Motorcycle Accident Settlement: $415,000 for Client in Severe Accident

When William S., a motorcycle rider, set out for a ride on his Honda motorcycle one October evening, he never imagined it would end with life-threatening injuries and a lengthy hospital stay. A driver made an improper left turn directly into his path, causing a devastating head-on collision.

Motorcycle accidents like this are significantly more dangerous than accidents involving a passenger vehicle, as motorcycle riders face a much higher risk of serious physical harm in traffic accidents. The aftermath left Mr. S not only with severe internal trauma—typical of motorcycle accident injuries, which often result in more serious injuries than those seen in car accidents—but also with mounting medical costs, lost income, property damage to his motorcycle, and the stress of a complex insurance battle.

While some motorcycle crashes result in only minor injuries, which typically lead to lower settlement amounts, this case involved an injured rider who suffered extensive harm and required substantial medical treatments.

This post details one of several motorcycle accident settlement examples, illustrating how settlement amounts are determined in motorcycle accidents. Kitay Law Offices, a law firm with experienced motorcycle accident lawyers, navigated this challenging case and secured a $415,000 settlement for William S. This example demonstrates how expert legal representation can make a critical difference for motorcycle accident victims and their families.

The Devastating Impact of a Negligent Turn in a Motorcycle Accident

On a typical evening in October 2020, William S. was riding his motorcycle in Bethlehem, PA. As he lawfully proceeded through an intersection, a car turned directly in front of him. The impact threw Mr. S. from his motorcycle and over the hood of the car, causing severe and life-threatening injuries.

An ambulance rushed him to the hospital, where trauma surgeons discovered significant internal bleeding. His injuries were critical and included:

• A large, active mesenteric hematoma (bleeding in the tissues connecting the intestines to the abdominal wall)
• A Grade 1 liver laceration
• Multiple abrasions and widespread pain

Emergency surgeons performed an exploratory laparotomy to control the bleeding. The procedure was so complex that he required a second surgery the next day to complete the closure. William S. spent six days in the hospital, his condition critical.

Compounding the physical and emotional trauma was the financial strain. His initial $5,000 in personal injury protection benefits were exhausted quickly. Without health insurance, he faced overwhelming medical bills. He also lost a month of work, resulting in thousands of dollars in lost wages.

The amount of a motorcycle accident injury settlement can vary widely depending on factors such as the severity of injuries, liability, and available insurance coverage. It was clear that the at-fault driver’s insurance policy, specifically their bodily injury liability coverage, would not be enough to cover the full extent of his damages due to insurance policy limits.

A Legal Strategy to Maximize Motorcycle Accident Settlements

When William S. came to the law firm of Kitay Law Offices, Managing Attorney Ryan P. Merrill took charge of his personal injury case. He recognized that securing fair compensation in personal injury cases, especially for a motorcycle injury claim, would require a multi-faceted approach that went beyond a simple claim against the at-fault driver. The legal team, experienced in handling motorcycle accident settlements, developed a comprehensive strategy to pursue every available source of recovery and maximize the settlement.

Handling Multiple Complex Insurance Claims

The first challenge was the at-fault driver’s insurance. Their policy limits were insufficient to cover the life-altering damages Mr. S. had suffered. This is a common issue in severe accident cases. Many drivers carry only the minimum required insurance, which falls far short of covering catastrophic injuries.

Our strategy involved three key steps:

1. Pursuing the At-Fault Driver’s Policies: We first filed claims against both of the at-fault driver’s insurance carriers, aggressively negotiating to secure the maximum possible payout from their available coverage.
2. Activating Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage: Because the at-fault driver’s insurance was inadequate, we turned to our client’s own auto insurance policy. William S. had wisely purchased Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage. This type of insurance is designed to protect you when you are injured by a driver who doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your damages. We filed a UIM claim to bridge the gap between the at-fault driver’s policy limits and the actual cost of our client’s injuries.
3. Documenting the Full Extent of Damages: We compiled exhaustive documentation to build a compelling case. This included police reports confirming the other driver was 100% liable, complete medical records, detailed surgical reports, and photos of the permanent surgical scarring. We thoroughly documented all medical treatment, including physical therapy, to show the extent of care required for recovery. We also included evidence of property damage to the motorcycle, and calculated all economic losses, such as medical costs and lost income, and built a strong argument for non-economic damages like pain, suffering, and the significant impact on his quality of life.

By presenting this detailed evidence, our attorneys demonstrated the true cost of the accident, leaving no room for the insurance companies to downplay the severity of our client’s situation.

The Result: A $415,000 Victory

Through this strategic, multi-claim approach, Kitay Law Offices secured a total injury settlement of $415,000 for William S., demonstrating how settlement amounts in motorcycle accident cases can vary based on several factors.

This settlement was broken down as follows:

• $350,000 from the at-fault driver’s insurance carriers, which reflected the insurance policy limits available under the driver’s coverage.
• An additional $65,000 from his own Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage.

This total injury settlement provided complete compensation for his medical expenses, lost wages, and the immense pain and suffering he endured. The settlement gave William S. the financial security he needed to focus on his recovery and move forward with his life without the burden of overwhelming debt.

The Importance of Expert Legal Representation

William S.’s case highlights a critical lesson for all motorcyclists: your case may be more complex than it appears. What started as a claim against a negligent driver evolved into a multi-layered negotiation involving three separate insurance policies. Without an experienced motorcycle accident law firm, it’s easy to miss opportunities for additional compensation, like UIM coverage.

As a dedicated motorcycle accident law firm, the motorcycle accident lawyers at Kitay Law Offices have the expertise to handle serious motorcycle accident cases. We know how to investigate the accident, document injuries, and identify all potential sources of recovery. Our motorcycle accident lawyers fight for our clients’ rights to ensure they receive the maximum compensation they deserve.

Secure the Legal Support You Need

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, you don’t have to face the insurance companies alone. The financial, physical, and emotional challenges can be overwhelming. An experienced personal injury lawyer can protect your rights and fight for the justice you deserve.

Contact the motorcycle accident lawyers at Kitay Law Offices today for a free consultation. Our legal team of motorcycle accident lawyers is ready to listen to your story, explain your options, and help you take the next step toward securing your future. Call us at 888-KITAY-LAW or fill out our online contact form.