Motorcycle riders embrace the freedom of the open road. However, they also take on significant risks every time they get on their bikes due to the lack of protection compared to driving a car. When motorcycle accidents happen, the injuries sustained often lead to immense financial burdens for the victims and their families. From soaring medical bills to lost wages and vehicle repair costs, the expenses can mount up quickly.
For those injured in motorcycle crashes in Virginia, it is important to understand the potential financial impacts and learn how to effectively manage costs while seeking compensation. This article will examine the common economic hardships after a motorcycle collision in Virginia and provide guidance on handling the monetary fallout as you work to recover both physically and financially from the ordeal. With the right preparation and legal help on your side, you can alleviate the financial stress and obtain the maximum compensation entitled to you under Virginia law.
Medical Expenses
Medical costs are often the largest financial burden after a motorcycle accident. Even minor motorcycle crashes can result in broken bones, organ damage, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and extensive skin abrasions requiring surgery. Complex surgeries, diagnostic tests, hospitalization, rehabilitation, home health services, and prescription medications can quickly escalate medical bills into the tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars, even with health insurance.
Those at fault for motorcycle collisions in Virginia are liable for the injured motorcyclist’s reasonable and necessary medical costs under the state’s personal injury laws. However, recovering compensation from an at-fault driver’s insurance company can take months. Impacted motorcyclists may need to utilize health insurance, dip into savings, take out loans, or set up payment plans in the meantime. Recording all accident-related medical expenses is critical for recouping costs later.
Some specific medical costs that injured motorcyclists often face include:
- Emergency room treatment and ambulance transportation
- Inpatient hospital stays, which average over $10,000 per day
- Multiple complex surgeries like orthopedic procedures, plastic surgery, neurosurgery
- Physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy
- Ongoing pain management services
- Prescription drugs
- Psychological counseling/psychiatric treatment for crash-related PTSD, anxiety, or depression
- Follow-up visits with various specialists
- In-home healthcare like nursing, home health aides, special equipment
- Long-term care if disabled, like at a nursing home or assisted living facility
The medical expenses add up rapidly. Work closely with your health insurer and document every bill, charge, and payment. Consult with an attorney to ensure you recoup the full costs later.
Lost Income
Many motorcyclists need to take extended time off work after suffering severe injuries in a crash. Lost income while recovering can deal a major financial blow, making it difficult to keep up with regular living expenses. Those deemed eligible may receive disability insurance benefits or workers’ compensation during time away from work. However, the payments rarely equal pre-injury earnings.
Documenting lost wages and income is key to recouping this category of damages from the liable driver. An attorney can help calculate and prove these losses. Unfortunately, recovering lost income takes time. Injured motorcyclists may need to use up vacation/sick time, borrow money, or cut back on expenses until they receive the compensation.
Some tips for documenting and recouping lost income:
- Obtain copies of pay stubs or tax returns showing pre-accident income/earnings
- Get written verification from employers confirming time missed from work
- Calculate the value of any used sick/vacation time due to the accident
- Factor in lost benefits like health insurance contributions and 401K matching
- Account for missed promotions, training, certifications, or other lost opportunities
- Consider long-term losses if you are forced to change careers due to disability
Thoroughly proving past and future lost income is key to recovering fair damages. An attorney can ensure you receive full compensation.
Motorcycle Repair or Replacement
The motorcycle itself often sustains major damage in an accident, leaving the owner with costly repair bills or the need to replace the destroyed bike altogether.
In Virginia, the at-fault driver must pay for reasonable repair costs or the pre-accident value of the motorcycle if it is totaled. However, getting compensation for property damage again takes time. Collision and comprehensive motorcycle insurance can help pay for repairs or replacement in the interim. Without sufficient coverage, the motorcyclist must cover these costs out-of-pocket until reimbursement is obtained.
Other Expenses
Additional accident-related expenses can range from motorcycle towing and storage fees, costs to rent a vehicle while recovering or awaiting bike repairs, property damage like a damaged helmet or riding gear, home accessibility modifications if disabled, and more. Documenting all these expenses ensures the liable party covers the full financial losses they caused.
However, getting reimbursed takes time. Injured motorcyclists often need to pay these costs upfront until they get compensation. Tracking all receipts and documentation is critical.
Some other costs to account for include:
- Damaged equipment like jacket, boots, GPS, saddlebags
- Costs for canes, wheelchairs, or other assistive devices
- Home or vehicle modifications for accessibility if disabled
- Travel costs for medical appointments or to see out-of-town specialists
- Child care if you are unable to care for children due to injuries
- Housekeeping or yard services if you are unable to perform these tasks
Save every receipt related to additional accident costs. A comprehensive record makes it easier for an attorney to seek reimbursement.
Legal Help for Financial Recovery
The various financial burdens after a motorcycle crash can quickly become overwhelming. An experienced Virginia motorcycle accident attorney can be invaluable in handling the legal complexities while the victim focuses on recovery. An attorney can deal with the insurance companies, calculate damages, negotiate a full and fair settlement, and take the case to court if needed.
They will also determine all sources of compensation under Virginia laws, such as recovering damages from multiple insurance policies. Legal help typically works on a contingency fee basis, meaning no upfront costs to the injured motorcyclist. The attorney receives an agreed-upon percentage of any final settlement or award.
An attorney can assist with tasks like:
- Gathering evidence to prove liability and damages
- Communicating with insurers and negotiating on your behalf
- Having damaged equipment appraised for value
- Consulting accident reconstruction experts if necessary
- Working with doctors and employers to document medical and lost wage costs
- Filing documents and paperwork to pursue legal action if warranted
Getting experienced legal help on your side eases the financial stress as you work to heal and get life back on track.
Monge & Associates – Here to Help
Dealing with a motorcycle accident’s financial repercussions can be daunting. The motorcycle accident lawyers at Monge & Associates have years of experience helping injured victims recover damages and expenses. With 32 offices in 19 states, including Virginia, Maryland, and Illinois, we are equipped to handle motorcycle crash cases across multiple jurisdictions. Contact us today at (888) 477-0597 for a free case evaluation. Our dedicated team is here to help you navigate this difficult time while fighting for the maximum compensation you deserve.