Eldora Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys

Motorcycle injury attorneys serve as committed defenders for riders when disaster strikes. Specializing in motorcycle accidents, they manage legal complexities to ensure injured riders receive the justice and compensation they deserve.

Understanding the Value of Your Motorcycle Accident Claim

Determining the exact value of a motorcycle accident claim, particularly when it results in permanent injuries, is complex and varies from case to case. The unique nature of each accident, including the severity of injuries and their long-term effects, makes it challenging to provide a precise estimate without detailed evaluation.

Economic Damages

One of the key components of any injury claim is economic damages, which are relatively straightforward to calculate. These damages encompass:

- Medical Expenses: All medical bills incurred during the treatment process.
- Lost Wages: Income lost during recovery.
- Future Medical Costs: Ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and any long-term care requirements such as an in-home nurse.

Economic damages extend to costs associated with permanent injuries, which may necessitate lifelong care and continuous medical support. A study by the Health Council in 2010 highlighted the significant economic burden of motor vehicle accidents, with motorcycle-related injuries accounting for $12 billion of the $99 billion in total costs.

Non-economic Damages

Calculating non-economic damages is more challenging, as these do not have direct financial implications but significantly affect the quality of life. These damages include:

- Pain and Suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury.
- Mental Anguish: Long-term psychological effects, such as anxiety and depression.
- Disfigurement: Permanent scars or physical alterations.
- Disability: Loss of function or mobility due to the injury.

Insurance companies often use a multiplier method to estimate non-economic damages, basing the amount on the severity of the injury and its impact on the victim's life.

Age Restrictions for Operating a Motorcycle in Iowa

In Iowa, individuals as young as 14 can legally operate a motorcycle, but they must adhere to specific restrictions based on their age:

- Motorcycle Instruction Permit (14-17 years): Riders must obtain a permit and can only ride with a licensed parent, guardian, or an immediate family member aged 21 or older, all of whom must have a motorcycle endorsement. Riders also need parental permission to ride with non-family adults who are at least 25 years old.
  
- Intermediate Motorcycle License (16 years): After holding a permit for six months, with parental permission, young riders can obtain an intermediate license. This requires at least 20 hours of driving, including two hours after sunset or before sunrise. They cannot ride between 12:30 a.m. and 5 a.m. without proper accompaniment.

- Full Motorcycle License (17 years and older): To obtain a full license, riders must have had an intermediate license for at least a year and completed 10 hours of driving, including two hours at night.

Motorcycle Safety Course

Riders under 18 must complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation-approved safety course, which includes 15 hours of training: five hours of classroom instruction and 10 hours of range activities. This course teaches essential skills like riding in a straight line, turning, shifting, and stopping.

Consequences of Not Being Properly Licensed

Riders without the proper license face legal consequences and potential civil liabilities if involved in an accident. Not having a license or violating license terms can contribute to comparative negligence, affecting the ability to recover damages.

Properly Fitting Motorcycle Helmets

Ensuring a proper helmet fit is crucial for both comfort and safety. A well-fitted helmet can significantly reduce the risk of injury in an accident. Key fit checks include:

1. Forehead Gap: There should be no gap between the helmet and forehead.
2. Lifting the Helmet: The helmet should not lift off the head when the chin strap is secure.
3. Red Marks or Pressure Points: The helmet should be snug but not cause red marks or indentations.
4. Side-to-Side Head Shake: The helmet should move with the skin when shaking the head.
5. Room for Face Shields: There should be enough space between the face and the shield.

Helmet Safety

Always avoid using a helmet that has been involved in an accident, as its integrity may be compromised. Helmets must be replaced even after minor impacts to ensure maximum protection in future incidents.

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.