Damages Recovered by Motorcycle Accident Victims
Victims of motorcycle accidents in Tennessee may be eligible to recover 2 main types of damages: economic and non-economic. Economic damages include tangible costs like medical expenses, damage to your bike or gear, and lost wages. These are calculated based on bills, receipts, and income documentation, making them straightforward to quantify.
Non-economic damages, on the other hand, cover losses that don’t have a direct monetary value, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Tennessee law places a cap on noneconomic damages at $750,000 per injured plaintiff, but in cases of catastrophic injury—such as paralysis, severe burns, or the wrongful death of a parent with minor children—this cap may increase to $1,000,000.
Punitive damages may apply in extreme cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct. These damages are capped at 2 times the compensatory damages or $500,000, whichever is greater. Exceptions exist for cases involving intoxication, criminal intent, or destruction of evidence, which may allow plaintiffs to seek uncapped punitive damages.
The outcome of your case will depend on the specific facts, evidence presented, and applicable legal standards. Our legal team can evaluate your claim and help you understand what types of compensation you could pursue.