After a serious motorcycle wreck, your damages can add up at an alarming rate. From medical bills to lost income to replacement services, it can feel like you’re greeted with new financial woes every day.
Thankfully, you may be able to recover compensation for many of the damages you’ve suffered by filing either a first- or third-party personal injury claim. However, you will need to track your losses carefully as you’ll be unable to receive compensation if you cannot present sufficient proof of the expenses you incurred.
In this article, we look at a few types of damages you should keep tabs on in the wake of a bike crash:
1. Treatment Costs
Whether you are filing a first-party claim or taking legal action against the liable motorist, you can usually factor any reasonable and necessary injury-related medical costs you incurred into the potential recovery. In addition to expenses associated with your treatment at a hospital, you might also be able to include costs such as:
- Physical therapy sessions;
- Home care;
- Prescription drugs;
- Home and vehicle modifications you might require to accommodate limitations stemming from your condition;
- Lab tests and X-rays; and
- Medical equipment.
2. Lost Earnings
Whether you were stuck in the hospital recuperating, or your injuries prevented you from being able to do your job, you have a right to seek compensation for any income you lost while you were sidelined from work. Additionally, if your condition is likely to impact your ability to return to work down the line, you may also be able to build a case for loss of future earnings.
3. Replacement Services
If you needed to hire someone to assist with meal preparation, oversee tasks related to housekeeping, or help take care of your children in the aftermath of the accident, you may be able to include the associated expenses as part of your claim. Provided that you can prove such services were reasonably necessary, the resulting costs may be recoverable.
4. Pain and Suffering
While those filing a first-party claim won’t have access to this category of damages, if you are proceeding with a personal injury case against another party it’s worth considering the so-called non-economic damages stemming from the wreck. Such losses can include:
- Emotional distress;
- Loss of enjoyment of life;
- Depression;
- Anxiety;
- Disfigurement; and
- Pain and suffering.
As these types of damages aren’t accompanied by bills, receipts, and invoices, they can be challenging to prove. However, with the right evidence—such as personal injury journal entries, testimony from friends and family members, and psychiatric evaluations—you may be able to build a case for this category of losses.
Discuss Your Case with a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Detroit Today
If you were left seriously injured after a wreck involving a negligent or reckless driver, turn to the lawyers at Seva Law Firm for advice. Our Detroit motorcycle accident attorneys have decades of combined experience representing injured bikers, equipping us with the knowledge and resources necessary to provide tenacious representation at every stage of proceedings.
Not only can we review the available evidence to help estimate fair compensation for the damages you’ve incurred, but we can also help you navigate the claims process. Dial (248) 385-5704 or jump to our Contact Page to request a free case review today.