Real-Life Motorcycle Crash Settlement Examples: Understanding the Factors That Affect Your Case

As experienced motorcycle accident attorneys, we’ve seen countless cases where riders have had their lives turned upside down due to the negligence of others on the road. One of the most common questions we hear from our clients is, “What kind of settlement can I expect for my motorcycle crash?”

While every case is different and most settlement agreements are confidential, understanding the factors that influence settlement amounts can help you make informed decisions and set realistic expectations for your own case.

Factors That Affect Motorcycle Crash Settlements

When it comes to determining the value of your motorcycle accident settlement, several key factors come into play:

Severity of Injuries

The extent and severity of your injuries are perhaps the most significant factors in your settlement amount.

Economic Damages

You are entitled to reimbursement for your economic losses, including:

• Medical expenses: Both current and future costs related to your injuries, such as hospital bills, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
• Lost wages and earning capacity: If your injuries have prevented you from working or have diminished your future earning potential, these losses will be considered in your settlement.
• Durable medical equipment
• Prescription drug costs
• Home health care costs

Non-Economic Damages

In addition, you are entitled to non-economic damages, including:

• Pain and suffering
• Disfigurement
• Mental anguish, and any other intangible loss

While more difficult to quantify, the physical pain and emotional anguish you’ve experienced as a result of the accident are compensable damages.

Liability and Fault Determination

Ohio follows a modified comparative negligence law (Ohio Revised Code Section 2315.33), which means that your settlement may be reduced if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident. Evidence, like police reports, witness statements, and expert testimony, is crucial in establishing liability and protecting your right to a fair settlement or jury verdict.

Insurance Coverage

The insurance policies of the parties involved in the accident will also play a significant role in your settlement. This includes:

• Policy limits of the at-fault party: If the other driver’s insurance coverage is insufficient to fully compensate you for your damages, you may need to explore additional options, such as underinsured motorist coverage.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: If you have this coverage as part of your own insurance policy, it can provide a source of compensation when the at-fault party lacks sufficient insurance.

Real-World Examples of Motorcycle Crash Settlements in Ohio

Personal injury settlements for motorcycle crashes vary significantly and range from a few thousand dollars to several million, depending on the unique circumstances of each case.

Let’s examine some real-life examples of motorcycle accident cases to understand the potential settlement amounts better.

We’ve cited real Ohio cases below, taken from the LexisNexis Verdict & Settlement Analyzer – the legal industry’s most extensive collection of verdicts and settlements.

Motorcycle Accident Settlement Examples for Non-Permanent Soft-tissue Injuries

In cases where motorcyclists sustain minor injuries, settlement amounts are lower than in more severe accidents.

However, even minor injuries can result in medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

In Ohio, nonpermanent soft tissue injury motorcycle accident settlements typically range from $10,000 to $50,000, depending on the case’s specific circumstances.

GREGORY B. FRIASON V. ROSA THEOBALD; 2005 OH Trial Rptr. LEXIS 2000

Award: $12,000

Outcome: A motorcyclist injured in an intersection collision settled his claims for personal injuries for $12,000 in Hamilton County. The settlement occurred after the jury returned a $1,500 verdict for the plaintiff but before the verdict was officially entered. Before trial, the defendant offered the plaintiff $12,000 to settle the case.

BRENT COLEMAN V. JONATHAN CREECH, STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY, ET AL,2007 CV 00103

Award: $15,000

Outcome: A Trumbull County jury had to determine who was at fault for a motorcycle accident involving two men attempting to perform wheelies in a parking lot. After approximately 4 hours of deliberation, the jury found both men equally at fault. The jury awarded the injured plaintiff $15,000, less 50% comparative negligence (see below).

JANE MACK V. ROSALIND HUGHES; 2008 JURY VERDICTS LEXIS 40047

Award: $50,000

Outcome: A motorist struck a motorcycle while attempting a left turn. Although the bike’s driver was intoxicated at the time of the accident, she was not at fault for the accident. The case was settled for $50,000 before the initial filing.

Motorcycle Crash Settlement Examples for Serious Permanent Injuries

Motorcycle crashes often involve more extensive medical treatment and longer recovery times and have a greater impact on the rider’s daily life.

In Ohio, motorcycle accident settlements with moderately severe (serious and permanent) injuries generally fall between $100,000 and $500,000.

