insurance company will take that into account. An insurance company will determine fault by conducting a thorough investigation of the collision.
We Can Calculate Your Claim For You
Every motorcycle accident is unique and there are many different variables that go into receiving a settlement. In order to accurately calculate what your claim is worth, our Maine motorcycle accident attorneys will need to review the circumstances of your case.
Our lawyers at Lowry & Associates can help you gather all the required documents, and calculate your damages so you know how much to seek to recover. While we may be unable to tell you exactly what your claim is worth, we may be able to give you a good idea in a free case evaluation. Call our office at 207-775-3819 or fill out our free online case evaluation form.
