Davenport Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys

When tragedy strikes, motorcycle injury attorneys emerge as unwavering advocates for riders in their time of need. Specializing in the unique challenges of motorcycle accidents, these legal experts navigate the complexities of the law to ensure injured riders receive the justice and compensation they deserve.

How to Deal with an Aggressive Driver if You’re on a Motorcycle

Knowing how to deal with an aggressive driver is an unfortunate reality for bikers. Drivers will run you off the road either through inattentiveness or because they feel more powerful behind the wheels of their cars. Despite how aggravating it can be, you’ve got to bear in mind that when you’re on a motorcycle, you are at risk for a motorcycle accident which often results in serious injuries. Knowing how to deal with an aggressive driver if you’re riding a bike is essential to your safety.

Don’t Respond to Road Rage

Another driver who’s frustrated with traffic or the way that you’re operating your motorcycle may demonstrate road rage. Yelling, using obscene language or gestures, tailgating, speeding, or otherwise driving aggressively and dangerously often characterizes road rage.

While responding to the driver’s road rage aggressively—and even falling victim to an episode of road rage yourself—can be an easy trap to fall into, avoid the temptation. Responding to an episode of road rage can be dangerous for both yourself and the other driver. Instead, keep your distance and keep your cool.

Move Over if Being Tailgated

Tailgating is a very common form of aggressive driving. While being tailgated is frustrating and you may have the urge to slow down even more in response, the best thing that you can do is just to change lanes and allow the tailgater to pass. Don’t speed up to please the tailgater, as doing so may be dangerous. Allowing the tailgater to pass solves the problem safely.

Report the Driver

If necessary, you may need to pull over to the side of the road or exit the highway to allow the aggressive driver to pass. If this is the case, you should also consider reporting the aggressive driver, especially if the driver seems dangerous. You can call the Non-Emergency Communications Center 24 hours a day.

Know How to Stay Safe While Riding

Knowing how to handle an aggressive driver while riding a motorcycle is just one of the many things that you need to do to stay safe. Don’t forget other motorcycle safety tips, like always wearing a helmet and what to put in your motorcycle safety kit. You can find a variety of other safety tips for motorcyclists on our blog.

How Does Motorcycle Insurance Help Injured Riders in Iowa?

Meeting the minimum required amounts is certainly helpful in the event a motorcyclist is at fault for an accident. For even better financial protection in the event the rider causes an accident and is liable for damages, many choose higher amounts of coverage.

Of course, in the event another driver is liable for the accident, riders cannot recover from their own liability coverage. Instead, they’d rely on filing a claim against the other driver.

But remember that even though insurance is required, not all drivers will carry it or their coverage may not be enough to pay for all damages. So some motorcyclists may instead rely on other coverage on their policy to provide them compensation for damages.

One option is to purchase medical payment coverage. This type of coverage is no-fault, which means that no matter who was responsible for the accident, it will provide coverage of medical costs. A benefit to medical payments is that if the insurance companies are taking a long time to assign blame in the accident or negotiations for a settlement have stalled, much of the medical bills can be taken care of right away.

Another type of coverage that might help motorcyclists in the event of an accident is uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. There’s no guarantee that the at-fault driver has insurance or that their coverage is enough. That’s where this insurance kicks in. It could pay for medical bills, lost earnings, and other accident-related expenses.

How Insurance Coverage Can Impact a Motorcycle Accident Claim

Having enough coverage is critical for motorcyclists. Especially since these types of accidents are oftentimes catastrophic or the injuries require months of recovery. For some, a collision could result in permanent disability.

Let’s say a motorcyclist was struck by a drunk driver and sustained significant head trauma, multiple fractures, and injuries to the neck and back. The at-fault motorist has the minimum amount of insurance required ($20,000) but the bills exceed this. The rider’s underinsured motorist coverage could cover anything beyond the $20,000, up to the limits of their policy.

And there is always the risk that a motorcyclist is seriously injured in a hit-and-run. When a driver flees the scene of the accident, having uninsured motorist coverage can help pay for damages until (and if) the person is caught.

What Are the Most Common Types of Serious Motorcycle Injuries in Iowa?

When negligence leads to a motorcycle crash, the aftermath can bring fractures, road rash, and brain and spinal cord injuries. A proficient motorcycle accident attorney stands ready to help victims in seeking rightful compensation to lessen the physical, emotional, and financial repercussions.

Common Types of Serious Motorcycle Injuries

In the event of a motorcycle collision, virtually any part of the body becomes susceptible to fractures. In cases of severe breaks, where bones protrude through the skin, the risk of infection is heightened. Specific fracture types may yield further complexities; prolonged immobilization, for instance, might elevate the danger of blood clots or bedsores.

Road rash: Like a burn, when a motorcyclist’s body makes contact with the ground, such as from skidding across the pavement. The most severe type of road rash can cause damage to the tissues and muscles underneath the skin. Complications such as infections might arise, leading to skin grafts to expedite healing and cover exposed areas. Compensation for these injuries and other expenses may be pursued with help from a motorcycle accident attorney.

The Consequences of Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries

A severe traumatic brain injury from a motorcycle crash can affect a person in a variety of ways, which largely depends on the severity of the injury. Mild concussions may bring about temporary confusion and headaches, while more severe TBI can yield enduring complications. These span from enduring issues with memory and concentration to shifts in one's personality. Physical challenges encompass impaired movement, coordination, and potential psychological problems like anxiety and depression.

Spinal cord injuries vary from minor discomfort-inducing herniated discs to grave spinal cord harm. The implications extend to other bodily regions depending on the injury site, potentially causing chronic pain and even paralysis. Such catastrophic injuries could result in lifelong wheelchair dependency and ongoing medical care.

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.