What Types of Damages Can You Pursue after a Motorcycle Wreck?

A serious accident can change the course of your life in the blink of an eye. With little to no protection against crash forces—save for a helmet—riders often suffer serious injuries when they are struck by passenger vehicles, usually leading to significant physical, emotional, and financial struggles. 

In the wake of a serious wreck, you are probably wondering how you can pick yourself up and get your life back on track. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to erase your memories of that fateful day, but you may be able to get your hands on compensation for many of the losses you’ve suffered. 

Let’s take a closer look at some of the kinds of damages that might be available in your situation: 

Medical Costs 

While you may have invested in a comprehensive health insurance plan, even the most generous limits can fall short of covering the medical expenses stemming from a motorcycle wreck. Fortunately, any costs associated with treating your condition may be recoverable. 

Lost Income 

If you were unable to work while recovering from your injuries, you should track every missed paycheck carefully. In California, accident victims can seek compensation for any wages lost as a direct result of a wreck, so it’s important that you have proof of the earnings you’ve lost. It’s possible that your injuries might prevent you from returning to work in the future—or you might not be able to work ever again. In such situations, you may be able to pursue compensation for diminished earning potential. 

Replacement Services 

Did you need to ask a relative to help you take care of your children? Did you have to hire someone to take over housekeeping duties? If you are able to prove that these services were necessary because your injuries prevented you from handling these responsibilities on your own then you may be able to recover compensation for any associated expenses. You should save all relevant documentation such as receipts, estimates, and invoices in a safe place as you will need them to prove what you’ve spent. 

Non-Economic Damages 

In California, the law recognizes that serious injuries can put as much of a toll on your physical and emotional well-being as they do on your financial security. As such, pedestrian accident victims have a right to pursue compensation for so-called non-economic damages in addition to the losses listed above. Such damages can include emotional distress, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment in life. 

However, as there are no receipts or invoices for the intangible effects of your injuries, you will have to use many different types of proof to demonstrate how your condition has affected your day-to-day life. For instance, your attorney may use a combination of your personal journal entries, statements from colleagues or loved ones, and psychiatric evaluations to give others a window into how you have suffered both mentally and physically since the wreck. 

Speak to a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in California Today 

At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, we provide tenacious representation to those who have found their lives fundamentally altered in the wake of a serious wreck. While our primary goal is to help you secure compensation for your injuries, we will also provide support, guidance, and advice at every stage of proceedings to help minimize stress during this challenging chapter of your life. To request a free case review with a California motorcycle accident attorney, contact us today at 1-800-GO-HARRIS or fill out our contact form HERE.