Note: This calculator provides an estimate based on the "Multiplier Method." Actual settlements depend on insurance policy limits, evidence, state laws, and legal representation. This tool does not constitute legal advice.
function calculateBicycleSettlement() {
var medBills = parseFloat(document.getElementById("medBills").value) || 0;
var futureMed = parseFloat(document.getElementById("futureMed").value) || 0;
var lostWages = parseFloat(document.getElementById("lostWages").value) || 0;
var futureWages = parseFloat(document.getElementById("futureWages").value) || 0;
var propertyDamage = parseFloat(document.getElementById("propertyDamage").value) || 0;
var multiplier = parseFloat(document.getElementById("multiplier").value) || 1.5;
var faultPercent = parseFloat(document.getElementById("fault").value) || 0;
// Economic Damages (Hard Costs)
var economicDamages = medBills + futureMed + lostWages + futureWages + propertyDamage;
// Non-Economic (Pain and Suffering)
// Usually excludes property damage in most multiplier applications
var painAndSufferingBase = medBills + futureMed + lostWages + futureWages;
var nonEconomicDamages = painAndSufferingBase * multiplier;
// Gross Total
var grossTotal = economicDamages + nonEconomicDamages;
// Apply Comparative Negligence
var faultDeduction = grossTotal * (faultPercent / 100);
var finalSettlement = grossTotal – faultDeduction;
// Formatting
document.getElementById("resEconomic").innerText = "$" + economicDamages.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
document.getElementById("resNonEconomic").innerText = "$" + nonEconomicDamages.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
document.getElementById("resFault").innerText = "-$" + faultDeduction.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
document.getElementById("resTotal").innerText = "$" + finalSettlement.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
document.getElementById("resultBox").style.display = "block";
}
Understanding Your Bicycle Accident Settlement Value
If you have been struck by a motor vehicle while cycling, the financial aftermath can be as overwhelming as the physical injuries. Determining a fair settlement involves more than just adding up medical receipts. This guide explores how insurance companies and attorneys value bicycle accident claims.
How the Multiplier Method Works
In personal injury law, the "Multiplier Method" is the most common way to calculate non-economic damages (pain and suffering). Here is the breakdown:
Economic Damages: These are "special" damages with a direct dollar value, such as hospital bills, physical therapy, medication, lost income from missed work, and the cost to replace your bicycle or cycling gear.
Non-Economic Damages: These cover "general" damages like physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and trauma. A multiplier (usually between 1.5 and 5.0) is applied to your economic damages to reach this figure.
Key Factors Impacting Your Claim
1. Severity of Injuries
A soft tissue injury like road rash or a minor sprain typically earns a 1.5x multiplier. Conversely, a traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal damage, or multiple fractures requiring surgery may result in a 4.0x or 5.0x multiplier due to the long-term impact on your quality of life.
2. Property Damage
Modern carbon fiber bicycles and high-end cycling kits can cost thousands of dollars. While property damage is included in your total claim, it is usually not included when calculating the pain and suffering multiplier, as a broken bike does not cause physical pain.
3. Comparative Negligence
In many states, if you were partially at fault for the accident (e.g., riding against traffic or failing to use lights at night), your settlement will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if your claim is worth $100,000 but you are found 20% at fault, your final payout would be $80,000.
Example Calculation
Imagine a cyclist is hit by a car turning right. The cyclist suffers a broken arm and concussion.
Should I accept the first offer from the insurance company?
Generally, no. Initial offers are often "lowball" settlements intended to close the case quickly for the lowest possible amount. It is advisable to wait until you reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) so you know the full extent of your costs.
Does the driver's insurance limit affect my settlement?
Yes. If the driver only carries $25,000 in bodily injury liability and has no other assets, it may be difficult to recover more than that amount unless you have Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage on your own auto policy.
How long do I have to file a claim?
This is governed by the "Statute of Limitations," which varies by state (often 2 to 3 years from the date of the accident). Failing to file within this window permanently bars you from recovery.