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If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Virginia Beach or Norfolk and are considering filing a claim, you may want to know what an average settlement amount would be. Unfortunately, there is no set average for motorcycle crash settlements in Virginia.
Each motorcycle accident case is unique and has its own strengths and weaknesses that affect how much a motorcycle crash victim can expect to receive in their settlement. However, an experienced Norfolk motorcycle accident lawyer can evaluate your case and provide you with an idea of what you can realistically expect to obtain from the negligent driver’s insurance company.
Factors a Lawyer Will Evaluate When Determining How Much You May Receive in Your Motorcycle Collision Settlement
Settling a motorcycle crash claim can be complicated. A knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyer will weigh many factors in determining how much compensation you deserve. Here are some issues they will consider:
Damages
One of the primary factors your attorney will evaluate is the amount of compensation you are entitled to under Virginia law if you win your case. You can recover your past and future medical costs, property damages, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The total value of these damages will be the starting point in your lawyer’s determination of your claim’s value.
Severity of Your Injuries
The severity of your injuries directly affects the compensation you should receive. More severe injuries that require expensive medical treatment, surgeries, and rehabilitation or result in long-term disabilities tend to result in higher settlements. Your lawyer will consider your medical records, expert opinions, and any long-term impact your injuries have on your health, ability to work, and quality of life when assessing how much your claim is worth.
Liability
If the other driver’s negligence in causing your wreck is clear-cut, you will have a stronger case. The at-fault motorist’s insurance company would have a harder time disputing their responsibility to compensate you for your injuries, and you can expect a higher settlement.
Your Partial Fault
Virginia follows a harsh contributory negligence rule, meaning that if you are found even one percent to blame for causing the accident, you may be barred from recovering any compensation. Your attorney will investigate the cause of the crash, gather evidence, and build a solid case to minimize any potential fault attributed to you. However, your level of negligence, if any, can negatively affect the overall settlement amount.