$100,000 Settlement: Proving Lost Income After a Motorcycle Accident in New Hampshire

Motorcycle accidents often produce severe personal injuries and significant financial disruption, particularly for riders whose work depends on physical labor. Apis Law routinely represents injured motorcyclists across New Hampshire, helping clients navigate medical recovery while securing compensation for the economic losses that follow a crash.

This New Hampshire personal injury case study demonstrates how meticulous documentation of injury, business interruption, and lost earning capacity can transform a straightforward motorcycle accident claim into a comprehensive and fair recovery.

When a Motorcycle Accident in New Hampshire Results in Lost Income

For self-employed tradespeople, a serious injury can halt not only their recovery but also their entire source of income. In this New Hampshire motorcycle accident case, Apis Law represented a mechanic whose fractured ankle temporarily shut down their small repair business. Although the medical bills were modest, financial losses, including lost income, were substantial.

The case illustrates how meticulous documentation of lost income and business hardship can transform a seemingly straightforward injury claim into a robust recovery under New Hampshire law.

Liability Was Clear

The collision occurred when another driver turned left across oncoming traffic, cutting off the motorcyclist’s right of way. The impact threw the rider to the ground and crushed their ankle between the vehicles. The motorcycle was destroyed.

The facts left little doubt about the cause of the fault. The legal issue was not who caused the crash, but how much the injury had cost in both physical and economic terms.

Medical Evidence and Functional Impact

Orthopedic records confirmed a fracture of the medial malleolus—the inside bone of the ankle. The bone eventually healed, but the client was left with stiffness, clicking, and pain that limited prolonged standing and heavy physical work.

An MRI later revealed thickened and scarred ankle ligaments, indicating chronic strain and partial permanent impairment. The client's orthopedic specialist discussed possible cortisone injections or surgery to remove scar tissue if symptoms persisted.

Even with improvement, the injury reduced the client's mobility and endurance—serious limitations for someone who worked full-time performing mechanical labor.

Economic Losses: When Recovery Isn’t Just Physical

Apis Law’s investigation revealed that the financial impact far exceeded the medical bills. The injured mechanic owned a one-person auto repair and fabrication business. Because the client was unable to stand or lift during recovery, the shop remained closed for months.

Business records indicated a sharp decline in income during the period of the injury. Comparing pre-accident and post-accident financial statements, Apis Law calculated roughly $40,000 in lost income. The client also fell behind on rent for their commercial workspace, accumulating more than $18,000 in arrears, confirmed by the landlord’s written statement.

By distinguishing between lost profits and lost earning capacity, Apis Law established that these losses arising out of the motorcycle accident directly reflected the client’s inability to work, making lost income compensable under New Hampshire negligence law.

Overcoming the “Low Medical Bill” Trap

Because medical expenses totaled about $12,000, the insurance carrier initially viewed the claim as minor. Apis Law reframed the case around its actual value: the injury's effect on long-term earning potential and business stability.

Under New Hampshire personal injury law, damages include every loss naturally resulting from another’s negligence, not only medical costs but also loss of income and earning capacity. Apis Law presented a clear picture of how the injury disrupted a working trade person's livelihood, leaving unpaid rent, lost business opportunities, and ongoing physical limitations.

Based on organized financial records, landlord statements, and expert medical documentation, the firm established that total losses exceeded $70,000, excluding compensation for pain and suffering or future medical needs.

Settlement and Takeaway

The case ultimately resolved for the policy limits, recognizing both the financial hardship and the injury's lasting physical impact. The recovery allowed the client to stabilize his business and continue medical treatment.

This case highlights a crucial principle in New Hampshire personal injury law: medical bills do not determine the value of a case. For self-employed individuals, the real measure of loss often lies in their inability to earn a living. Properly presented, those economic losses can drive full and fair compensation.

Guidance for Self-Employed Motorcycle Accident Victims

Anyone who owns a small business or works independently should maintain detailed records of income, expenses, and rent. When injury prevents work, these documents become vital evidence of loss. Tax returns, monthly profit-and-loss statements, and landlord correspondence can provide persuasive proof of economic harm.

Apis Law represents individuals injured throughout New Hampshire, including tradespeople and small business owners in Manchester, Bedford, Concord, Nashua, and throughout southern New Hampshire. The firm’s experience in linking medical injury to financial loss ensures that settlements reflect the full scope of harm, physical, emotional, and economic.

If you have suffered a similar injury that has affected your ability to work, contact Apis Law for a consultation.

FAQ - Motorcycle Injury Cases

What should I do immediately after a motorcycle accident?

Seek medical attention, report the crash, document the scene if you can, and contact an attorney before speaking with any insurance adjuster. Early legal guidance helps protect your rights.

Do I have a case even if my medical bills are low?

Yes. Many motorcycle claims involve significant lost income, physical limitations, and long-term effects even when medical bills are modest. Damages in New Hampshire include pain, impairment, and lost earning capacity—not just medical expenses.

How does Apis Law prove lost income for self-employed riders?

Apis Law reviews profit-and-loss statements, tax records, rent ledgers, and business-interruption evidence to show how the injury impacted your ability to work. This documentation can substantially increase case value.

What if the driver claims they “didn’t see me”?

“I didn’t see the motorcycle” is not a defense. New Hampshire law requires drivers to yield and maintain a proper lookout. Left-turn collisions almost always establish clear negligence.

How long do I have to file a motorcycle injury claim in New Hampshire?

Most personal injury claims must be filed within three years, but insurance negotiations and evidence collection should begin much earlier. Delays can reduce the strength of your claim.

Does Apis Law charge anything up front?

No. Motorcycle accident cases are handled on a contingency fee, which means you owe nothing unless Apis Law recovers compensation for you.