Bellevue Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys

In times of misfortune, motorcycle injury lawyers become resolute defenders for riders. Their expertise in motorcycle accidents enables them to manage legal intricacies and secure justice and compensation for the injured.

Types of Special Motorcycle Insurance Coverage in Iowa

Iowa's Financial Responsibility Requirement
Motorcyclists in Iowa, like all motorists, must meet the state’s financial responsibility requirements. This means carrying at least $25,000 in bodily injury liability insurance per person, $40,000 per accident, and $15,000 in property damage liability. This insurance covers damages other motorists suffer in an accident caused by the policyholder. Failure to show proof of this insurance during an accident or police stop can result in the revocation of the motorcyclist’s license. Importantly, auto insurance purchased for a car does not extend to a motorcycle; each vehicle requires its own policy.

Optional Insurance Coverage for Motorcyclists
Beyond the mandatory liability insurance, motorcyclists have several additional coverage options to protect themselves in the event of an accident. These options vary by insurer, so it’s essential to check with your provider to see what they offer for motorcycles.

1. Collision Insurance: Covers damages to the policyholder’s motorcycle in accidents involving vehicles, objects, or rollovers, regardless of fault. It helps pay for repairs or replacement of the bike after an accident.

2. Comprehensive Insurance: Covers damage to the motorcycle from non-collision events such as fire, weather events, vandalism, floods, theft, and animal-related incidents.

3. Medical Expense Insurance: Pays for the policyholder's medical expenses following an accident, regardless of fault, up to the policy limits.

4. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Insurance (UM/UIM): Protects the policyholder in accidents involving drivers who have no insurance or insufficient insurance coverage, or in hit-and-run situations.

Accessory Coverage
Many motorcyclists customize their bikes, which can be expensive. Accessory or optional equipment coverage can be purchased to cover modifications and enhancements to a motorcycle’s appearance or performance. This coverage helps policyholders recover expenses incurred for these customizations if the bike is damaged.

Filing a Motorcycle Insurance Claim
In the event of an accident, motorcyclists should:
- Save the accident report
- Gather witness contact information
- Collect the other motorist's contact and insurance information
- Take photographs of the accident scene and the bike

Inform your insurance company about the accident, providing details about who was involved and the basic facts of the incident. If the other driver is at fault, notify their insurance company as well. If fair compensation is not provided by the other driver’s insurance, you may need to file a lawsuit. Your own insurance policy can also provide compensation if you have applicable coverage like collision or medical expense insurance.

Understanding Motorcycle Helmets: Replacement After an Accident

Importance of Replacing Helmets After Accidents
Even minor motorcycle accidents can cause serious, often invisible damage to a helmet. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation advises that if a rider’s head struck anything during an accident, the helmet likely absorbed some impact shock, compromising its effectiveness in future incidents. Therefore, replacing the helmet after any crash is crucial.

Manufacturers can inspect and repair damaged helmets, but when in doubt, it’s best to buy a new one. Helmets should also be replaced if dropped from a significant height or from a moving vehicle, as this can cause internal damage not visible externally.

Motorcycle Accidents & Spinal Cord Injuries

Statistics and Causes
In 2011, nearly 1,000 motorcyclists were injured in crashes in Iowa, with 34 fatalities, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation. Spinal cord injuries are among the most severe injuries riders can sustain, affecting approximately 11 percent of motorcycle accident victims, as reported in a study by St. James University Hospital.

Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries, accounting for 40 percent of all new cases, according to the Mayo Clinic. The impact of a collision can damage the vertebrae, leading to compression, fractures, or dislodgment, which in turn can harm the spinal cord.

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are categorized as complete or incomplete:
- Complete Injury: Total loss of sensation and movement below the injury site.
- Incomplete Injury: Partial loss of sensation and function, with varying degrees of severity.

A study from St. James University Hospital found that:
- Isolated spinal injuries occurred in 23 percent of riders.
- Multiple vertebral levels were affected in over 42 percent of cases.
- The thoracic spine was the most commonly injured (54.8 percent), followed by the lumbar spine (30 percent) and the cervical spine (27 percent).
- Neurologic injuries occurred in nearly 20 percent of accidents.

Complications and Long-Term Effects
Spinal cord injury victims can face numerous complications, including:
- Blood clots
- Pressure sores
- Breathing difficulties
- Uncontrolled muscle movements
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Increased risk of infections
- Blood pressure problems
- Susceptibility to lung issues and pneumonia
- Muscle atrophy
- Weight problems
- Sexual and reproductive function issues
- Muscle and joint pain
- Nerve pain

Undiagnosed compression fractures can lead to kyphosis (curvature of the spine), chronic pain, reduced physical function, and depression. Immediate medical attention and persistent follow-up are crucial for those with suspected spinal injuries.

Mental and Emotional Impact
Spinal cord injuries can also lead to significant mental and emotional issues. A study published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry found that nearly half of spinal injury victims suffer from mental health problems, including:
- Depression (37 percent)
- Anxiety (30 percent)
- Clinical-level stress (25 percent)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (8.4 percent)

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.