What Is The Average Settlement for a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit?

Motorcycles are a common sight on Florida roads, and unfortunately, so are serious motorcycle accidents. With little physical protection, these crashes often cause devastating injuries that can permanently alter a rider’s life.

When the dust settles, one of the biggest questions becomes: “What kind of financial recovery is realistic?” While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, understanding the factors that shape motorcycle accident settlements can help you see what your case may be worth.

Here’s what factors into calculating a settlement and why having an experienced motorcycle accident attorney can make all the difference.

What Is the Average Motorcycle Accident Settlement?

It’s natural to look for averages when trying to understand what your claim may be worth. But unlike a car repair bill, motorcycle accident cases vary widely.

A minor case involving road rash and a few medical visits may settle for thousands of dollars, while a catastrophic crash resulting in a traumatic brain injury could lead to a settlement worth millions.

The wide range makes it misleading to rely on “average” numbers. What matters is how the facts of your case affect compensation.

6 Factors That Influence Motorcycle Accident Settlements

Several key factors determine the value of a motorcycle accident lawsuit.

1. The Severity of Injuries

Motorcycle accidents often result in broken bones, spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or permanent disability. The more serious and long-lasting the injuries, the higher the potential settlement.

2. Medical Expenses (Past and Future)

Compensation should cover not just emergency room care, but also surgeries, rehabilitation, ongoing treatment, and future medical needs.

3. Lost Income and Reduced Earning Capacity

If your injuries prevent you from working now or reduce your ability to earn a living in the future, those losses are factored into a settlement.

4. Pain and Suffering

Motorcycle crashes don’t just affect the body. They also cause lasting emotional distress, from PTSD to reduced quality of life. Florida law allows compensation for these non-economic damages.

5. Fault and Liability

Florida now follows a modified comparative negligence system for personal injury cases. This means you can recover compensation as long as you are 50% or less at fault for the crash. If you are found to be more than 50% responsible, you cannot recover damages.

Insurance companies often argue that riders contributed to their own injuries by speeding, not wearing proper gear, or taking risks. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can fight back against unfair blame.

6. Insurance Coverage

The at-fault driver’s insurance policy, and sometimes your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, plays a major role in determining what compensation is realistically available.  Many times, this is the biggest factor in your ability to recover.   And most people do not have underinsured motorist coverage on their motorcycles, which further limits the amount of coverage available to fully compensate for the injuries. 

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If no bodily injuries were sustained in the accident, all property damage should be fully covered by insurance. If you believe the insurance company is unfairly denying your claim or not offering a fair settlement, please call our office at (407) 904-8251.

If no bodily injuries were sustained in the accident, all property damage should be fully covered by insurance. If you believe the insurance company is unfairly denying your claim or not offering a fair settlement, please call our office at (407) 904-8251.

If you were at fault for the accident but believe the insurance company is still treating you unfairly or that you should not have been the at fault driver, please call our office at (407) 904-8251.

We do not believe you have a case at this time. If you would like to discuss this more, please call our office at (407) 904-8251.

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Common Motorcycle Accident Damages

Most settlement offers aim to account for both economic damages (financial losses) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering). These may include:

• Past and future medical bills
• Lost wages and diminished earning potential
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs
• Property damage (i.e. motorcycle repair or replacement)
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and mental anguish
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life

In wrongful death cases, families may also recover compensation for funeral costs, loss of support, and loss of companionship.

Learn More: How Are Pain and Suffering Damages Calculated?

The Role of Insurance Companies

It’s important to remember that insurance companies are focused on protecting their bottom line—not your best interests. Their goal is to minimize payouts, even when injuries are catastrophic. Common tactics include:

• Insurance companies often offer quick, low settlements before the full extent of injuries is known.
• Some may try to blame the motorcycle rider for the crash.  This is more common in motorcycle crashes than a collision involving two automobiles. 
• They sometimes question whether all medical treatment was necessary.
• Many delay claims to pressure victims into accepting less.

How an Attorney Can Help

An experienced motorcycle accident attorney does more than negotiate—they build the case to prove the true value of your damages. At Beers & Gordon, our injury lawyers can:

• Review the police report, investigate the crash scene, and collect evidence;
• Use medical records and experts to calculate your future care needs;
• Prove lost income and reduced earning potential;
• Push back against motorcycle bias;
• Find all potential and available insurance; and 
• If necessary, take the case to trial to secure fair compensation.

By understanding both the legal system and the tactics insurers use, an attorney levels the playing field and protects your rights.

Don’t Settle for Less Than You Deserve

Motorcycle accidents are often life-changing. While there’s no single “average” settlement amount, the value of your case depends on factors like your injuries, expenses, and the insurance available.

What matters most is making sure you aren’t pressured into accepting less than you truly need for your recovery.

At Beers & Gordon, we’ve represented riders across Central Florida who have suffered catastrophic injuries in motorcycle crashes. We fight to make sure our clients are treated fairly and compensated fully.

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t wait. Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you pursue the settlement you deserve.