A fair settlement in a Tennessee motorcycle accident case is one that fully compensates you for every loss you have suffered as a result of the crash. That includes your medical bills, lost income, property damage, and the pain and suffering you have endured. There is no standard dollar amount that applies to every case, because the value depends entirely on the specific facts and circumstances involved. What matters most is that the settlement reflects the true cost of what the accident has taken from you, not just what the insurance company is willing to offer.
Below, you’ll learn more about what goes into determining a fair settlement and how to make sure you are not shortchanged. Our experienced motorcycle crash attorney in Nashville is ready to help.
What Should a Fair Settlement Cover?
A fair motorcycle accident settlement in Tennessee should account for both your economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are the expenses you can put a specific dollar figure on, while non-economic losses reflect the more personal impact of your injuries.
Your settlement should cover things like:
- All of your past and future medical treatment related to the accident
- Lost wages from the time you missed at work
- Reduced earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work long-term
- The cost of repairing or replacing your motorcycle and gear
- Any other out-of-pocket expenses tied to your recovery
It should also account for:
- The pain and suffering you have experienced and will continue to experience
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of activities you can no longer participate in
- Scarring and disfigurement resulting from the crash
If the settlement does not adequately address all of these categories, it is likely not a fair offer.
Why Insurance Companies Rarely Offer Fair Settlements Right Away
Insurance companies are businesses at the end of the day, and so their goal is to pay out as little as possible on every claim. An insurance adjuster may reach out shortly after a motorcycle accident with an early offer that seems reasonable on the surface. In most cases, however, these initial offers fall far short of what the claim is actually worth.
Insurers know that accident victims are often dealing with mounting bills and financial pressure, which makes them more likely to accept a quick payout. They may also try to take advantage of the bias that exists against motorcyclists by arguing that the rider was partially or fully at fault for the crash.
Accepting an early offer without understanding the full value of your case can cost you significantly. Once you agree to a settlement, you give up the right to pursue any additional compensation.
How Can I Make Sure My Settlement Is Fair?
The best way to make sure you are getting a fair settlement is to work with an experienced Nashville personal injury attorney. A lawyer can independently evaluate your damages and negotiate with the insurance company from a position of knowledge and strength.
Your attorney can also advise you on whether a particular offer is reasonable or whether it makes more sense to continue negotiating or take the case to trial. Having someone in your corner who understands the true value of your claim makes it much harder for the insurance company to get away with a lowball offer.
Call Woodard Injury Law for a Free Consultation With a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Tennessee, you deserve a settlement that reflects the full impact of the accident on your life. Woodard Injury Law is here to help you maximize the value of your claim to the best of our ability.
Call us today at (615) 314-4626 or send us a message online to schedule a free consultation. We’ve won millions of dollars for our clients and will work just as hard for you in your case.