RUSSELL SNIDER, ET AL. V. NANCY SANDERS, ET AL; 2009 OH Trial Rptr. LEXIS 992

Award: $100,000 ($50,000 from the liability carrier and $50,000 from the UIM carrier).

Injuries: Closed head injury and paralysis on one side of the body. The plaintiff also incurred over $215,000 in medical expenses.

Outcome: The plaintiff, who suffered a head injury and paralysis, was to receive a total settlement of $100,000 for his injuries. The tortfeasor’s liability carrier paid half of the settlement, while the underinsured motorist carrier paid the other half.

LLOYD W. MACMILLAN V. HANNAH K. SABEL; 2010 OH Trial Rptr. LEXIS 435

Award: $300,000

Injuries: Fractured C6 vertebra, fractured hip, and dislocated shoulder. Plaintiff was left with a limp and had reduced strength and mobility as a result of the hip fracture. He also had permanent scarring on his shoulder and back. The plaintiff’s economic damages were more than $1,000,000.

Outcome: A motorcyclist sued a driver for injuries sustained in a collision. Liability was admitted, but damages were contested. The case settled for policy limits of $300,000.

Severe and Catastrophic Injury Settlement Cases

When a motorcycle accident results in severe or catastrophic injuries, the settlement amounts can be substantial due to the life-altering consequences faced by the rider.

In cases involving severe and catastrophic injuries, settlements can easily surpass $1,000,000, as the victim may require lifelong care and support.

JOSHUA D. WORLEY V. MARY J. BROOKS; 2006 OH Trial Rptr. LEXIS 1174

Award: $1,000,000

Injuries: Left wrist fracture that required open reduction, right femur fracture, rib fractures, degloving injury to the right knee, fractured fingers, and a mild head injury resulting in short-term memory loss. The plaintiff was hospitalized for approximately three weeks, suffered permanent loss of mobility in his wrist and femur, and will require future surgeries. The plaintiff could not return to work and had to move in with his parents. He claimed approximately $ 200,000 in out-of-pocket medical expenses.

Outcome: A motorcyclist struck by the defendant’s van was propelled through the van’s window and suffered severe injuries. The defendant admitted liability, and the parties reached a $ 1,000,000 settlement shortly after filing the lawsuit.

HOLSTON V. NISOURCE, INC; 2003 OH Trial Rptr. LEXIS 1093

Award: $ 1,400,000 (settlement)

Injuries: Multiple fractures, including a fractured femur, a broken sternum, a fractured scapula, and multiple rib fractures. The plaintiff also claimed a collapsed lung, a closed head injury resulting in amnesia, a grade III shoulder separation, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and depression resulting in a total disability from employment. The plaintiff claimed approximately $ 60,000 in past medical specials and $ 1,000,000 in future wage loss.

Outcome: A biker was involved in a collision with a truck owned by the defendant’s company. The crash occurred on August 31, 2001, when the defendant’s truck sideswiped the plaintiff’s motorcycle.

CHERYL A. CIKA V. MARYELLEN EICKMAN-FIALA AND THOMAS CIKA; THOMAS CIKA V. MARYELLEN EICKMAN-FIALA; 2005 OH Trial Rptr. LEXIS 1998

Award: $3,000,000 – Bench trial resulting in a verdict for Plaintiff Cheryl Cika against Defendant Eickman-Fiala. Defendant Thomas Cika was awarded $ 1,000,000 on his cross-claim against Defendant Eickman-Fiala. (verdict)

Injuries: Plaintiff Cheryl sustained a left-sided pneumothorax, bilateral parietal intraparenchymal bleed, left temporal bone fracture, pneumocephalus, fractured left scapula, rib fractures, and right temporal bone fracture. The plaintiff suffered permanent memory and concentration difficulties, as well as difficulty focusing. Future surgery will be required. She could not drive or return to work and needed help with daily activities. Crossclaimant Thomas sustained a compound femur fracture. Information regarding any residual effects from the fracture was unavailable for publication.

Outcome: A motorcycle passenger seriously injured in a crash with a defendant motorist also sued her husband, the driver of the motorcycle, for damages. The plaintiff was granted summary judgment on liability against both drivers. The court awarded the plaintiff $ 3,000,000 against the other motorist, and her spouse was awarded $ 1,000,000 on his cross-claim against the motorist. The plaintiff’s claim against her husband was resolved for a confidential amount before trial.

