Cedar Rapids Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys

When tragedy strikes, motorcycle injury attorneys stand firm as advocates for riders in their time of crisis. Focused on the specific challenges of motorcycle accidents, these legal professionals navigate the intricacies of the law to ensure injured riders receive rightful justice and compensation

Types of Special Motorcycle Insurance Coverage in Iowa

Insurance Requirements and Options

Iowa mandates that all motorcyclists meet financial responsibility requirements, which include carrying a minimum of $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person, $40,000 per accident, and $15,000 in property damage liability. This liability insurance covers damages other motorists suffer due to accidents caused by the policyholder. 

Motorcyclists must show proof of this financial responsibility if involved in an accident or stopped by police. Failure to do so may result in license revocation. Note that auto insurance for cars does not cover motorcycles; each vehicle must have its own insurance policy.

Additional Insurance Coverage

Beyond the required liability insurance, motorcyclists can purchase various optional coverages to enhance their protection:

- Collision Insurance: Covers damages to the policyholder's motorcycle in accidents involving vehicles, objects, or rollovers, regardless of fault.
- Comprehensive Insurance: Covers non-collision-related damages, such as those from fire, weather events, vandalism, floods, theft, and animal damage.
- Medical Expense Coverage: Pays for medical expenses incurred by the policyholder regardless of fault, up to the policy limits.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Insurance (UM/UIM): Provides coverage if the policyholder is in an accident with someone who lacks sufficient insurance or if the at-fault driver flees the scene.

Accessory Coverage

Motorcyclists who customize their bikes may consider accessory or optional equipment coverage, which covers modifications and enhancements to the bike's appearance or performance. This coverage helps recover expenses incurred from these customizations in the event of an accident.

Filing a Motorcycle Insurance Claim

In the event of an accident, it's crucial to collect and save the following:

- Accident report
- Witness contact information
- Contact and insurance information of other motorists
- Photographs of the accident scene and bike

Report the accident to your insurance company, providing details of those involved and the incident's circumstances. If the other motorist is at fault, notify their insurance company as well. If fair compensation isn't achieved through the other driver’s insurance, filing a lawsuit may be necessary. Coverage like collision or medical expense insurance from your policy can help recover damages.

Helmet Use and Its Impact on Motorcycle Accident Claims in Iowa

Helmet Laws and Liability

Iowa is one of three states with no motorcycle helmet law. However, not wearing a helmet can impact your accident claim, especially if you sustain a head injury. While it is legal to ride without a helmet, choosing not to wear one may be considered negligence, potentially affecting your compensation.

Accident Scenarios and Liability

The relevance of helmet use depends on the type of injury sustained:

- Head or Brain Injuries: If a helmet could have prevented or mitigated a head injury, the motorcyclist may be considered partially negligent.
- Other Injuries: For injuries to other body parts, helmet use is generally irrelevant to the claim.

Wearing a helmet can demonstrate that the motorcyclist was exercising caution and care, even though not legally required.

Iowa’s Comparative Fault Laws

In Iowa, negligence affects the damages you can recover. If found partially negligent due to not wearing a helmet, your compensation may be reduced in proportion to your fault. Proving the other party’s fault and demonstrating that your injuries would have occurred regardless of helmet use is crucial to maximizing your claim.

Proving Negligence

To establish the other driver’s negligence, gather evidence such as:

- Police reports
- Lab tests (e.g., for DUI)
- Witness testimony
- Photographic and video evidence
- Physical evidence

Seeking medical attention and legal representation immediately after an accident is essential.

Consulting a Motorcycle Accident Attorney

A motorcycle accident attorney can help you navigate the complexities of your claim, ensuring you recover the full amount of damages. Walker, Billingsley & Bair offer expert legal support and advice, helping you advocate for your rights. Contact them for a consultation or request their free Iowa Accident book for detailed guidance.

Common Types of Serious Motorcycle Injuries in Iowa

Fractures and Road Rash

Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries, including:

- Fractures: Any part of the body can sustain fractures, with severe breaks potentially causing complications like infections or blood clots.
- Road Rash: Similar to burns, road rash occurs when a motorcyclist's body skids across the pavement. Severe road rash can damage tissues and muscles, possibly requiring skin grafts for recovery.

Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries

- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe injuries causing long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These vary from herniated discs to severe spinal damage, potentially resulting in chronic pain or paralysis.

Seeking Legal Help

Severe motorcycle injuries often lead to significant medical expenses, long-term care costs, and lost wages. A motorcycle accident attorney can help you pursue comprehensive compensation, including financial and emotional damages.

Consulting with a skilled attorney is crucial for recovering fair compensation. Walker, Billingsley & Bair offer free consultations and resources to guide you through the legal process. They provide insights into Iowa motorcycle laws, fault determination, and the personal injury claim process.

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.