Corning Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys

In times of misfortune, motorcycle injury lawyers stand as resolute defenders for riders. Their expertise in motorcycle accidents allows them to handle legal challenges and secure the justice and compensation injured riders deserve.

Why You Should Talk to a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Corning

Motorcycle accidents can be devastating, leading to severe injuries and complex legal challenges. When such an accident occurs, the immediate focus is often on the victim’s health and recovery. However, engaging a motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible is crucial for navigating the aftermath effectively. Here’s why consulting an attorney is essential and what you need to know about the legal process in Corning, Iowa.

The Importance of Legal Representation

Damages from Serious Injuries
Motorcyclists, even when using proper safety gear, are vulnerable to severe injuries, such as:
- Head and brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Burn injuries requiring skin grafts
- Soft tissue injuries

These injuries can lead to significant medical expenses, long-term recovery times, and the inability to work, causing financial strain. An attorney can help you recover damages to cover these expenses, ensuring you receive the compensation needed for medical bills, therapy, and lost income.

Gathering the Right Evidence
Proving the fault of the other party is critical in recovering damages. Key evidence includes:
- Physical evidence and photos from the accident scene
- Medical documents and bills
- Eyewitness testimonies
- Police reports
- Information on the other driver’s history and potential intoxication

An attorney can help collect and present this evidence to build a strong case.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often offer settlements that are lower than what victims deserve. An experienced attorney can handle negotiations, preventing you from accepting inadequate offers and ensuring you receive fair compensation.

A Legal Resource
Attorneys provide essential guidance on all legal questions regarding the accident, fault, and damages. They can also help navigate the state’s statute of limitations for filing a claim, which in Iowa is two years. Without proper legal knowledge, ensuring you get your full benefits can be challenging. At Walker, Billingsley & Bair, our attorneys offer comprehensive support to make the process straightforward.

Common Defenses Against Motorcycle Accident Claims

When pursuing a claim, expect the insurance company or other driver to present defenses against your claim. Familiarizing yourself with these common defenses and having an attorney to counter them is crucial.

Violation of Motorcycle Regulations
Defendants may argue that you violated motorcycle-specific laws, such as carrying a package that restricts hand use or riding more than two abreast in a lane. Proving such a violation caused the accident can jeopardize your claim.

Speeding
If you were speeding or made an illegal lane change, the defense might argue that these actions contributed to the accident. Partial fault can reduce your damages proportionally, while being more than 50 percent at fault can bar you from recovering damages.

Driving While Impaired
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can severely hinder your ability to recover damages. The defense will assign you a percentage of fault, affecting your compensation.

Not Wearing a Helmet
While Iowa law does not require helmet use, the defense might argue that not wearing a helmet exacerbated your injuries. This can increase your comparative negligence and reduce the damages you can recover.

The Impact of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are among the most serious injuries motorcyclists can sustain. These injuries can result from:
- Sports-related accidents
- Falls
- Violence
- Motor vehicle accidents (the most common cause)

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries
- Complete Injuries: Total loss of sensation and movement below the injury site.
- Incomplete Injuries: Partial loss of sensation and function, with varying degrees of severity.

Statistics from the St. James University Hospital Study:
- 23% had isolated spinal injuries.
- 42% had multiple vertebral levels affected.
- 54.8% had thoracic spine injuries.
- 30% had lumbar spine injuries.
- 27% had cervical spine injuries.
- 20% experienced neurologic injury.

Complications from Spinal Cord Injuries
Victims face numerous complications, including:
- Blood clots
- Pressure sores
- Breathing difficulties
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Muscle atrophy
- Increased risk of infections
- Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD

Undiagnosed Vertebral Fractures
Undiagnosed compression fractures can lead to chronic pain, kyphosis (spinal curvature), and long-term disability. Prompt and accurate diagnosis is critical for preventing these severe outcomes.

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.