What Is the Average Payout for a Motorcycle Accident?
One moment, you’re cruising down Wisconsin’s scenic roads. The next, you’re facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and uncertainty. If another driver caused your crash, you deserve compensation.
Around 1,972 accidents occur every year in the state, with more than 1,656 motorcyclists injured due to another driver’s careless actions. If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a crash that wasn’t your fault, it’s natural to wonder how much compensation you might receive. Motorcycle accident settlements range widely, with the national average around $73,000.
However, severe cases, especially those with spinal cord injuries or permanent disability, often result in million-dollar payouts.
Learn what impacts your settlement and how an Appleton motorcycle accident lawyer can help you win the highest possible compensation.
Factors That Influence Motorcycle Accident Compensation
Motorcycle accident compensation isn’t a set number. Your settlement depends on numerous factors, including:
- Severity of Injuries: Riders often suffer serious injuries like broken bones or head trauma in a crash. The more severe the injuries, the higher the compensation due to medical costs and long-term impact.
- Insurance Limits: The at-fault driver’s policy determines how much you can recover. Wisconsin requires at least $50,000 per accident, but higher policy limits can mean a larger payout.
- Liability Issues: Disputes over fault can delay settlements or reduce payouts. If the insurer argues you were partially responsible, they may offer less compensation.
- Bias Against Riders: Motorcyclists are often blamed for crashes due to unfair biases, like assumptions that they speed or are harder to see. These beliefs can lead to lower initial settlement offers that require strong evidence to challenge.
- Comparative Negligence: Wisconsin law reduces compensation based on fault. If you are found more than 51% at fault, you may lose the right to recover compensation under Wisconsin’s comparative negligence law.
Since compensation depends on factors like fault and injury severity, understanding how damages are calculated is essential.
Understanding Compensation Types in Motorcycle Accidents
The average motorcycle accident settlement will cover various damages, including medical costs, missed income, and the emotional toll of the collision. Below are common damages that can add to your compensation:
| Damage Type | Impact on Settlements | What’s Included |
| Medical Expenses | More serious injuries lead to higher medical bills, increasing settlement amounts. | Hospital billsSurgeriesDoctor visitsMedications |
| Rehabilitation Costs | Ongoing therapy or recovery treatments add to compensation, especially for long-term injuries. | Physical therapyOccupational therapyAssistive devices |
| Long-Term Care and Disability | Permanent injuries raise settlements due to lifelong medical needs and lost earning potential. | Home nursing careMedical equipmentModifications to home or vehicle |
| Lost Wages | The longer you’re unable to work, the more compensation covers lost income and future earnings. | Missed paychecksReduced future earningsLost benefits |
| Pain and Suffering | Non-economic damages increase with severe injuries, long recovery, or lasting trauma. | Emotional distressChronic painReduced quality of life |
| Punitive Damages | Rare but possible if the at-fault driver acted recklessly or with gross negligence. Wisconsin limits these to two times the compensatory award or $200,000, whichever is greater. | Punishment for reckless behaviorDeter others from similar actionsCourt-awarded additional damages |
At Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers, our experienced legal team includes all possible damages to increase your final settlement.
Average Settlements and What To Know About Final Awards
Every motorcycle accident is different, but real-world verdicts and studies can give you a sense of what compensation might look like. These figures show how quickly costs add up and what settlements have covered for injured riders:
- Average Missed Wages: Many riders can’t return to work right away, with the average recovery time lasting about 44 days. That’s over a month without income, leading to about $6,196 in lost wages, sometimes more if injuries require extended time off.
- Cost of Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord damage, a common injury in motorcycle crashes, is life-altering and requires expensive treatment. Depending on the severity, annual medical costs range from $4,490 for minor cases to $251,450 for severe injuries, not including lost earning potential or home modifications.
- Physical Therapy: Even after initial treatment, recovery takes time. In Wisconsin, one physical therapy session costs about $141 out-of-pocket, and for serious injuries, ongoing treatment can easily add up to thousands per year.
- Real-World Settlements: Motorcycle accident claims have resulted in multi-million-dollar payouts, helping riders recover financial losses. At Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers, we’ve secured a $1.5 million award for an injured motorcyclist, proving that strong legal representation makes a difference.
These figures show the financial burden of a motorcycle crash and what insurance settlements have covered for others in similar situations. However, it’s important to remember that they may not reflect your specific case.
The best way to determine the value of your claim is to consult a qualified attorney who can assess your damages and advocate for your deserved recovery award.
Maximize Your Compensation With Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers
A motorcycle crash can leave you facing painful injuries, medical bills, and time away from work. You shouldn’t have to struggle financially because of someone else’s negligence. But without legal representation, knowing how much compensation you deserve can be challenging.
At Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers, we build a strong case by gathering medical records, consulting experts, and calculating the full impact of your injuries. We negotiate for a settlement that covers immediate expenses and protects your future.
Get the compensation you deserve. Contact Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers today for a free, confidential consultation.