Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC answers questions for people that have been hurt in Louisville motorcycle accidents. If you were in a motorcycle accident in Louisville and are getting a settlement, you might worry about whether it can be taken to cover child support or other payments. It might depend on your situation, but our team will be there to support your injury claim to make sure you get what you’re owed. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Will My Motorcycle Accident Settlement Be Garnished?
Being in a motorcycle accident is hard enough on its own, leaving you with mounting medical bills, lost income from missing work, and other losses. But if you have other responsibilities like child support or tax liens, garnishment–the legal withholding of pay–is always a concern. Normally, this involves your paycheck. However, a settlement is a bit different.
A settlement from a motorcycle accident claim is generally safe from being garnished unless:
- There’s a court order
- You have outstanding payments
- There’s some other type of payment agreement already in place.
Outside of these situations, you don’t have to worry about a potential settlement being garnished. That said, what you do have to worry about is how much you can get.
How Can You Maximize Your Motorcycle Accident Settlement?
Even though a potential motorcycle accident settlement is safe from being garnished, there’s still the actual mechanics of the claims process and getting a settlement from the at-fault person’s insurance company. In that respect, it’s important to take certain steps to maximize what you’ll get in a settlement. Here’s how you can do that:
- Keep detailed records – Track all your medical visits, expenses, and accident-related details to strengthen your claim.
- Don’t settle too fast – The first offer is often too low. Wait until you understand the full impact of your injuries.
- Avoid social media – Insurance companies look for reasons to reduce your claim, and your posts could be used against you.
- Follow your doctor’s advice – Completing your treatment shows the seriousness of your injuries and prevents insurers from arguing that you’re fine.
- Document all expenses – Keep receipts for medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related costs to prove your financial losses.
- Wait until you recover – Settling too soon could leave out future medical expenses or lost income.
When you face an insurance company, it can be extremely challenging to get the settlement you’re going to need to cover your losses–particularly in a motorcycle accident where your injuries are probably more serious and it’s harder to pin down fault. However, it’s also important to understand what actually makes up your settlement.
What’s Included in Your Motorcycle Accident Settlement?
When you file a claim after a motorcycle accident, whether you go through insurance out of court or file a lawsuit, the goal is to get a settlement. Typically, the insurance company is going to offer you a settlement when you make a claim–or a jury will decide how much you get in a verdict.
- Medical bills and future care – This covers your hospital visits, surgeries, therapy, and ongoing treatments.
- Lost wages – If your injuries keep you from working, you can recover lost income, including future losses.
- Bike repairs or replacement – You can get financial support for fixing or replacing your motorcycle and any other damaged property.
- Pain and suffering – This covers the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Loss of enjoyment – If your injuries prevent you from doing activities or living your life in the same way you did prior to the accident, this covers costs for that.
Even though your settlement is usually safe from garnishment, a motorcycle accident can have serious financial and personal consequences. That’s why the claims process is so important in general, and even more important if you have other financial responsibilities.
How Can Kaufman & Stigger Help You After a Louisville Motorcycle Accident?
A motorcycle accident in Louisville can leave you with serious injuries, expensive medical bills, and time away from work. If you have child support payments or other financial obligations, legal help can make a big difference in securing the settlement you need. Without a lawyer, you risk accepting a low offer that may not cover all your losses. Our team of Louisville motorcycle accident lawyers at Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC can help by:
- Explaining your rights and the best steps to protect your finances.
- Investigating the accident to determine fault and maximize your claim.
- Collecting strong evidence to ensure you get fair compensation.
- Negotiating with insurance companies so you’re not pressured into a lowball offer.
- Taking legal action if necessary to fight for the full amount of damages you need.
If you have financial obligations, part of your settlement may be at risk of garnishment, but we can help you understand how to protect your financial future. Don’t settle for less than you need–contact us today for a free consultation.
