Britt Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys

When calamity hits, motorcycle injury lawyers act as steadfast defenders for riders. Specializing in motorcycle accidents, they navigate legal intricacies to secure justice and compensation for the injured.

Understanding the Value of Your Motorcycle Accident Claim for Permanent Injuries

It’s challenging to provide an exact value for a motorcycle accident claim, particularly when the incident results in a permanent, disabling injury. This complexity arises because no two cases are identical. The severity of injuries and their impacts can vary significantly among injured riders.

Calculating Economic Damages from Permanent Injuries

One of the most straightforward aspects of any injury claim is calculating economic damages. This involves totaling up the wages lost during recovery, the medical bills incurred for treatment, and other expenses related to the accident. However, permanent injuries lead to lasting, often lifelong, damages that add additional expenses. For instance, long-term care, such as an in-home nurse, needs to be factored in.

Wages are another crucial factor. Working with an attorney and possibly an expert witness can help estimate the lost wages due to the accident and injuries. An expert may also testify on how permanent injuries affect your ability to work. A 2010 Health Council study on motor vehicle-related injuries estimated that medical care and lost productivity cost about $99 billion, with motorcycle injuries accounting for $12 billion of that amount.

Estimating Non-Economic Damages for Permanent Injuries

Non-economic damages are more challenging to calculate since they don’t come with receipts. Insurance companies often estimate non-economic damages by applying a multiplier to the economic damages based on injury severity. For example, a severe, permanent head injury might justify a higher multiplier compared to a less severe injury.

Non-economic damages can include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Disfigurement
- Disability

The Importance of Legal Representation in Motorcycle Accident Cases

Establishing damages and proving the other motorist's fault is crucial when pursuing a liability claim. In Iowa, negligence laws state that if you’re 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover damages. Even if you’re less than 51% at fault, your recoverable damages will be proportionally reduced. A lawyer can assist in proving fault and navigating these complexities.

Iowa's High Motorcycle Death Rate: An Overview

In Iowa, motorcycles constitute only 0.3% of registered vehicles but account for 16.7% of roadway fatalities. This stark disparity highlights the increased risk for motorcyclists, who are 55 times more likely than other drivers to be killed in a crash. As of May 2024, 11 people had already died in motorcycle accidents in Iowa that year.

Helmet Use and Motorcycle Safety in Iowa

Iowa is one of only three states that doesn’t require motorcycle riders to wear helmets. While helmet laws have been debated, data shows a 40% reduction in motorcycle deaths during the brief period Iowa had a helmet law. However, some argue that helmets can limit visibility and hearing, potentially preventing accidents by making riders more aware of their surroundings.

Reducing Your Risk: Training and Visibility

Training is crucial in reducing motorcycle accident risk. Basic and advanced training courses teach skills from starting and stopping to situational awareness and evasive maneuvers. Additionally, increasing visibility through brightly colored safety vests, always-on headlights, and flags can help prevent accidents.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

If involved in a single motorcycle crash, investigate the cause, whether it’s a defective part, tire blowout, or debris on the road. In accidents involving another driver, it’s essential to handle medical bills appropriately. Using health insurance is recommended over billing the other driver’s insurance directly to avoid unpaid bills and collections issues. Iowa’s minimum insurance requirement often doesn’t cover extensive medical expenses, so health insurance is vital.

Tips for Injured Riders

1. Seek Medical Care Immediately: Document all injuries and symptoms.
2. Keep Important Documents: Save medical records, work excuses, accident reports, and maintain a journal of how injuries affect daily life.
3. Be Honest About Injuries: Accurately report all symptoms to medical providers.
4. Deal with Insurance Adjusters Carefully: Avoid recorded statements that might harm your case.

Recovering Compensation for Broken Bones from Motorcycle Accidents

Broken bones are common in motorcycle accidents and can vary in severity. Typical signs of a broken bone include pain, swelling, bruising, and limited mobility. Recovery times and treatment vary based on the injury's severity and location. Severe breaks, such as those affecting the spine, can lead to long-term complications like permanent paralysis or post-traumatic arthritis.

Liability and Compensation

If another driver’s negligence caused your motorcycle accident, they might be liable for damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Iowa law requires filing a motorcycle injury case within two years of the injury.

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.