Average Motorcycle Accident Settlement in California (2025)

Motorcycle accidents have a higher chance of resulting in catastrophic or fatal injuries than most other vehicle accidents. Victims often struggle with expensive medical bills and long-term health complications, so it’s natural to wonder how much compensation you might secure from a motorcycle accident case. The average motorcycle accident settlement in California is difficult to assess due to the fact that the value of each case can vary based on multiple factors.

Duque & Price regularly provides compassionate legal counsel to accident victims throughout California. When a driver has been hurt in an accident and they know someone else is to blame, one of their first questions is usually how much compensation they can claim from the defendant. In every case we accept, our goal is to help our client recover as much as possible. We can help with auto insurance claims and build personal injury cases as our clients require.

Recovering Compensation for a Motorcycle Accident in California

Before you can recover any compensation for a motorcycle accident in California, you must prove the cause of the accident and identify the party responsible for causing it. Most motorcycle accidents in California happen because of negligence, such as speeding or distracted driving, but they can also happen due to intentional misconduct behind the wheel, such as intoxicated driving.

Once you prove fault, an attorney can help you prove the full extent of the damages you suffered. Under California’s fault rule for vehicle accidents, the driver at fault for causing the accident is liable for any and all resulting damages. You must prove that any damages you intend to claim from the defendant are the direct result of their actions and did not occur from any other cause.

It’s possible to recover compensation for any economic and non-economic damages the defendant inflicted. Economic damages are generally straightforward and include any direct financial losses you suffered because of the accident.

Vehicle repair costs, medical bills, and lost wages are commonly cited economic damages in motorcycle accident claims. However, you can also claim compensation for projected future losses like ongoing medical bills and lost earning power.

In addition to these economic damages, you can seek pain and suffering compensation from the defendant. This could form the bulk of your case award if you suffered any serious or catastrophic injuries. Generally, the amount of pain and suffering compensation a plaintiff receives corresponds to the overall severity of their injuries.

How an Attorney Can Help

It’s common for accident victims to wonder about the average motorcycle accident settlement in California to have some idea of what they can expect for their own recoveries. However, any averages you may find through online research may be misleading. Every accident case is unique, and every injured rider will face different challenges and opportunities in their case.

If you want to have the greatest chance of maximizing your recovery, it is crucial to speak with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney as quickly as possible after your accident. You have limited time to build and file your case, so finding an attorney right away greatly increases your chance of success and the likelihood of maximizing your compensation as much as state law allows.

FAQs

Q: What Economic Damages Can I Claim for a Motorcycle Accident?

A: The economic damages you could claim for a motorcycle accident are likely to include vehicle repair or replacement costs, medical expenses, long-term medical treatment costs for severe injuries, lost wages, and lost earning power if you have been permanently disabled. An experienced attorney can help you calculate projected financial losses and maximize your compensation for your economic damages.

Q: How Is Pain and Suffering Compensation Calculated in a Motorcycle Accident Case?

A: In a motorcycle accident case, pain and suffering compensation can be calculated based on the overall severity of the victim’s injuries and the scope of any long-term or permanent harm they suffered. California does not place a cap on pain and suffering compensation in vehicle accident cases, nor is the plaintiff required to use a specific formula to calculate pain and suffering. Your attorney can help maximize this aspect of your recovery.

Q: What Happens if I Share Fault for My Motorcycle Accident?

A: If you are found to share fault for your motorcycle accident, it will be reflected with a fault percentage. You can still claim compensation from the defendant, but the total compensation you receive will be reduced by your fault percentage. If you have any concerns about partial fault for your accident, it’s important to consult an attorney right away. They can help you understand what you can expect.

Q: How Long Does It Take to Settle a Motorcycle Accident Case?

A: The time it takes to settle a motorcycle accident case depends on several factors, such as the severity of your damages, whether you have experienced legal counsel advising you, and whether liability for the accident is contested. It could take anywhere from several weeks to several months or even longer, a year in some cases. Your attorney can provide an estimate of what you can reasonably expect for your case.

Q: Why Should I Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

A: You should hire a motorcycle accident lawyer to have the greatest chance to win your case and the greatest chance of maximizing your compensation. Your attorney can gather the evidence needed to prove liability, help you uncover all the various damages you are eligible to claim, and guide you through your proceedings efficiently. It is always a good idea to have legal counsel on your side for any type of personal injury case in California.

The team at Duque & Price has helped many motorcycle accident victims throughout California recover, and we can put our experience to work in your case. We know you likely have many questions about the average motorcycle accident settlement in California, and we can help you understand what you can expect in your individual case. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our team and learn how we can assist with your recovery.

About The Author

Brent A. Duque

From humble beginnings and son of hard-working immigrant parents, Brent Duque was raised in La Puente, California. After graduating from West Covina High School and Mt. San Antonio College, Mr. Duque went on to graduate from Cal State University Fullerton with a Bachelors degree in Political Science. After obtaining his undergraduate degree, Mr. Duque did his graduate studies in Education and Public Administration at California Polytechnic University Pomona. After working for other firms, Mr. Duque knew that if he opened his own firm, he could provide more aggressive representation, better communication with clients, and secure larger settlements and verdicts for his clients. In 2006, he started his firm and has had a remarkable and successful career that he attributes to his firm’s aggressive and relentless pursuit of justice for his clients. As owner and managing attorney of the firm, Mr. Duque has fought for and secured millions of dollars for his clients.

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