Centerville Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys

When tragedy strikes, motorcycle injury attorneys serve as unwavering advocates for riders. With a focus on motorcycle accidents, they expertly handle legal intricacies to ensure justice and compensation for injured riders.

Riding a motorcycle in Iowa comes with specific legal requirements, especially for younger riders. Additionally, the risks associated with motorcycle riding mean that understanding your rights and knowing how to handle accidents and insurance claims is crucial.

Age Restrictions for Operating a Motorcycle in Iowa

In Iowa, the legal age to operate a motorcycle is 14, though riders between 14 and 17 must obtain a motorcycle instruction permit and follow certain restrictions. At 16, riders can get an intermediate motorcycle license, and at 17, they can obtain a full license provided they meet additional requirements. Notably, those under 18 must complete a rider's education course.

Motorcycle Instruction Permits

Riders aged 14 to 17 with an instruction permit can only drive with a licensed parent or guardian who has a motorcycle endorsement. They can also ride with a licensed immediate family member over 21, or another licensed adult over 25, with parental permission. The accompanying adult must be within audible and visual communication distance.

Intermediate Motorcycle License

Riders with an instruction permit for six months can obtain an intermediate license with parental permission. They must have 20 hours of driving experience, including two hours at night. Intermediate license holders cannot ride between 12:30 a.m. and 5 a.m. without a qualified adult unless they are traveling to or from school activities.

Full Motorcycle License

At 17, riders can get a full license after holding an intermediate license for a year and completing 10 hours of driving, including two at night.

Motorcycle Safety Course

Riders under 18 must complete a safety course involving 15 hours of training, which includes classroom instruction and practical riding skills.

Motorcycle Accidents and Spinal Cord Injuries

Motorcycle accidents in Iowa resulted in nearly 1,000 injuries and 34 fatalities in 2011. Spinal cord injuries, a severe consequence of such accidents, affected around 11 percent of victims according to a study published in the Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery.

Causes and Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries, which can result from damaged vertebrae or ligaments. Injuries are categorized as either complete, resulting in total loss of sensation and movement below the injury, or incomplete, with partial loss.

Common Types of Spinal Cord Injuries in Motorcycle Crashes

- Isolated spinal injuries
- Injuries affecting multiple vertebral levels
- Thoracic spine injuries (most common)
- Lumbar and cervical spine injuries

Complications and Long-Term Effects

Spinal cord injuries can lead to numerous complications, including blood clots, pressure sores, breathing difficulties, loss of bladder and bowel control, and muscle atrophy. The mental and emotional impact is also significant, with many victims experiencing depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

Recovering Compensation for Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle accidents can cause severe, disfiguring injuries, and victims may be entitled to various types of compensation.

Insurance and Liability

Having comprehensive motorcycle insurance is essential. Victims can file claims against their own insurance or a third-party liability claim if another driver caused the accident.

Hiring an Attorney

It's crucial to consult an attorney before settling with an insurance company. Insurance companies aim to minimize payouts, and a lawyer can help ensure fair compensation for medical bills, long-term care, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.

Types of Compensation

Victims may receive compensation for immediate and future medical expenses, loss of earnings, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. In cases of severe disfigurement or amputation, both physical and emotional therapies may be necessary.

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.