September 12, 2023

Average Motorcycle Accident Settlement in California

Legally reviewed by: Jessica Anvar Stotz, JD, MBA

Short answer: Depending on the severity of injuries and the expertise of an attorney, the average payout for a motorcycle accident in California can range from $20,000 to $75,000 pending the injuries the case involves.

Settlements involving minor injuries will likely settle between $20,000-$50,000. Settlements involving major injuries can exceed $1,000,000.

Common California Motorcycle Accident Settlement Amounts

Severity of Accident	Average CA Motorcycle Accident Settlement
Minor	Approximately: $10,000-$50,000
Moderate	Approximately: $50,000-$150,000
Severe	Approximately: $150,000-$500,000+

Example CA Motorcycle Accident Cases

Below are some recent motorcycle accident settlements achieved by lawyer members of LawLinq:

• $750,000 settlement for a motorcycle accident resulting in back and neck injuries
• 500,000 settlement for a motorcyclist hit by ride share company resulting in knee surgery
• $50,000 settlement for a motorcycle t-boned by left turning driver

California Motorcycle Accident Settlement Estimator

Fill out our calculator below to receive a settlement estimate in roughly 90 seconds. Don’t let your medical bills and expenses pile up.

California Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Below is a quick look at some of California’s biggest counties and motorcycle accidents resulting in injuries or death for 2022.

County	Accidents with Injuries
Los Angeles	2840
San Diego	1480
Orange	850
Riverside	900
San Bernardino	848

Source: TIMS Berkely

What Factors Influence Motorcycle Accident Settlements the Most

Several factors can significantly influence motorcycle accident settlements in California. Here are some of the key factors:

• Liability: The determination of who was at fault in the accident is a primary factor. If the other party is clearly liable for the accident, it can strengthen your case and lead to a higher settlement.
• Injuries and Medical Expenses: The severity of injuries sustained in the accident plays a crucial role. More severe injuries often result in higher settlements due to the associated medical costs, including hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.
• Property Damage: The extent of damage to your motorcycle and other property can impact the settlement. Repair or replacement costs are considered when calculating compensation.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries caused you to miss work or resulted in reduced earning capacity, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This factor can significantly influence settlement amounts.
• Insurance Coverage: The insurance policies of both parties involved can affect the settlement. If the at-fault party has limited coverage, it may impact the maximum settlement you can receive.
• Comparative Negligence: California follows a comparative negligence system, which means that if you are partially at fault for the accident, your settlement may be reduced proportionally. Your degree of fault can impact the final settlement amount.
• Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages, such as physical pain and emotional suffering resulting from the accident, can also influence the settlement. Assigning a monetary value to these damages can be complex but is an important consideration.
• Legal Representation: Having an experienced attorney can significantly impact your settlement. Lawyers can negotiate on your behalf, gather evidence, and navigate the legal process effectively, potentially leading to a higher settlement.
• Statute of Limitations: California has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Failing to file a lawsuit within the specified timeframe can affect your ability to secure a settlement.
• Evidence and Documentation: The strength of your case depends on the evidence you can present. This includes accident reports, witness statements, medical records, and any other relevant documentation.
• Negotiation Skills: The negotiation skills of your attorney and the willingness of the insurance company to negotiate can also influence the final settlement amount.
• Precedent and Case Law: Previous court decisions and case law can set precedents that impact how your case is handled and the potential settlement amount.

How Californians Can Maximize a Motorcycle Accident Settlement

To maximize your motorcycle accident settlement amount in California, consider the following steps:

• Seek Medical Attention Immediately: After the accident, prioritize your health. Seek immediate medical attention, even if you think your injuries are minor. This establishes a record of your injuries, which can be crucial for your claim.
• Gather Evidence: Collect evidence at the scene, including photographs, witness contact information, and the other party’s insurance information. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case.
• Consult an Experienced Attorney: Hire an attorney with expertise in motorcycle accident cases. They can help you navigate the legal process, assess the value of your claim, and negotiate effectively with insurance companies.
• Document All Expenses: Keep meticulous records of all accident-related expenses, including medical bills, property damage repair costs, and receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses related to your injuries.
• Don’t Communicate with Insurance Adjusters: Avoid discussing your case directly with the other party’s insurance company without your attorney present. They may use your statements against you.
• Be Cautious on Social Media: Refrain from posting about the accident or your injuries on social media. Insurance companies may use your posts to dispute your claims.
• Understand Comparative Negligence: Be aware of California’s comparative negligence system. Your settlement may be reduced if you are found partially at fault. Your attorney can help you minimize any assigned fault.
• Consider Long-Term Effects: Take into account the long-term consequences of your injuries. If your injuries lead to ongoing medical expenses or a reduced ability to work, make sure to include these in your claim.
• Engage in Skillful Negotiation: Your attorney will negotiate on your behalf. Their negotiation skills and knowledge of the law can be instrumental in securing a favorable settlement.
• Explore Mediation or Alternative Dispute Resolution: In some cases, mediation or other forms of alternative dispute resolution can lead to a faster and more satisfactory settlement.
• Be Patient: The settlement process can take time. Avoid rushing into a settlement offer, especially if it does not adequately compensate you for your losses.
• Consider the Emotional Impact: Don’t underestimate the emotional toll of the accident. Pain and suffering damages can be significant, so ensure they are properly accounted for in your claim.
• Know the Statute of Limitations: Be aware of the statute of limitations in California for personal injury claims. Filing within the specified timeframe is essential.

