HOW MUCH IS MY RHODE ISLAND MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT CASE WORTH? WHAT DAMAGES AM I ENTITLED TO?
If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident caused wholly or partially by the negligence of another, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. These monetary damages may include:
ECONOMIC DAMAGE – such as tangible out of pocket costs which are often established with bills and invoices
- Medical expenses, including past, present, and future bills
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation costs
- Transportation costs
- Costs of medical devices and modifications and accommodations to your home or vehicle
- Costs of assistive devices
- Expenses for in-home healthcare and household services
- Lost wages, both from missed work and missed future earning potential
- Household bills
- Damage to your motorcycle
NON-ECONOMIC DAMAGES – which include general intangible damages. These damages affect quality of life, but are oftentimes more significant, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Disability
- Disfigurement
- Anxiety and post-traumatic stress (emotional distress)
- Loss of companionship or consortium
- Lifestyle Impairment
PUNITIVE DAMAGES – In some instances the responsible party’s conduct is so egregious that punitive damages are appropriate as a means of punishment and a deterrent to future bad conduct.
In the event that a loved one has died in a motorcycle accident you may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim for those left behind. Of course no amount of money can bring your loved on back or provide adequate compensation, but you nevertheless may be able to recover for funeral and burial costs, loss of income, and loss of companionship.
Every case is different and the amount and type of damages to which an individual is entitled varies greatly from case to case. If you are a loved one feel you are entitled to compensation, call our motorcycle injury attorneys today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
CAN I RECOVER IF I WAS ALSO AT FAULT IN CAUSING MY MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT?
Even if you are partially or even mostly responsible for the accident, you still may be entitled to damages. Under Rhode Island General Law 9-20-4 Rhode Island is considered a comparative negligence state. What this means is that even if a plaintiff is partially responsible for an accident, he or she may still be able to recover damages if they can establish that another party is also at fault. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t be discouraged by the fact that you may feel responsible. Call us today, there is no obligation and the call and consultation are free.
WHAT IF I WAS NOT WEARING A HELMET DURING MY MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT?
While wearing a helmet is certainly safer than not, it is only required in certain instances. Rhode Island General Law 31-10.1-4 only requires that motorcycle operators where helmets if they are either under 21 years old, or have had their motorcycle license for less than one year. Do not be deterred if you were not wearing a helmet, you may still be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT INJURY STATISTICS
There is a lot to love about riding a motorcycle. Motorcycles are fun and exhilarating, fuel efficient, and riders share a sense of camaraderie on the open road. Unfortunately, riding can be extremely dangerous even when the driver takes every imaginable precaution. Part of the allure of riding is that there is nothing separating the rider from the wind and the open road – this is also what makes it so dangerous. Between the size discrepancy between motorcycles and other vehicles on the road and the relatively low level of protection for riders, oftentimes even the most basic accidents can have catastrophic consequences.
While motorcycles only account for 3% of registered vehicles on our roads, motorcycles account for nearly 15% of all motor vehicle fatalities, meaning a motorcycle rider is nearly five times as likely to be killed in an accident as another motorist. While the majority of motorcyclists and their passengers involved in a collision do survive, the death rate is alarming: 24.8%, meaning that nearly a quarter of motorcyclists tragically do not survive the accident. The figures for Rhode Island motorcycle accidents are even higher, with motorcycle accident deaths accounting for 20% of roadway fatalities.
One thing is clear, regardless of who is at fault, it is typically the rider who suffers the most severe consequences of a motorcycle crash. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, make sure you obtain every dollar you are entitled to. Call our attorneys today, our consultations are confidential and at no cost to you. We are available 24/7 at 401-228-8271.
RHODE ISLAND MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYERS
Motorcycle riding certainly has its benefits, and the freedom and camaraderie are undeniable. But accidents do happen, and if you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident you may have the right to seek financial compensation. The money you recover can help to cover expensive medical bills, make up for lost income while you recover from your injuries, and compensate you for the emotional stress of the accident and your injuries.
At Marin and Barrett, Inc., our team of Rhode Island motorcycle accident lawyers are here to help you assert your legal rights and recover the money you deserve. Call us 24/7 at 401-228-8271 for a free, no obligation case review and consultation.
To Learn More About Your Rights and Receive a Free Initial Consultation from local
Rhode Island Motorcycle Accident Attorneys, Contact us 24/7 at 401-228-8271
**YOU ONLY PAY IF WE WIN**
HOW DO I GET STARTED WITH MY RHODE ISLAND MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT CASE?
First thing is first, be sure to get the medical attention you need. Once you do that, the bills will start pouring in and the expenses add up in a hurry. Realistically you’ll want to contact an attorney as soon as possible. The evidence you may need is often the freshest shortly after the accident, and you can rest assured that the party or parties responsible for your injuries will be gearing up for their own legal fight and you will not want to be left behind.
