Belle Plaine Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys

Motorcycle injury attorneys serve as committed supporters for riders when calamity strikes. Specializing in motorcycle accidents, they navigate legal complexities to ensure injured riders receive the justice and compensation they deserve.

Default May Not Be Enough: Explore Motorcycle Insurance Company Coverage

Iowa motorcyclists who don’t carry motorcycle insurance risk losing their licenses if pulled over by law enforcement, according to the Iowa Financial and Safety Responsibility Act. Additionally, a biker can be held responsible for the full cost of all repairs and medical bills if found at fault in an accident. To ensure a carefree riding experience, investigate what the motorcycle insurance company has to offer. It is more than just bodily injury and property damage liability.

Spending a little extra money on the front end could save thousands later when a motorcyclist does not have the means to cover extra expenses after a crash. Below are some optional vehicle coverage options worth considering.

Essential Motorcycle Insurance Coverage Options

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
While you may carry insurance, not all drivers do. If you’re in an accident caused by another driver, their insurance may not be enough to cover your injuries. By purchasing uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, you can ensure that your damages are covered in the event of an accident caused by someone else.

Comprehensive and Collision Coverage
Comprehensive coverage pays for damages that occur to your bike from events other than a motor vehicle accident, such as floods, fires, and vandalism. Collision coverage, on the other hand, helps cover the cost of repairs if you’re involved in an accident caused by colliding with another object.

Medical Expense Coverage
Medical expense coverage is one of the most valuable types of coverage, as it will pay for the medical expenses of both you and any passengers in the event of an accident, regardless of who caused the motorcycle wreck.

Roadside Assistance Coverage
If you have an accident, run out of gas, or experience a breakdown, roadside assistance coverage provides free towing. Excursion diversion insurance, sometimes called interrupted trip insurance, pairs well with roadside assistance coverage. It provides riders with lodging, food, and transportation if an accident occurs more than 100 miles from home.

Special Insurance Coverage for Motorcyclists

Iowa's financial responsibility requirement applies to motorcycles as well as motorists. The minimum requirements are $25,000 bodily injury liability insurance per person, $40,000 bodily injury liability per accident, and $15,000 property damage liability. Each vehicle must have its own insurance policy.

Types of Special Coverage:
- Collision Coverage: Covers damages in accidents with vehicles, objects, or for rollovers/falls.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Covers damage from fire, weather events, vandalism, floods, theft, and animal damage.
- Medical Expense Coverage: Covers medical expenses for the policyholder, regardless of fault.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM): Covers accidents with uninsured drivers or those whose insurance is insufficient.

Customizations: 
For motorcyclists who customize their bikes, additional coverage for accessories and optional equipment is available. This coverage allows recovery of expenses incurred from customizing the bike.

Filing a Motorcycle Insurance Claim

After any accident, it’s crucial to save the accident report, witness contact information, the other motorist's contact and insurance information, photographs of the accident scene, and photos of the bike. Inform your insurance company about the accident and provide all relevant details. If you cannot recover fair compensation from the other driver’s insurance, you may need to file a lawsuit.

Why Motorcycle Crashes Are on the Rise

In the past decade, more motorcycle riders have been getting injured or killed on roadways. While overall, more motorcycle riders are on the roads, motorcycles account for less than 1% of all vehicle miles in Iowa but make up a much larger percentage of crashes. Motorcycle riders sustain 14% of fatalities and 16% of severe injuries each year in Iowa.

Motorcyclists are more vulnerable on the roadways due to the lack of protection. Following a motorcycle accident, the injured rider needs good advice on dealing with medical providers and insurance companies.

Protecting Yourself and Your Claim

1. Seek Treatment Immediately: Go to the emergency room or your doctor immediately after an accident. Document all injuries and pain to prevent worsening of injuries and to support your claim.
2. Don’t Rush to Settle: Insurance companies may offer settlements quickly, but accepting prematurely can result in paying for medical care out of pocket.
3. Avoid Recorded Statements: Insurance adjusters may use your statements against you. Consult with an attorney before providing any recorded statement.
4. Documentation: Keep copies of work excuses, lost pay, medical bills and records, and police reports. Document daily how you feel in a journal.
5. Honesty: Be honest about your injuries. Exaggerating can severely damage the value of your case.
6. Consult an Attorney: Speak with an experienced injury attorney before considering a settlement. They can defend your rights and ensure fair compensation.

When Insurance Coverage is Not Enough

Sometimes, the damages from an accident are so severe that insurance alone is insufficient. In such cases, consider filing a personal injury lawsuit to recover the total cost of all damages incurred. In Iowa, a claim must be filed within two years under Iowa Code 614.1.

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.