An Insight into Motorcycle Accident Settlements

The prospect of a settlement for a motorcycle accident lawsuit is a powerful incentive for insurers and liable parties alike as it helps them limit damage while maintaining the high ground. What goes into a settlement, however, is pretty complex. If you are involved in a motorcycle accident lawsuit and your attorney is presenting the option of a settlement, use the following as a guideline to help you make the right choice.

What Is a Settlement?

A settlement is an agreement that your side and your opposition come to that helps avoid lengthy and expensive court proceedings. Typically, an insurer will attempt to settle a suit if the realities of the suit mean a trial is inevitable and the outcome less than clear. For the plaintiff, a settlement accomplishes several things, including avoiding the time and expense of a trial and closure of what can be a traumatic event in their life. 

The Goals of a Settlement

When either party presents a possible settlement, they are indicating one of two things:

• They know they have a case they probably will not win, or,
• They know they have a case that can cost them much more than just settling.

Why Settle?

To take a lawsuit as far as possible means committing tens of thousands of dollars into something that might not go your way. If, for example, a lawsuit will cost $30,000 but a settlement for $20,000 is on the table, agreeing to the settlement is a savings of $10,000 right off the top. When damages are involved, that savings is much more.

Another reason a defendant will settle is that they know the damages could be very significant. If, for example, it is fairly obvious a defendant is guilty of negligence and thus completely liable for the accident, damages could run into the hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. If the cost of the suit plus damages will likely be in excess of $500,000, a settlement of even $400,000 saves the defendant in terms of total expenses.

A third reason is public perception. Most insurers already struggle to maintain a positive public image. Being against something that is obviously the fault of the defendant further convinces the public they are irresponsible corporate players. If the price of a settlement is hundreds of thousands less than the cost of fighting and then having to spend to rehabilitate their name and reputation, settling is an easy decision.