Durant Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys

When tragedy occurs, motorcycle injury attorneys act as committed defenders for riders. With a focus on motorcycle accidents, they adeptly handle legal challenges to ensure justice and compensation for injured riders.

Types of Special Motorcycle Insurance Coverage in Iowa

In Iowa, motorcycle riders must meet specific financial responsibility requirements to legally operate their vehicles on the road. The minimum insurance requirements include:

- $25,000 in bodily injury liability insurance per person
- $40,000 in bodily injury liability per accident
- $15,000 in property damage liability

This liability insurance covers damages that other motorists suffer in an accident caused by the policyholder. If a motorcyclist is involved in an accident or is stopped by a police officer, they must provide proof of meeting these financial responsibility requirements. Failure to do so may result in the revocation of the motorcyclist’s license. It is crucial to note that auto insurance purchased for a car does not apply to a motorcycle; each vehicle must have its own insurance policy.

Additional Insurance Coverage Options for Motorcyclists

While liability insurance is mandatory, motorcyclists can purchase additional coverage to protect themselves further in the event of an accident. Here are some possible coverage options:

- Collision Insurance: This coverage pays for damages to the policyholder's bike from accidents involving vehicles, objects, or rollovers. It ensures that policyholders have funds to repair or replace their bike after an accident, regardless of fault.

- Comprehensive Insurance: Comprehensive coverage protects against non-collision-related damage, such as fire, weather events, vandalism, floods, theft, and animal damage.

- Medical Expense Insurance: This policy covers medical expenses for the policyholder, regardless of who is at fault in the accident, up to the policy limits.

- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Insurance (UM/UIM): This insurance covers accidents where the at-fault driver has insufficient insurance or no insurance at all, or in hit-and-run situations.

- Accessory or Optional Equipment Coverage: For motorcyclists who have customized their bikes, this coverage protects modifications and enhancements to the bike's appearance or performance. It allows policyholders to recover expenses incurred in customizing the bike if an accident occurs.

Filing a Motorcycle Insurance Claim

After an accident, it is essential to gather and save the following information:

- Accident Report
- Witness Contact Information
- Other Motorist's Contact and Insurance Information
- Photographs of the Accident Scene
- Photos of the Bike

Notify your insurance company about the accident, providing details of the incident and the parties involved. If the accident was caused by another motorist, inform their insurance company as well. If you cannot recover fair compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance, you may need to file a lawsuit. You can also claim under your insurance policy if you have applicable coverage like collision or medical expense insurance.

Spinal Cord Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can result in severe injuries, including spinal cord injuries. According to the Iowa Department of Transportation, nearly 1,000 motorcyclists were injured, and 34 died in motorcycle crashes in 2011. Spinal cord injuries are among the most serious, affecting approximately 11 percent of motorcycle accident victims.

Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries, accounting for 40 percent of all new cases. During a collision, riders’ vertebrae can become damaged, leading to spinal cord injuries. This damage can result from crushed, compressed, or dislodged vertebrae, or from damaged ligaments or spinal discs.

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 below the injury site, with varying degrees of severity.

Complications from Spinal Cord Injuries

Victims of spinal cord injuries may face numerous complications, including:

- Blood clots
- Pressure sores
- Breathing difficulties
- Uncontrolled muscle movements
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Increased risk of infections
- Blood pressure problems
- Muscle atrophy
- Weight issues
- Sexual and reproductive function issues
- Chronic pain

Undiagnosed vertebral fractures can lead to long-term complications like kyphosis, chronic pain, reduced physical function, and emotional issues such as depression and anxiety.

Legal Options for Injured Motorcycle Passengers

If you are a passenger injured in a motorcycle accident, you can file a claim against the at-fault party, whether it is the motorcyclist or another motorist. The claim will depend on who was at fault and the available coverage.

Minimum Insurance Requirements in Iowa

Iowa requires motorcyclists to carry a minimum of:

- $20,000 in bodily injury liability for one person
- $40,000 bodily injury liability for all injuries in one accident
- $15,000 for property damage

Motorists often carry higher coverage amounts, including medical payments coverage, which pays for medical care costs regardless of fault. Passengers can use their own coverage to cover initial costs before recovering compensation from the at-fault party.

Filing a Lawsuit When Insurance Isn’t Enough

If the at-fault party's insurance coverage is insufficient, you can file a lawsuit to seek additional compensation. Damages may include hospital and medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, disability, and emotional distress. Legal representation is typically necessary for filing a lawsuit and navigating insurance claims.

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.