Corydon Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys

In the wake of a tragedy, motorcycle injury attorneys serve as dedicated defenders for riders. Specializing in motorcycle accidents, they handle legal challenges to ensure justice and compensation for injured riders.

Important Safety Tips for Beginner Motorcyclists

With today's economy, many people are finding motorcycles a useful and economical alternative to cars. In places like Iowa, the weather impacts the riding season, but in favorable years like 2011, there can be many months of motorcycle riding. People choose motorcycle riding for various reasons. The benefits include less environmental impact and reduced fuel costs, but there are also significant risks. If you or a loved one has just purchased or is considering buying a motorcycle, it's crucial to understand these risks and take appropriate safety measures.

General Safety Tips

Motorcycles do not offer the same level of protection as cars; there is no outward shell to protect the rider in case of a collision. To reduce the risk of injury, consider the following safety measures:

- Ride with Your Lights On: Always keep your lights on to increase visibility.
- Wear Protective Gear: This includes a helmet, clothing that covers your skin, and fully enclosed shoes.
- Follow Traffic Laws: Obey all traffic signals and speed limits.
- Stay Alert: Be aware of your surroundings and the drivers around you.
- Avoid Impairment: Never ride when you have been drinking or are extremely tired.

Like a car, a motorcycle needs regular maintenance. Always check your lights, tire pressure, and brakes before setting off on a long ride. Most importantly, enjoy yourself, but prioritize safety.

Avoiding Common Motorcycle Accidents

Many motorcycle accidents are avoidable with knowledge and good riding techniques. Here are some common accidents and tips on how to avoid them:

- Drinking and Driving: Alcohol is a factor in 50% of bike wrecks. Never drink and ride, as alcohol impairs balance and coordination, crucial skills for motorcyclists.
- Car Turns Left in Front of You: This common accident occurs when a car doesn't see you or misjudges your speed. Slow down at intersections and be prepared to take evasive action.
- Hitting Gravel in a Blind Corner: Ride at a pace that matches your reaction time and ability to take action. Enter corners wide and at an easy pace.
- Entering a Corner Too Fast: Use visual clues to judge the road's direction. If you enter a corner too fast, try to ride it out by trusting your bike's capability.
- Car Changing Lanes into You: Stay out of drivers' blind spots. If you can’t see the driver in their mirror, they likely can’t see you.
- Car Hits You from Behind: When stopping at an intersection, try to stop to the side rather than the center of the lane and keep your brake light flashing. Be prepared to move quickly if needed.
- Careless Riding Buddies: Ride in a staggered formation to increase vision and prevent collisions within the group.
- Locking Up the Front Brake: Practice using your front brake in a controlled environment to master its use without locking it up.

Insurance Coverage for Motorcyclists in Iowa

Iowa's financial responsibility requirement applies to motorcycles, requiring a minimum of $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $40,000 per accident, and $15,000 property damage liability. Each vehicle must have its own insurance policy. Additional coverage options include:

- Collision Insurance: Covers damages from accidents with vehicles or objects, regardless of fault.
- Comprehensive Insurance: Covers non-collision damage from events like fire, theft, and weather.
- Medical Expense Coverage: Covers medical expenses for the policyholder, up to policy limits, regardless of fault.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Insurance (UM/UIM): Covers accidents with uninsured or underinsured drivers.

For motorcyclists who customize their bikes, accessory or optional equipment coverage is available for modifications and enhancements.

Filing a Motorcycle Insurance Claim

In case of an accident, you should:

- Save the accident report
- Collect witness contact information
- Gather other motorists' contact and insurance information
- Take photographs of the accident scene and your bike

Inform your insurance company and the at-fault driver’s insurance company about the accident. If you can't recover fair compensation from the other driver’s insurance, you may need to file a lawsuit. 

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.