Remember that each motorcycle accident case is unique, and the factors that influence settlements can vary.

Common Mistakes Californians Make When Filing by Themselves

Filing a motorcycle accident claim by yourself can be challenging, and there are common mistakes people often make when attempting to do so without legal representation in California:

• Failure to Seek Medical Attention: Not seeking immediate medical attention or delaying medical treatment can harm your claim. Insurance companies may argue that your injuries were not severe if you didn’t see a doctor promptly.
• Lack of Evidence: Failing to gather and preserve crucial evidence, such as accident scene photos, witness statements, and police reports, can weaken your case.
• Miscommunication with Insurance Companies: Providing recorded statements to insurance adjusters without understanding the implications can lead to statements being used against you. Insurance companies may try to minimize your claim.
• Underestimating Injuries: Downplaying the severity of your injuries or not documenting them thoroughly can result in a lower settlement offer. Ensure all injuries and medical treatments are well-documented.
• Not Calculating All Damages: Overlooking certain damages like future medical expenses, lost future earnings, or pain and suffering can lead to a settlement offer that doesn’t fully compensate you.
• Ignoring Comparative Negligence: Not understanding or considering California’s comparative negligence system can lead to reduced compensation if you are found partially at fault.
• Missing Deadlines: Failing to adhere to the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in California can result in your claim being dismissed.
• Inadequate Record Keeping: Poorly organizing and keeping records of accident-related expenses, medical bills, and communication with the other party’s insurance company can complicate your claim.
• Accepting Lowball Offers: Insurance companies may offer low settlements early in the process to minimize their costs. Accepting such an offer prematurely can result in insufficient compensation.
• Lack of Legal Knowledge: Not having a thorough understanding of personal injury laws and regulations can put you at a disadvantage when negotiating with insurance companies or pursuing a lawsuit.
• Failure to Consult an Attorney: One of the most significant mistakes is not seeking legal representation. An experienced attorney can assess your case, negotiate on your behalf, and ensure you receive fair compensation.
• Settling Too Quickly: Rushing into a settlement without fully understanding the extent of your injuries or potential long-term consequences can lead to regret later.
• Ignoring Emotional Impact: Neglecting to consider the emotional and psychological impact of the accident may result in insufficient compensation for pain and suffering.
• Overlooking Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Some motorcyclists may not realize they have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which can be essential if the at-fault party lacks adequate insurance.
• Ignoring Legal Procedures: Failing to follow proper legal procedures and requirements for filing a claim or pursuing a lawsuit can result in complications or dismissal of your case.

While it’s possible to file a motorcycle accident claim without an attorney, it’s generally advisable to consult with a legal professional who specializes in personal injury cases. They can help you avoid these common pitfalls and work toward securing the best possible outcome for your claim.

Why Delaying Filing Your Claim Can Hurt Your Settlement Amount

Delaying the filing of your motorcycle accident claim can have several negative consequences that ultimately hurt your settlement amount in California:

• Statute of Limitations: California has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including motorcycle accidents. If you wait too long to file your claim, you may exceed this time limit, and your claim could be barred entirely. Once the statute of limitations expires, you lose your right to seek compensation through the legal system.
• Loss of Evidence: Over time, crucial evidence may become more challenging to obtain or could deteriorate. Witness memories may fade, and physical evidence, such as accident scene conditions, may change. The longer you wait, the harder it may be to gather strong evidence to support your claim.
• Weakening of Your Case: Insurance companies often argue that a delayed claim implies less severe injuries or a weaker connection between the accident and your injuries. They may use the delay as an opportunity to dispute your claim’s validity.
• Loss of Credibility: Delay can affect your credibility in the eyes of the insurance company or the court. It may raise questions about the legitimacy of your claim, and the other party may argue that if your injuries were genuinely severe, you would have sought compensation sooner.
• Financial Strain: Delaying the filing of your claim means that you may have to bear the financial burden of medical expenses, property damage repairs, and other accident-related costs for a more extended period. This can be financially challenging and may lead to additional stress.
• Negotiation Disadvantage: When negotiating with insurance companies, a delayed claim can put you at a disadvantage. Insurance adjusters may use the delay to pressure you into accepting a lower settlement offer, as they know you might be in a hurry to resolve the matter.
• Limited Time for Investigation: Attorneys and investigators need time to gather evidence, review medical records, and build a strong case. Delaying the claim filing can limit the time available for thorough investigation and preparation.
• Reduced Compensation: Ultimately, the longer you delay, the more time the insurance company has to strategize and potentially build a case against your claim. This can result in lower settlement offers than you might have received if you had filed promptly.

To maximize your chances of receiving a fair settlement, it’s essential to initiate the claims process as soon as possible after a motorcycle accident. This allows you to preserve evidence, document injuries, and consult with an attorney to navigate the legal complexities effectively.

Get Connected with an Attorney

If you were recently in a motorcycle accident and aren’t sure if you have a case, give us a call. We connect people just like you with some of the best motorcycle accident attorneys in the state for free. All initial consultations are free of charge.