Bedford Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys

Motorcycle injury attorneys become committed advocates for riders when disaster occurs. Specializing in motorcycle accidents, they manage legal intricacies to ensure injured riders receive justice and compensation.

How Do Motorcycle Burn Injuries Occur?

Motorcycle burn injuries can occur in various forms, such as road rash, exhaust burns, windburn, and burns from collisions. Each type has different causes and circumstances, but all require prompt medical attention to prevent complications. Understanding the nature and treatment of these injuries is crucial for motorcyclists and their passengers.

Road Rash Injuries

Road rash, also known as road burn, occurs when a rider’s skin scrapes against the road surface during an accident. This can happen if a rider is thrown from or dragged by the motorcycle. Road rash can range from mild scrapes to severe wounds that necessitate hospitalization and extended recovery periods. There are three basic types of road rash injuries:

1. Deep Scrapes: High-speed impacts with the pavement can create deep wounds that require stitches. These open injuries have a high risk of infection, requiring careful medical supervision to prevent or treat infections.
   
2. Bruising and Compression Injuries: When a rider is trapped between the motorcycle and the road, significant bruising and crushing injuries can occur.
   
3. Avulsion Injuries: In severe cases, multiple skin layers may be damaged, exposing muscles or fat tissue. These injuries may require surgical intervention and skin grafting.

Exhaust Burns

Exhaust burns are another common type of motorcycle injury, occurring when a rider or passenger comes into contact with the motorcycle’s exhaust pipe. These burns are extremely painful and can cause permanent scarring. A study by researchers at Athens University Medical School found that:

- Most exhaust burn injuries occur below the knee on the right leg.
- Passengers sustain more than 70% of these injuries.
- Over 65% of victims suffer second-degree burns.

Windburn

Windburn results from the force of wind damaging the outer layer of skin. This can cause painful, dry, and itchy skin, and make the skin more susceptible to sunburn. Wearing a helmet with a visor can help protect the face from windburn.

Burns from Collisions

Collisions can lead to severe burn injuries through mechanical or gas fires. During an accident, gasoline or other flammable fluids can ignite, causing explosions and serious, sometimes life-threatening, burns. These fires can result from combustion, fluid leaks, or faulty wiring. Burn injuries are categorized into three degrees:

1. First-degree burns: Affect only the outer layer of skin.
2. Second-degree burns: Damage the outer layer and the underlying skin.
3. Third-degree burns: Extend through all layers of skin and can damage underlying tissues.

Legal and Medical Considerations

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 1.2 million people were treated for non-fatal motorcycle-related injuries over a seven-year period. Serious burns need immediate medical attention and may involve risks of scarring, infections, and nerve damage. If someone else is responsible for the accident, victims might be able to file a claim for compensation. 

Motorcycle Safety Tips to Be More Visible

Visibility is crucial for motorcyclists to prevent accidents. Here are some tips to enhance visibility:

1. Wear Bright Colors: Avoid dark clothing and opt for bright colors to make yourself more visible to other motorists.
   
2. Consider Reflective Gear: Use reflective tape on your bike, helmet, or clothing to improve visibility, especially at night.

3. Avoid Blind Spots: Stay out of other vehicles’ blind spots, particularly on the passenger side of larger vehicles.

4. Use Your Lights: Ensure your motorcycle has a functioning headlamp to see and be seen by others.

5. Use Your Horn: A horn can alert other drivers to your presence, preventing potential collisions.

Helmet Use and Legal Implications

While Iowa does not mandate helmet use, the lack of a helmet can lead to severe injuries in an accident. According to the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau, 83% of motorcyclists killed in Iowa over five years were not wearing helmets. Helmets can prevent significant head and spine injuries, reducing the need for costly medical treatments.

In Iowa, comparative negligence laws affect how compensation is awarded in motorcycle accidents. If an injured rider was not wearing a helmet, they might be deemed partially at fault, reducing the damages they can recover. However, if the injuries are unrelated to the head, helmet use might not impact the compensation.

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.