Atkins Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys

In times of disaster, motorcycle injury lawyers become unwavering champions for riders. Specializing in motorcycle accidents, they navigate legal complexities to ensure injured riders receive the justice and compensation they deserve.

Recovering Compensation for Disfiguring Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents

Riding a motorcycle can be an exhilarating experience, but it comes with significant risks. With increasing traffic and aggressive drivers, motorcyclists must drive defensively and anticipate poor driving behaviors from others. According to the Iowa Department of Public Safety, motorcycle accidents comprised only 2 percent of all road accidents in 2012 but accounted for 12 percent of serious injuries and 14 percent of fatalities. Despite following road rules and wearing helmets, even the most cautious riders can suffer serious accidents. If you have sustained disfiguring injuries in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for damages.

Insurance Policies and Third-Party Liability Claims

It’s essential to maintain comprehensive coverage on your motorcycle. Even accidents that do not involve other vehicles can lead to substantial medical and living expenses. If you’ve been seriously injured or disfigured due to weather conditions or unintentional driver errors, you can collect compensation from your insurance company, provided you have the appropriate coverage. Additionally, you may file a third-party claim against another driver's liability insurance if they caused the accident.

The Importance of Hiring an Attorney

Engaging an attorney immediately after a motorcycle accident is crucial. Insurance companies often aim for quick settlements, which may not be in your best interest. These companies have lawyers and experts to minimize payout amounts. A reputable attorney can represent you, ensuring you receive fair compensation while you focus on recovery.

Types of Compensation for Serious Injuries

Motorcycle accident victims with serious or disfiguring injuries may be entitled to compensation for various damages, including:

- Medical bills
- Hospitalization and long-term care
- Caregiver expenses
- Physical therapy
- Loss of earnings

Severe injuries can lead to long-term complications and future medical issues, necessitating both physical and emotional therapy. Compensation should address these future needs as well as current expenses.

Valuing a Motorcycle Accident Claim with Permanent Injuries

Determining the exact value of a motorcycle accident claim, especially with permanent injuries, is challenging because each case is unique. Here’s how to approach it:

Economic Damages

Economic damages are the most straightforward to calculate. They include:

- Lost wages during recovery
- Medical bills
- Any other accident-related expenses

Permanent injuries can result in lifelong economic impacts, such as the need for long-term care or reduced earning capacity. Expert witnesses may be required to estimate future lost wages and ongoing care expenses.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement, and disability, are harder to quantify. Insurance companies might use a multiplier based on the severity of the injuries to calculate these damages.

Establishing Fault and Liability

Proving fault is essential in a liability claim. If another motorist tries to shift the blame onto you, you will need to provide evidence that supports your claim. Iowa’s negligence laws stipulate that if you are 51 percent or more at fault, you cannot recover damages. Even if you are less than 51 percent at fault, your recoverable damages will be proportionally reduced.

Why Consult a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Atkins

In the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, focusing on recovery is natural. However, consulting an attorney is imperative for the following reasons:

Damages from Serious Injuries

Motorcyclists often suffer severe injuries, including:

- Head and brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Burn injuries requiring skin grafts
- Soft tissue injuries

These injuries can be costly, especially if recovery is prolonged. An attorney can help you recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and necessary therapies.

Gathering Crucial Evidence

Proving fault requires comprehensive evidence, such as:

- Physical evidence from the accident scene
- Medical records and bills
- Eyewitness testimony
- Police reports
- Driver history and possible intoxication evidence

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Whether negotiating with your insurer or the other driver's, having an attorney is beneficial. Insurance companies may offer settlements that are too low to cover your damages. An attorney can negotiate on your behalf to ensure fair compensation.

Legal Guidance

An attorney serves as a crucial resource for any legal questions you have regarding the accident, fault, and damages. They can guide you through the process of filing a personal injury lawsuit if necessary, ensuring you meet Iowa’s statute of limitations of two years.

Consulting a Motorcycle Accident Attorney

The toll from severe motorcycle injuries can encompass substantial medical expenses and long-term care costs for victims and their families. Lost wages may compound matters, especially if employment becomes unrealistic for an extended period. Getting help from a motorcycle accident attorney allows the pursuit of comprehensive compensation, from financial damages and emotional distress such as pain and suffering.

Victims of these accidents should seek consultation with a motorcycle accident attorney, as damages may be extensive and recovery of compensation is important.

At Walker, Billingsley & Bair, our motorcycle accident attorneys can represent you in dealings with your insurance company, or when filing a personal injury claim. Set up your consultation now by calling 641-792-3595.