Episode Summary

In this episode of Motorcycle Law and Charity: A Guide to Riding Right, host Kevin Rosenquist sits down with Richard Jaffe, partner at Riding Counsel and veteran motorcycle accident lawyer, to explore a critical issue for motorcycle riders: economic vs. non-economic damages after an accident. Richard breaks down what these damages mean in legal terms, how they impact your case, and why understanding both is essential for protecting your future after an injury.

Drawing on his decades of experience (and his background as both a rider and a paramedic), Richard explains the nuanced challenges of proving non-economic damages—such as pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life—especially in front of a jury. He also provides real-world examples that show how the same injury can mean very different things depending on a person’s profession or lifestyle.

Whether you’re a rider looking to understand your rights, or someone curious about how a motorcycle accident lawyer works behind the scenes, this episode provides a clear, compelling breakdown of the personal and legal realities of motorcycle accidents.

00:00 – Introduction to the show and today’s topic 00:21 – Meet Richard Jaffe: Attorney, rider, and motorcycle accident lawyer expert 01:08 – What are economic vs. non-economic damages? 03:42 – Examples of non-economic damages riders might not consider 06:17 – How do you quantify non-economic damages like pain and suffering? 08:33 – Why small injuries can have big impacts, depending on the person 09:53 – Understanding future economic damages: Lost wages, inflation, and projections 11:18 – Challenges in proving non-economic damages and their ripple effect on families 13:37 – The appeals process and how location can impact your case 15:45 – Do non-economic damages make it harder to settle a case? 17:17 – Why riders should always seek medical care after an accident—even if they “feel fine”

Motorcycle Law and Charity: A Guide to Riding Right is your go-to podcast for understanding the intersection of motorcycle safety, legal rights, and charitable outreach. Hosted by Kevin Rosenquist and featuring legal experts and fellow riders, each episode dives into issues that matter to the riding community—from accident law to community support efforts. Powered by the Law Office of Riding Counsel.