Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC helps motorcycle accidents in Louisville by answering their questions about the legal process. Even with a minor collision, a motorcycle accident can leave you dealing with significant pain and mental anguish. The law tries to take this into account when you file a claim, providing access to “pain and suffering” damages. But the real question is: how is this calculated? Our experienced Louisville motorcycle accident lawyers can answer this and any other question you have. Contact us today for a free consultation.
How is Pain and Suffering Calculated After a Motorcycle Accident?
It’s pretty easy to figure out why a motorcycle accident is so painful for you, the rider. There’s virtually no protection against a collision with a moving vehicle. Then, there’s the added risk of motorcycles in general, with high speeds and maneuverability. While this is exciting, it also leaves you vulnerable to “no-contact accidents” from things like potholes or road hazards.
Even with this knowledge, it’s still tough to put a dollar amount on your pain and suffering after a motorcycle accident. Your injuries and how they affect your life are often the hardest parts to deal with–and they’re key to building your claim. Generally, the more serious and complicated your injuries are, the more you can get in pain and suffering. But remember, you have to show this to an insurance company or jury, and here’s how you can do that:
- Save your records – Keep everything–hospital bills, doctor’s notes, prescriptions, and therapy records. These show how the accident has affected your health and finances.
- Get statements from those close to your injury – Ask doctors and even friends or family to explain how your injuries have impacted you. Medical professionals can confirm the severity, while loved ones can share how they’ve seen you struggle.
- Keep a journal – Start a journal to track how your injuries affect your daily life. Note things like pain while walking, lifting, or even sleeping.
- Show how your life has changed – Include examples of how your life is different post-accident–whether it’s missing out on hobbies, struggling at work, or spending less time with loved ones.
What makes pain and suffering so difficult to pin down is that everybody reacts differently. Your injuries might be more impactful to your life than the same injury is to another person. Regardless, though, it’s about what you can show once you file a claim that’s going to get you a fair result.
What Can You Do to Strengthen Your Motorcycle Accident Claim?
Once you’re in a motorcycle accident in Louisville, you have to think about taking the right steps to strengthen a potential claim. While it can be tough, especially if you’re injured, these steps can make a big difference in what you get in a claim–whether that’s pain and suffering or your other damages:
- Call 911 for help – Always call 911 after an accident. Emergency responders can provide medical care, and the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) will document the scene and file a report, which will have important information you need to get your claim started.
- Collect information and evidence – If it’s safe and you’re able, take photos and videos of the accident scene. Document your motorcycle, the other vehicle, and anything else that might have contributed to the crash, like road hazards or weather conditions.
- Exchange information with everyone involved – Get contact and insurance details from the other driver. If there are witnesses, ask for their names and phone numbers—they can provide important statements for your claim.
- Be careful with statements – Stick to the facts when talking about the accident, especially with insurance adjusters. Don’t make any detailed statements or say anything that could be seen as you admitting fault.
If your injuries prevent you from doing these things right away, don’t worry–our team is here to help gather the necessary information and protect your claim and rights
How Will Kaufman & Stigger Help You After a Louisville Motorcycle Accident?
You might not always need legal help for a minor motorcycle accident. But if your injuries are serious, having our experienced lawyers on your side can make a huge difference–especially when going after your damages for pain and suffering. Here’s what we can do to help you:
- Explain your options – We’ll guide you through the legal process, making sure you understand your rights and how your damages like pain and suffering are calculated.
- Gather key evidence – From medical records to photos and witness statements, we’ll help you collect everything needed to build a strong claim.
- Negotiate with insurance – Insurance companies usually try to minimize your payout. We’ll handle the negotiations to make sure you receive fair damages for your injuries and mental suffering.
Our goal is to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Plus, with our support, you’ll have the confidence that your claim is in experienced, capable hands. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward healing.
