It’s not uncommon for motorcycle accidents to cause catastrophic injuries. Brain trauma, broken bones, and spinal cord damage can all happen when a rider hits the pavement or another vehicle. The cost of treating these injuries can be exorbitant, and the challenges of recovery can result in debilitating emotional distress.
Fortunately, accident victims or their surviving loved ones may be able to recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. In cases that involve egregious misconduct on the part of the defendant, punitive damages may also be available.
A seasoned motorcycle accident lawyer can help you determine the kinds of damages to include in your claim and gather the evidence needed to prove them. Sometimes it is necessary to bring in medical, financial, and vocational experts to assist with the settlement calculations. The bottom line is that if you don’t hire an attorney to protect your rights, you may end up accepting a settlement that is far less than you deserve.
The following economic damages might be recoverable after a motorcycle crash in Mississippi:
- Past and future lost income;
- Past and future medical bills;
- Property repairs;
- Alternative transportation;
- Home care;
- Domestic help;
- Child care; and
- Home and vehicle modifications.
Unlike economic damages, non-economic damages cannot be objectively verified using receipts and other documentation. They are subjective in nature. Examples include:
- Pain and suffering;
- Disfigurement;
- Inconvenience;
- Physical impairment;
- Emotional distress;
- Embarrassment;
- Mental anguish; and
- Loss of enjoyment in life.
If you happen to be married, your spouse may be able to obtain compensation for loss of consortium. This refers to the loss of companionship, support, sexual intimacy, and services suffered by the spouses of personal injury victims.
The calculations for non-economic damages can vary greatly from one case to the next and largely depend on the severity and nature of the injuries sustained. No matter how serious your injuries are, though, you can only collect up to $1 million in non-economic damages if your motorcycle accident case is brought in Mississippi.
If the liable party’s conduct exhibited malice, gross negligence, or fraud, you may be awarded punitive damages. In Mississippi, punitive damages are capped based on the defendant’s net worth.
As you can see, economic damages such as medical bills and property repairs may only account for a portion of the final settlement or verdict in a motorcycle accident case. It is therefore important that you speak with an attorney before accepting a settlement offer or, preferably, before you have even been contacted by the insurance company.
Call (601) 265-7766 to Discuss Your Case with a Jackson Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you or a member of your family was seriously hurt in a motorcycle accident, contact Coxwell & Associates. Unlike general practice firms, we focus on only a few areas of the law to ensure our clients receive the best representation possible. Call (601) 265-7766 or use our Online Contact Form to set up a free case review with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Jackson.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended as general information purposes only, and is not a substitute for legal advice. Anyone with a legal problem should consult a lawyer immediately.