Wrongful Death Motorcycle Accident Settlement Examples

Tragically, some motorcycle accidents result in the loss of life. In these cases, the victim’s family may pursue a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for their losses.

Wrongful death settlements often consider factors such as the victim’s age, earning potential, and emotional impact on the family.

ESTATE OF MARYANNE PFLUG, ET AL. V. UNITED STATES LIABILITY INSURANCE GROUP; 2004 OH Trial Rptr. LEXIS 1634

Award: $ 1,200,000

Injury: Blunt force trauma resulting in instantaneous death.

Outcome: The estate of a woman who was killed in a motorcycle accident settled a claim with the underinsured motorist carrier for $ 1,200,000.

REBECCA L. PAULOS, ET AL V. MARK HAYNES CONSTRUCTION, INC. AND MARK HAYNES; 2009 OH Trial Rptr. LEXIS 1362

Award: $ 2,325,000.

Breakdown: $ 1,372,000 for non-economic damages; $ 178,000 for past medicals; $75,000 for future medicals claimed; and $ 700,000 in future lost wages.

Injuries: Lacerated vulva and perineum; bilateral open pubic rami fractures; open symphysis pubis dislocation; closed right sacroiliac joint dislocation; left closed sacroiliac joint dislocation; left closed transverse acetabular fracture; post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); and a diverted colostomy that was reversed six months later. The plaintiff required multiple gynecological, orthopedic, and abdominal surgeries, including internal fixation for the pelvic fractures. Her 10-year-old son asserted a claim for loss of consortium.

Outcome: A motorcycle passenger suffered significant injuries when a water pump came loose from a truck and struck the motorcycle. The man operating the motorcycle was the plaintiff’s father, who was killed. Plaintiff pursued a wrongful death lawsuit and personal injury action against the truck driver and owner, who agreed to a $2,325,000 pretrial settlement.

Why Hire an Experienced Ohio Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

As these examples illustrate, the outcome of your motorcycle accident case can vary widely depending on the specific circumstances involved. This is where the guidance and advocacy of an experienced motorcycle accident attorney can make all the difference.

At The Jones Firm, we have a proven track record of helping injured motorcyclists secure the settlements they deserve by:

• Building strong cases through thorough evidence gathering and expert testimony
• Negotiating aggressively with insurance companies to maximize settlements
• Representing our clients in court when necessary to protect their rights and interests

Our attorneys have secured numerous favorable settlements for motorcyclists, and we’re committed to fighting for the compensation you need to rebuild your life after a devastating accident.

Factors That Can Reduce Your Settlement Amount

While our goal is always to maximize your settlement, it’s important to be aware of factors that can potentially reduce your compensation:

• Comparative negligence and shared fault: If you are found to be partially responsible for the accident, your settlement may be reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault.
• Lack of proper documentation: Failing to keep detailed records of your medical treatment, expenses, and other losses can make it more difficult to prove the full extent of your damages.
• Social media posts and online activity: Insurance companies may scour your online presence for any evidence that could be used to undermine your case, such as posts suggesting your injuries are less severe than claimed.
• Failure to follow through with medical treatment: If you don’t adhere to your prescribed treatment plan, the insurance company may argue that you are not taking your injuries seriously or that your condition has improved more than you claim.
• Settling too quickly: Accepting a settlement offer before you fully understand the long-term impact of your injuries can result in a lower amount than you deserve.

How to Maximize Your Motorcycle Crash Settlement in Columbus, OH

To give yourself the best chance at a fair settlement, there are several steps you can take:

1. Seek medical attention immediately after the accident and follow your doctor’s recommendations for treatment and follow-up care.
2. Document the accident scene, including photos of the damage to your motorcycle, the other vehicle, and any visible injuries.
3. Gather contact information for any witnesses who may be able to provide statements in support of your case.
4. Keep detailed records of all expenses related to the accident, including medical bills, repair costs, and lost wages.
5. Be cautious about discussing your case with others or posting about it on social media, as anything you say could potentially be used against you.
6. Work with a skilled motorcycle accident attorney who can guide you through the settlement process and fight for your rights every step of the way.

Get the Legal Support You Need After a Motorcycle Crash

At The Jones Firm, we’re passionate about fighting for the rights of injured motorcyclists and holding negligent drivers accountable for the harm they cause. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle crash, we invite you to contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Our attorneys will answer your questions and provide personalized guidance on your best course of action. Together, we can work towards a fair settlement that helps you rebuild and recover from this challenging experience.