Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents in Terre Haute

Motorcycle crashes can cause serious injuries with lasting consequences. Injuries from motorcycle accidents in Terre Haute can leave you with ongoing pain, large medical bills, long periods away from work, and disruptive trauma symptoms. If someone else was responsible for your accident, a seasoned motorcycle accident attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve. A financial payment will not fix your injuries, but it will hold the responsible party accountable and alleviate the financial stress you may be experiencing.

What Injuries Are Common in Motorcycle Accidents?

Motorcyclists are less protected from the road and the elements than car drivers, so they are more vulnerable to serious injuries. Common injuries include broken bones, road rash burns, neck and spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries, especially if they were not wearing a helmet. However, emotional and mental injuries are also common. These can include post-traumatic stress disorder, trouble sleeping, anxiety, and new fears of driving or riding a motorcycle.

Sometimes injured motorcyclists can recover fully from their injuries, but some injuries lead to permanent disabilities. A long-term disability like paralysis, especially if it prevents the injured person from going back to work, will have a substantial impact on the legal case.

Types of Compensation Available for Motorcycle Injuries

There are three major types of damages an injured motorcyclist may receive. Economic and non-economic damages are common. Economic damages are based on the actual costs you must account for because of the accident, including medical bills and lost wages. Because this type of compensation is based on actual costs, it is relatively easy to calculate. However, it can become complicated if your injuries include a long-term or permanent disability. In these situations, monetary damages can also pay for ongoing medical treatments and lost future wages if you are unable to return to work, or if you need to switch to a lower-paying position.

Non-economic damages usually use the economic damages as a starting point for calculations. Since they are designed to compensate you for the mental and emotional distress that the accident caused you, they can be more difficult to estimate. Both economic and non-economic damages are considered types of compensatory damages.

The third category, punitive damages, is rarely awarded. Punitive damages are only awarded at a trial, not as part of a settlement, and they are designed to punish the offender rather than compensate the injured person. To receive punitive damages, the responsible person needs to have acted intentionally or maliciously. For example, if the other driver was well over the legal limit for alcohol and had a history of drunk driving, then an injured motorcyclist in Terre Haute might qualify for punitive damages.

Indiana does not limit the amount of compensatory damages a person can receive for their motorcycle accident injuries. However, punitive damages are capped.

Talk to a Terre Haute Lawyer About Your Injuries From a Motorcycle Accident Today

Injuries from motorcycle accidents in Terre Haute can permanently change your life. If someone else was responsible for your accident, you may be able to receive financial compensation. A monetary award can cover your medical bills and living expenses, which frees up your time and attention so you can focus on your health. An experienced personal injury lawyer can guide you through the process. Schedule an appointment with Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin to discuss your motorcycle injury case today.