Average Settlement for Motorcycle Accident Claims [2025 Guide]

No Two Motorcycle Accident Claims Are the Same

Every motorcycle accident case is built on its own set of facts.

Two riders could sustain injuries in accidents that happen on the same road, on the same day, and still see drastically different settlement amounts.

How your settlement is calculated comes down to several details, namely:

• How severe the injuries are
• Who is found liable
• The type of insurance (like uninsured motorist coverage) available
• The long-term effects on the rider’s life.

Your settlement is meant to cover both economic damages (such as medical bills and lost wages) and non-economic damages (such as pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life).

The more severe and lasting these damages are, the higher the potential payout.

Factors like shared fault can reduce the amount you ultimately receive.

The Different Settlement Tiers: How Much You Can Potentially Claim and Recover After Your Accident

There’s much variation in the amount of damages motorcycle accident victims can claim.

On average, settlements for motorcycle accidents often fall into three broad tiers based on the seriousness of the injury and the impact it has on your life.

While these ranges aren’t guarantees, they can help you understand where your claim might fit.

Tier 1: $300,000 to Over $1,000,000

This tier applies to catastrophic motorcycle accidents.

These scenarios involve life-altering injuries that require extensive medical care, lead to permanent disability, or result in wrongful death.

Examples include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries causing paralysis
• Amputations
• Severe burns or disfigurement
• Permanent loss of mobility or function
• Fatal crashes caused by gross negligence, such as drunk driving or extreme speeding

These cases often involve significant personal injury damages for lifelong medical care, rehabilitation, and lost earning capacity.

Non-economic damages can also be substantial, recognizing the profound emotional and psychological toll of such an injury or loss.

Because the stakes are so high, Tier 1 can be long civil claim processes.

These cases may proceed to trial if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement.

When a strong case is supported by clear evidence of negligence, jury awards and negotiated settlements can exceed a million dollars.

Tier 2: $100,000 to $300,000

Tier 2 settlements apply to serious but non-catastrophic injuries.

These injuries can still have a long-term impact on your life and may require surgery or extended recovery, but they typically allow for eventual return to work and normal activities — though sometimes with limitations.

Common examples include:

• Multiple bone fractures
• Spinal injuries requiring surgical intervention
• Significant ligament or tendon damage
• Long-term soft tissue injuries
• Injuries that prevent you from working for months or permanently restrict certain activities

Damages in this tier often include:

• Medical expenses for surgeries, follow-up care, and physical therapy
• Lost wages during recovery
• Pain and suffering for prolonged discomfort and lifestyle changes
• Ongoing medical care for lingering conditions or complications

While these claims may not reach seven figures, they still require careful legal handling to ensure that settlement offers truly account for all current and future costs: something insurance companies often undervalue.

Tier 3: $10,000 to $100,000

Tier 3 covers moderate injuries that, while painful and disruptive, typically allow for full recovery with limited long-term impact.

Examples include:

• Road rash requiring medical treatment
• Minor fractures that heal without surgery
• Sprains and strains
• Whiplash
• Cuts and bruises with no lasting impairment

These personal injury claims often resolve through an insurance settlement rather than litigation.

Compensation generally covers:

• Immediate medical bills
• Short-term lost wages
• Basic property damage repairs
• Limited pain and suffering

Even in Tier 3 motorcycle accident claims, having an attorney can still make a difference — especially if the insurance company disputes the extent of your injuries or tries to shift partial blame to reduce their payout.

How Liability Impacts Your Settlement

Liability is one of the most important factors in determining your motorcycle injury claim settlement, as it determines who is legally responsible for causing the crash and to what extent.

Even if your injuries are severe, the amount you can recover will depend on how fault is assigned.

Both Illinois and Missouri follow comparative negligence laws, but the rules differ between the two states.

Comparative Negligence in Illinois

Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar.

This means you can recover damages if you are found to be 50% or less at fault for the accident.

If your share of fault is 51% or greater, you cannot recover anything at all.

Even when you are eligible for compensation, your total recovery is reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault.

If your damages are valued at $200,000 and you are found 20% responsible, your final payout would be $160,000.

Comparative Negligence in Missouri

Missouri uses a pure comparative negligence system, which is more lenient.

Under this rule, you can recover damages even if you are 99% at fault for the accident.

Your compensation is still reduced by your percentage of fault, but there is no threshold that cuts off recovery entirely.

In practice, this means that if your damages total $200,000 and you are found 80% responsible, you could still recover $40,000.

Why Comparative Negligence Matters in Motorcycle Accidents

Comparative negligence can have a major impact on the final amount you receive, especially in motorcycle accident claims where liability is often disputed.

Insurance companies and opposing attorneys may try to argue that your actions contributed to the crash, pointing to factors such as lane positioning, speed, or the absence of certain protective gear.

Proving Liability With Evidence

Because your settlement depends on the degree of “fault” you have in your accident, you’ll need two things.

One is evidence.

A strong claim supported by police reports, medical records, eyewitness accounts, and accident reconstruction can help reduce your assigned fault percentage.

The lower your share of fault, the more you can recover, making it critical to have a lawyer who understands how to challenge these arguments effectively.

Legal Representation for a Compelling Case

Of course, evidence and a claim on their own won’t be enough to build your case.

