Calculating Damages in Motorcycle Accidents

Posted Thursday, November 27, 2014 by Chris Thayer

One of the most contentious aspects of a motorcycle case is the level of damages, as your motorcycle accident attorney in Seattle can explain. Due to the lack of protection present in many motorcycle accidents, medical expenses can be quite expansive in these types of cases.

Classifying Damages

A motorcycle accident attorney in Seattle will likely start calculating damages by quantifying what he or she can. For example, economic damages include medical expenses and loss of income. These can be proven with various pieces of evidence. Non-economic damages include items such as pain and suffering, mental anguish and inconvenience, which are usually more difficult to quantify.

Economic Damages

A motorcycle accident lawyer in Seattle can explain that the largest portion of your economic damages in a motorcycle accident case will likely be your loss of earnings or earning capacity. Additionally, property damages will be factored into the computation of economic damages. Medical expenses that were incurred in the past or that are anticipated in the future are also included in the economic damages computation that your motorcycle accident lawyer in Seattle creates. Other costs that may be included in the computation include funeral costs if the motorcycle accident victim died, physical therapy costs, and special accommodations that must be made due to injuries sustained.

Consequential Damages

Consequential damages may be allowed in some jurisdictions. These damages can include the loss of credit or loss of insurability. Your motorcycle accident attorney in Seattle can explain whether these damages may be recoverable in your particular case and jurisdiction.

Non-economic Damages

Non-economic damages include items that are more difficult to quantify, such as mental impairment, physical disfigurement, pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of companionship, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of society. While pain and suffering and similar damages are considered to be part of this category, a motorcycle accident attorney may phrase this in another way in front of the jury. Your attorney may include a request for non-economic damages for the loss of your health and wellness, focusing on positive aspects life rather than negative aspects suffered.

If you would like to learn more about calculating damages in your particular case and the type of damages that are recognized in your jurisdiction, contact Chris Thayer by calling (206) 340-2008.