Average Motorcycle Accident Settlement in Missouri (2024)

By Zane T. Cagle | September 3, 2024 | Motorcycle Accidents

After a motorcycle accident, injured individuals find themselves with significant costs and financial losses, on top of emotional trauma and frustration. Securing compensation in a motorcycle accident case can help individuals and their families maintain some stability and move forward with their lives. There is no average motorcycle accident settlement in Missouri, as it depends on factors such as an injury’s severity, an individual’s percentage of fault in an accident, and their legal support.

According to a 2006 report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the average inpatient rehabilitation cost for injured victims of motorcycle accidents was $13,200 in 2002 per patient. Based on regular inflation rates, this may be $23,463 today or even higher based on medical cost inflation rates. However, this average does not help you determine the real costs of your own motorcycle accident and injuries. Many factors can affect the calculation of your settlement or verdict.

The Effect of Your Injury Severity and Type on a Motorcycle Settlement

Your injuries after a motorcycle accident are the most significant factors influencing the value of your settlement or verdict. A settlement or verdict exists to compensate for your losses in the accident, and your injuries are one of the most significant financial and personal losses.

Motorcycle accidents can result in many severe injuries, and serious injuries are more likely to have significant medical costs. According to the NHTSA, the highest-payout motorcycle accident injury based on inpatient care was a spinal cord injury that resulted in total paralysis. Spinal cord injuries with partial paralysis, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and amputations were also costly. Injuries like neck and back pain had lower care needs, but they were still expensive.

The medical treatment associated with an injury is only one aspect of the total cost of an injury. Your injury severity also influences several other economic and noneconomic losses that could be included in your compensation.

When your injury takes months to fully physically heal, that is months that you may be completely unable to work. That lost income could be compensated. When you suffer a long-term or permanent disability, a personal injury case could pursue compensation for the lost earning potential of the income that you should have earned during your lifetime.

The more serious your injuries are, the more seriously they will likely affect your day-to-day life, causing you emotional and psychological harm. If your injury prevents you from doing tasks by yourself, causes you significant pain, and means you can no longer do activities you enjoy, these losses can be covered in a settlement or verdict.

Other Factors That Influence Motorcycle Settlements

While your injuries are the most significant factor in the value of your verdict or settlement, they are not the only one. Other factors include:

1. Legal Representation: Obtaining legal representation after a motorcycle accident is the most effective way to get the most compensation for your unique injuries. When your attorney is skilled and experienced in motorcycle accident cases, they know how to investigate the accident for fault, negotiate with the insurance carrier, and determine when to take the case to court.
2. Verdict or Settlement: When a personal injury case is resolved in a trial, it often recovers a higher settlement. You want an attorney who can build a strong  case for trial. Finding an attorney with a reputation for successfully pursuing injury cases can also increase the likelihood of achieving a better settlement.
3. Comparative Negligence: If your case does end up in trial, then comparative fault laws may be relevant. If you were partially to blame for the collision, then the judge or jury will determine what your percentage of fault was. Whatever that percentage is will be the percentage by which your verdict is reduced. An attorney’s representation is crucial for uncovering important evidence in the accident, which may limit the amount you are found at fault.

FAQs

How Much Are Most Motorcycle Accident Settlements?

The value of a motorcycle accident settlement is not a set amount. Each accident results in unique injuries with different levels of severity. Therefore, the compensation needed to cover the costs of those injuries is unique. You are more likely to secure a higher settlement or verdict if your injuries are more serious and are expected to affect your life for longer. You are also more likely to obtain a higher settlement or verdict when you have strong legal representation.

Who Is Responsible for Most Motorcycle Accidents?

Every motorcycle accident is unique, so there is no way to presume who is responsible based on other accidents. The motorcyclist, motor vehicle driver, or a third party could be responsible. If a motorcycle accident is caused by a driver changing lanes into a motorcyclist, there could be several causes.

The driver may have failed to check their blind spot or didn’t use their turn signal. The motorcyclist may have been speeding or recklessly changing lanes. The cause and circumstances of the accident will determine the responsible party.

Where Do Most Motorcycle Accidents Occur?

Out of motorcycle accident fatalities reported in the U.S. in 2022, 92% happened on non-interstate roads; 66% of the total motorcycle fatalities occurred in urban areas rather than rural areas, 64% of fatal crashes occurred at non-intersections. While many motorcycles and drivers remain careful, not all do. While accidents may happen more commonly in these areas, a collision can occur anywhere. When a rider or driver is negligent, such as driving distracted or ignoring road signs, they can cause an accident.

Do I Need a Motorcycle Accident Attorney?

If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, an attorney is not required, but having one is incredibly beneficial when pursuing compensation. An attorney can investigate and gather evidence that the average person does not have access to. They can determine fault and hold the relevant insurance carrier liable for those injuries.

Your attorney can prepare a strong case and either reach a fair settlement or take the case to trial. An attorney’s willingness to secure a trial verdict often makes negotiations more successful and secures a larger settlement.

Financially Recovering Fair Compensation After a Motorcycle Accident

The Cagle Law Firm has years of experience in securing compensation for those who are injured in motorcycle accidents. We prepare every case with the intention of taking it to trial, so we are known for creating exceptionally strong cases. Contact our firm today.

About The Author

Zane T. Cagle

Zane T. Cagle is the founding president and lead trial attorney at The Cagle Law Firm. With a strong dedication to his clients, he has built a reputation for his tenacious representation in personal injury cases, ensuring each client's unique story is heard. Areas of Practice: Personal injury, motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death. Bar Admissions: Supreme Court of Missouri, Illinois & Kentucky. Superior Court of U.S. Virgin Islands Education: Washington University School of Law. Awards: Super Lawyers, Top 40 Under 40 by The National Trial Lawyers Association, 10 Best in Missouri for Customer Satisfaction.

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