Cresco Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys

When tragedy occurs, motorcycle injury attorneys serve as dedicated defenders for riders. Their expertise in motorcycle accidents equips them to navigate the legal landscape and secure justice and compensation for the injured.

Recovering Compensation for Disfiguring Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents

Riding a motorcycle is inherently risky, especially with increasing traffic and aggressive drivers on the road. Despite the best efforts to ride defensively and follow traffic rules, motorcycle accidents can still occur, often resulting in serious and disfiguring injuries. Understanding the steps to take and the types of compensation available can help victims recover and secure their financial future.

The Risks of Motorcycle Riding

According to the Iowa Department of Public Safety, motorcycle accidents accounted for only 2 percent of all road accidents in 2012. However, they resulted in 12 percent of serious, injury-related accidents and 14 percent of all accident fatalities. To mitigate these risks, motorcyclists should follow road rules and always wear a helmet. Even with these precautions, accidents can still happen due to factors beyond a rider's control, such as weather conditions or other drivers' errors.

Insurance Coverage and Liability Claims

It's crucial for motorcyclists to maintain comprehensive insurance coverage. This includes liability insurance, which is mandated by Iowa law, with minimum requirements of $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $40,000 per accident, and $15,000 property damage liability. However, these policies only cover damages to others. For protection in accidents not involving other vehicles or where the other driver is underinsured, additional coverage options are necessary:

- Collision Insurance: Covers damage to the motorcycle from accidents, regardless of fault.
- Comprehensive Insurance: Covers non-collision damage, such as fire, theft, and natural disasters.
- Medical Expense Insurance: Covers the rider's medical expenses, regardless of fault.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Insurance (UM/UIM): Covers accidents involving uninsured or underinsured drivers or hit-and-run incidents.

For those who have customized their motorcycles, additional accessory or optional equipment coverage can be purchased to cover modifications and enhancements.

Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident

After a motorcycle accident, it's important to gather and preserve evidence to support your claim. This includes:

- Accident report
- Witness contact information
- Other driver’s contact and insurance information
- Photographs of the accident scene and the motorcycle

Notify your insurance company and the at-fault driver’s insurer about the accident. If you cannot recover fair compensation, you may need to file a lawsuit.

Importance of Hiring an Attorney

Consulting with an attorney immediately after the accident is crucial. Insurance companies often aim for quick settlements that may not reflect the true value of your damages. An experienced attorney can negotiate with insurance companies, ensuring that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

Types of Compensation for Disfiguring Injuries

Victims of motorcycle accidents who suffer serious or disfiguring injuries may be entitled to various types of compensation:

- Medical Expenses: Covers hospital bills, long-term care, physical therapy, and hiring caregivers.
- Lost Earnings: Compensation for the loss of current and future earnings due to the inability to work.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injuries.
- Future Medical Costs: For ongoing treatments and potential future complications.

Skin Grafts for Burn Injuries

Severe burns are a common injury in motorcycle accidents, requiring skin grafts to replace damaged skin. This procedure involves taking skin from another part of the body or using donor skin. The process includes:

1. Cleaning the Burn Area: Removing debris and dead tissue.
2. Debridement: Removing dead tissue and stopping blood flow to the area.
3. Applying the Graft: Using dressing or sutures to hold the graft in place.

Burn injuries can lead to significant physical and psychological trauma, including depression and mental distress. Compensation can cover both the medical treatments and psychological support needed for recovery.

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.