You should also hire an experienced personal injury lawyer with a wealth of experience handling motorcycle accident claims.

An attorney uses legal expertise and your personal injury evidence to prove that your accident was not your fault, maximizing your settlement further.

Types of Damages in a Motorcycle Accident Settlement

When you pursue a motorcycle accident claim, your settlement is meant to cover both the financial costs of your injury and the personal impact it has had on your life.

These costs and losses are referred to as economic and non-economic damages.

Together, they create a complete picture of your losses and help determine the total value of your claim.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are the tangible financial losses that can be documented and calculated.

Medical expenses are often the largest component, especially for riders who require surgeries, hospital stays, or long-term rehabilitation.

These damages can also include the cost of prescription medications, medical equipment, and ongoing treatments such as physical therapy.

Lost wages are another major factor, covering both the income you missed while recovering and, if applicable, the loss of future earning capacity if you are unable to return to your previous job or work at all.

Property damage, such as repairs or replacement of your motorcycle, also falls under this category.

Common examples include:

• Medical expenses: Hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, medications, and therapy.
• Lost wages: Income lost while recovering, plus any reduction in future earning potential.
• Property damage: Repair or replacement costs for your motorcycle and gear.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages compensate you for the harder-to-measure effects of your injuries.

Pain and suffering is the most common example, and it reflects the physical discomfort and emotional distress caused by the accident.

Loss of enjoyment of life may also apply if your injuries prevent you from engaging in hobbies, sports, or other activities you once enjoyed.

In more severe cases, you may be entitled to damages for permanent disability, disfigurement, or loss of companionship if the accident has affected your relationships.

These may include:

• Pain and suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress linked to your injuries.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: The inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed.
• Disability or disfigurement: Permanent physical changes that affect daily living and self-image.

Future Damages

Some motorcycle accident settlements also account for future damages.

If your injuries require long-term care, additional surgeries, or continuing therapy, those costs should be included in your payout.

The same applies to the projected loss of earnings if your ability to work is permanently affected.

Estimating these damages often requires expert input from medical professionals, economists, and vocational specialists to ensure your future needs are fully considered.

Potential future damages may cover:

• Ongoing medical care: Rehabilitation, follow-up surgeries, or lifetime treatment plans.
• Future loss of income: Reduced or total loss of earning ability in the years ahead.
• Support services: Long-term assistance for daily activities or home modifications.

How a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Strengthens Your Claim

As with any personal injury claim, a motorcycle accident claim involves more than just filling out forms and waiting for an insurance check.

From the moment the crash occurs, every decision and piece of evidence can affect your final settlement.

An experienced lawyer guides you through the process, protecting your rights and building a strong case for compensation.

Case Evaluation and Strategy

Your attorney will start by reviewing the facts of your accident, assessing the available evidence, and identifying potential challenges.

This early evaluation helps shape a legal strategy tailored to your specific circumstances, whether the focus is on settlement negotiation or preparing for trial.

Evidence Gathering

Strong evidence is the backbone of any successful claim.

Your lawyer will collect and preserve key materials such as police reports, medical records, photographs, and witness statements.

In more complex cases, they may bring in accident reconstruction experts to provide a professional analysis of how the crash occurred.

Negotiating With Insurers

Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts.

A lawyer knows the tactics they use and can push back with well-documented demands.

They will communicate with the insurance company on your behalf, respond to attempts to shift blame, and work to secure a settlement that reflects the true value of your damages.

Calculating Damages

Determining the value of a claim goes beyond adding up current bills.

Your lawyer will account for future medical needs, long-term income loss, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

This ensures that the settlement demand reflects both your immediate and future needs.

Litigation Representation

If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your attorney can take your case to court by filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit.

This includes drafting legal filings, selecting expert witnesses, and presenting your evidence to a judge or jury.

Having an attorney prepared for litigation often motivates insurers to make better offers before trial.

Managing Timelines and Deadlines

Every motorcycle accident case is bound by legal deadlines, including the statute of limitations, which dictates how long you have to file a lawsuit.

In Illinois, most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the accident.

By comparison, Missouri generally allows five years.

Missing these deadlines can mean jeopardizing your motorcycle accident lawsuit timeline.

You might lose your right to compensation entirely.

A lawyer keeps your case on track, ensuring all necessary paperwork, evidence submissions, and court filings are completed within the required timeframes.

Your attorney will also monitor the pace of negotiations to prevent unnecessary delays that could hurt your position.

How Much Will Hiring a Lawyer Cost?

If you’re hesitant about contacting a lawyer, we understand.

Many worry about the cost of hiring a lawyer after a motorcycle accident, especially when medical bills and lost wages are already creating financial strain.

The good news is that there are firms like ours that take cases on a contingency fee basis.

Under a contingency fee arrangement, you pay nothing up front and no hourly fees.

Instead, the attorney’s payment comes as a percentage of the settlement or verdict they secure for you.

You owe nothing until we win your case.

TorHoerman Law: Get Compensated for Your Motorcycle Injuries

Your motorcycle accident settlement will depend on several factors, but one thing is certain:

You deserve to be fairly compensated if your accident was no fault of your own.

Get the compensation you deserve with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in your corner.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation or use the chatbot on this page to find out if you’re eligible for a claim. 

You can also use the chatbot on this page to see if you qualify immediately.