Motorcycle Accident Settlements in San Antonio

Motorcyclists have less protection than drivers and passengers in cars, so accidents can cause especially serious injuries. If someone else was responsible for your accident, their insurance policy should cover your costs. Most of these claims are settled without going to court. Still, motorcycle accident settlements in San Antonio can be complex. Working with a skilled attorney can make the process less stressful and help you get the best possible outcome.

Settling a Motorcycle Crash Case

While it is possible for a motorcycle accident case to go to court and end with a jury trial, the vast majority of cases settle well before this point. The injured person usually starts the process by filing a claim with the other driver’s insurance company. In Texas, motorcyclists have the same insurance requirements as car owners. All drivers need to carry a minimum of $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident in liability coverage, and $25,000 in property damage coverage. Drivers can choose to pay for more coverage. Generally, the coverage limit is the most the injured person will receive in a settlement regardless of their actual costs.

Once the injured person files their claim, the insurance company will usually make a settlement offer. They can either accept this initial offer or negotiate with the insurance company. Working with an attorney is especially valuable during this negotiation phase. The attorney can argue for more compensation based on the seriousness of the injuries and the expenses they caused. Even if there are multiple rounds of negotiations, this process is still much faster than going to court. This means the injured person will get their compensation quickly and they will not need to pay as much in attorney’s fees.

How Much Can an Injured Person Receive in a Motorcycle Accident Settlement?

Like a court award, a settlement will take into account both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are based on the costs the injured person has because of the motorcycle accident. These include medical bills and lost wages. They can also include ongoing expenses like lost earning potential or continuing medical services if the accident caused a permanent disability. Non-economic damages include compensation for pain and suffering or emotional distress. Because these are based on intangible losses, this number can be more difficult to calculate. The final type of compensation, which is punitive damages, is never part of an accident settlement. These damages are awarded in court to punish a responsible person for especially reckless or intentional behavior.

In a settlement for a San Antonio motorcycle accident, getting more compensation than the responsible driver’s insurance limit is difficult. If the driver only has state minimum coverage and the injured person has substantial bills, the expenses can easily exceed the insurance maximum. Going to court can be a better option than settling in this type of situation. A lawyer can advise the injured person on the best approach.

Discuss Your Motorcycle Accident Case With an Attorney Today

Motorcycle accident settlements in San Antonio are often the best way for an injured person to receive compensation for their medical bills and other expenses. The settlement process is shorter and less expensive than going to court. However, filing a lawsuit and taking it to trial can make sense in some situations. Schedule a consultation with Felix Gonzalez Law Firm to discuss your case today.

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