Every case consists of its own unique set of circumstances, meaning that there is no clear answer regarding what the average settlement for a motorcycle accident is. A few major factors contribute to the outcome of a case—first and foremost, the amount of insurance a person has.
If our team calculates that your damages amount to $100,000, but the negligent driver’s policy cannot cover this, it will limit how much you can recover in an insurance settlement.
Different Types of Damages You Could Recover
In Illinois, motorcycle accident cases can allow victims to cover several types of damages. This can include compensation for financial, physical, and emotional losses to address the various hardships the collision caused. Within these broader categories of compensatory damages, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Physical pain
- Emotional suffering
- Healthcare expenses
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning abilities
- Property damage
- Ongoing disabilities
- Disfigurements
Since each case is unique, this list does not cover every type of damage you may be able to collect. When you hire our team, we can review the evidence to determine what compensation you qualify to recover.
Overall, the settlement you seek will vary depending on the exact circumstances of your situation. Catastrophic injuries generally yield higher settlements than minor injuries because the victim needs greater financial support to account for their medical bills and other losses.
Minimum Insurance Requirements for Drivers in Illinois
Drivers must have bodily injury liability insurance and property damage liability insurance in Illinois. According to the Illinois Secretary of State, drivers must maintain the following coverage:
- $25,000 for the injury or death of one individual
- $50,000 for the injury or death of two or more individuals
- $20,000 for damage to another person’s property
These insurance minimums can have a direct correlation to your settlement amount—your claim may be subject to these limits depending on the driver’s level of coverage. Moreover, if the person responsible for your motorcycle collision is uninsured, you may not be able to file an insurance claim at all. In that case, you could file a personal injury lawsuit against them to help you seek financial recovery.
You Could Recover Damages Through a Lawsuit
If you are looking for assistance with your motorcycle accident claim, a personal injury lawyer from our firm could help you catalog your damages before negotiating for a settlement that reflects the extent of your losses.
However, if we are unable to get the insurance company to give you a fair offer, we may be able to take the evidence in your claim and form a lawsuit. An attorney from our team can then help you fight for damages in court. This will require following specific steps and taking other state laws into account.
You Must Adhere to The Illinois Statute of Limitations
You are required to file a personal injury lawsuit within two years of your motorcycle accident to seek damages in court—as detailed under 735 ILCS 5/13-202. If you have lost a family member in a motorcycle accident, 740 ILCS 180/2 requires you to file a wrongful death lawsuit within two years of their passing. These deadlines are important to keep in mind because once they pass, you become ineligible to file.
Let a Lawyer Handle Your Personal Injury Case
Many victims want to know what the average settlement for a motorcycle accident is before they get started with their case. In truth, your settlement will depend on evidence, regulations, and negotiations.
What we can tell you is that our attorneys hope to get the best possible outcome for you and your loved ones. As your case moves forward, our firm can provide many legal services to fight for your financial recovery. These services include:
- Offering legal advice
- Civil litigation
- Determining liability
- Reviewing insurance policies
- Assigning a monetary value to your case
- Negotiating settlements
- Communicating with pertinent individuals
- Keeping you up to date on important deadlines
Contact an Attorney at the Kryder Law Group, LLC
Our law firm is here to help you however we can. Our representatives would love to offer you a free consultation to set your mind at ease. Contact The Kryder Law Group, LLC today at (312) 223-1700 to get started.
(312) 223-1700