Avoca Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys

In the face of misfortune, motorcycle injury attorneys act as resolute defenders for riders. Their expertise in motorcycle accidents allows them to handle legal challenges and secure justice and compensation for the injured.

Age Restrictions for Operating a Motorcycle in Iowa

Legal Age and Permit Requirements

In Iowa, the legal age to operate a motorcycle is 14, though riders between 14 and 17 face certain restrictions. To begin, these young riders must obtain a motorcycle instruction permit. Operators with only a permit have limitations on whom they may ride with and other conditions.

Motorcycle Instruction Permits

Riders aged 14 to 17 with a motorcycle instruction permit can only operate a motorcycle under the supervision of a licensed parent or guardian who has a motorcycle endorsement. They may also ride with an immediate family member aged 21 or older who has the necessary endorsement. With parental permission, they can ride with another licensed adult aged 25 or older who holds a motorcycle endorsement.

For all permit holders, including those aged 18, the accompanying adult must be within audible and visual communication distance and supervise only one permittee at a time.

Intermediate Motorcycle License

After holding a motorcycle instruction permit for six months, individuals may obtain an intermediate motorcycle license at age 16, with parental permission. This requires at least 20 hours of street and highway driving, including two hours at night. Intermediate license holders cannot ride between 12:30 a.m. and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by an eligible adult or traveling to/from school-related activities.

Full Motorcycle License

At 17, riders can obtain a full motorcycle license after holding an intermediate license for at least a year. This also requires 10 hours of street or highway driving, including two hours at night.

Motorcycle Safety Course Requirement

Riders under 18 must complete a motorcycle safety course before receiving their instruction permit. The course includes 15 hours of training: five hours of classroom instruction and 10 hours of practical riding skills, such as riding in a straight line, turning, shifting, and stopping. These courses are Motorcycle Safety Foundation-approved and available at certified facilities across Iowa.

Legal and Safety Considerations for Motorcyclists in Iowa

Consequences of Unlicensed Riding

Riding a motorcycle without the proper license or violating permit/license restrictions can result in legal and civil consequences, especially if an accident occurs. Lack of proper licensing or violations may contribute to the rider's comparative negligence, impacting their ability to claim damages.

Common Defenses Against Motorcycle Accident Claims

When pursuing a motorcycle accident claim, be prepared for common defenses from the insurance company or other driver. Understanding these defenses can help strengthen your case.

Violation of Motorcycle Regulations

Defendants may argue that the motorcyclist was in violation of motorcycle-specific laws, such as carrying a package that prevents using both hands (Iowa Code 321.275(6)) or riding more than two abreast in a lane (Iowa Code 321.275(4)). Proving such violations contributed to the accident can jeopardize the motorcyclist’s claim.

Speeding

The defense may claim the motorcyclist was speeding or committing other traffic violations, such as illegal lane changes, which contributed to the accident. If found partially at fault, the motorcyclist’s recoverable damages may be reduced proportionally. If more than 50 percent at fault, the motorcyclist may be barred from recovering damages.

Driving While Impaired

Impairment due to drugs or alcohol can significantly hinder a motorcyclist's ability to recover damages. The defense may argue that impairment was a primary cause of the accident, reducing or eliminating the motorcyclist’s ability to claim compensation.

Not Wearing a Helmet

While Iowa does not mandate helmet use, failing to wear one can be a factor in claims involving head or neck injuries. The defense may argue that not wearing a helmet increased the severity of injuries, affecting the motorcyclist's comparative negligence and reducing recoverable damages.

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.