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Last Modified on May 15, 2026
Motorcycle accidents can have devastating consequences for victims because motorcyclists, unlike passenger car occupants, have nothing to protect most of their bodies from impacts with cars or the road. As a result, motorcycle accident settlements can be quite high. The question is, what is the average motorcycle accident settlement in Oklahoma?
The Quick Answer
The quick answer to this question is that there is no such thing as an average settlement. Every case is different, so every settlement offer is, as well. What you should strive for is a fair settlement that covers all the damages you suffered in the crash, including your medical bills, lost wages, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
Factors That Influence Settlement Amounts
If you want a clearer idea of what to expect in terms of a settlement, the most effective way to get it is to schedule a consultation with an Oklahoma motorcycle accident attorney. There are, however, a few factors that have a universal impact on settlement amounts. They include:
- Fault: If you were assigned any amount of fault for the accident, it can cause your settlement amount to be reduced. Oklahoma’s modified comparative negligence rule indicates that your settlement amount must be reduced by the percentage of fault you are assigned, up to 51%. If you are 51% at fault, you can no longer seek compensation from the other liable party or parties.
- Injury severity: The more severely you were injured, the higher your settlement amount should be. You’ll need to use the money to pay not just current hospital bills but also for any ongoing physical therapy or future medical expenses you incur, including out-of-pocket expenses. The amount of money you get for non-economic damages like emotional distress usually varies according to the value of your economic damages, as well.
- Injury duration: You’ll receive more compensation for an injury that causes long-term disability or death than for one that resolves quickly with minimal medical intervention. Catastrophic injuries like spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis, traumatic brain injuries that cause lasting cognitive issues, and surgical or traumatic amputations typically lead to high settlements. Broken bones and minor concussions typically don’t.
- Negotiation abilities: Your lawyer’s negotiation abilities can also play a role in how much money you receive for your settlement. That’s why it’s important to work with an attorney who has experience in taking on motorcycle accident cases. If the insurance company is unwilling to come to the table with a fair offer, your lawyer may also need to bring your case to court to get a fair resolution, so trial experience is also a must.
- Policy limits: The liable driver’s insurance policy limit may also play a role in determining your final settlement amount, especially if it is very high. While it’s true that you can file a claim directly against the liable driver, it’s rare for these claims to lead to any substantial payout. You are unlikely to receive money in excess of the liable party’s policy cap.
- Caps on damages: Oklahoma places a $500,000 cap on non-economic damages for most cases, including car accident claims. There is an exception made for permanent mental injuries causing severe impairment. In these cases, plaintiffs may be awarded up to $1 million in non-economic damages.
If you’re not sure whether an offer made by the liable party’s insurance company is fair, consult with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer.
Motorcycle Accidents in Oklahoma by the Numbers
There were 1,285 people involved in motorcycle accidents in Oklahoma in 2021. Of those, 76 were killed. Another 276 sustained serious injuries, and 441 sustained minor injuries. Finally, 273 Oklahoma riders sustained possible injuries during their accidents.
As you can see, a large percentage of the people involved in motorcycle crashes were injured or killed. Motorcyclists are five times more likely to be injured and almost 27 times more likely to be killed in a crash than passenger vehicle occupants.
FAQs
How Much of a $100K Settlement Do I Get in Oklahoma?
How much of a $100K settlement you get in Oklahoma depends on several factors. First, if you were determined to be partially at fault for the accident, your settlement amount can be decreased commensurate with the percentage of blame you’re assigned. Second, you’ll need to pay medical bills, which come directly out of your settlement. Third, your attorney takes their agreed-upon contingency fee out of your settlement. The rest is yours.
How Much Is Pain and Suffering Worth in an Oklahoma Motorcycle Accident?
How much pain and suffering is worth in a Oklahoma motorcycle accident varies depending on the severity of your injuries and how long they are expected to last. You’ll receive more for pain and suffering if you are healing from catastrophic injuries that leave you permanently disabled than someone who only suffered a broken bone or a mild concussion would.
What Is Considered a Totaled Motorcycle?
A totaled motorcycle is considered a bike that requires repairs that exceed its actual cash value. The insurance company would consider your bike a total loss, and you’d receive a payment for the actual cash value of the motorcycle. At that point, you can choose to make repairs and apply for a salvage title, or you can spend the money as you see fit.
What Are the Signs of an Acceptable Settlement Offer?
The signs of an acceptable settlement offer are that it covers 100% of the damages you suffered in your motorcycle crash, and your lawyer agrees that it is a fair settlement. If the liable party’s insurance company is unwilling to make a fair settlement offer, you may need to take them to court.
Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been in a crash on your bike, you need to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer right away. The team here at Fulmer Sill is here to help. We have a history of advocating for injured motorcycle riders and helping them get the compensation they need to heal and move on from their accidents. Contact us to schedule an initial consultation and learn how we can assist with your case today.
