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A motorcycle accident can cost much more than you might think.
Have you been in hurt in a California motorcycle accident? If so, you need to understand how much a motorcycle crash can cost in the long run.
While California's roadways are a great way for motorcyclists to take in the scenery, they are also the source of numerous accidents each year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), California leads the nation in motorcycle accident fatalities, with 394 motorcyclists killed in 2009.
If you sustain serious injuries as a result of a motorcycle accident, the long-term costs can be devastating. Before you head on the highway, consider the true cost of being involved in a California motorcycle accident.
Medical Bills
If you're injured in a motorcycle accident, you may require long-term hospitalization, complicated surgeries, expensive medications and physical therapy to achieve a full recovery. Even minor injuries can quickly lead to a stack of medical bills if you need x-rays or ongoing outpatient treatment. According to a California research study, the average cost of a hospital stay for an un-helmeted motorcyclist involved in an accident was $17,704. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that the cost of a motorcycle accident typically ranges from $11,430 to $43,214. Riders who sustain critical head injuries may face costs ranging from $171,000 to $300,000 over the course of a lifetime. Overall, the NHTSA found that motorcyclists who fail to wear a helmet typically face costs that are 1.5 to 2 times higher than those incurred by riders who were wearing helmets at the time of the accident.
Lost Wages
If you're hurt in a motorcycle accident, you may be unable to work for a specified period of time or indefinitely, based on the extent of your injuries. Depending on your age and income, a loss in wages could translate to hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars over the course of a lifetime. This can be particularly devastating if your have a family that depends on you for their primary source of income.
Decrease in Quality of Life
While quality of life is not considered a tangible expense, it does have significant value if you've been injured in a motorcycle accident. If your injuries have prevented you from doing the things you used to enjoy or they have negatively impacted how you relate to and interact with your family, the cost to your quality of life is immeasurable.
Funeral Expenses
The families of victims who have been killed as a result of a motorcycle accident may also face the burden of paying funeral expenses. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the average cost of a funeral ranges from $6,000 to $7,000. If you died without any life insurance in place, burial costs coupled with lost wages and medical bills can create a financial nightmare.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed after a motorcycle accident, you may be able to file a personal injury claim to offset some of these costs. A qualified California motorcycle accident attorney can evaluate the facts of your case to determine whether someone else was at fault.
Call the law firm of Nadrich & Cohen today at 1-800-722-0765 to speak with one of our motorcycle accident injury experts. We are eager to discuss your case and there is no charge for your initial consultation. Call now to find out how we can help with your motorcycle accident injury lawsuit. And remember, there is never a fee unless we win a money judgment on your behalf.
