Forest City Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys

In the face of tragedy, motorcycle injury attorneys emerge as committed supporters for riders. Specializing in motorcycle accidents, they expertly navigate the legal system to ensure injured riders receive deserved justice and compensation.

Comprehensive Guide to Motorcycle Insurance and Safety in Iowa

Types of Special Motorcycle Insurance Coverage in Iowa

Motorcyclists in Iowa are subject to financial responsibility requirements similar to those of other motorists. The state mandates minimum insurance coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $40,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage. Liability insurance is crucial as it covers damages incurred by others if the policyholder causes an accident. Additionally, each vehicle, including motorcycles, must have its own insurance policy separate from auto insurance for cars.

Optional Insurance Coverage for Motorcyclists:
While liability insurance is mandatory, motorcyclists can purchase additional coverage to protect themselves in various scenarios:

1. Collision Coverage: Pays for damages to the policyholder’s motorcycle from collisions with vehicles, objects, or rollovers, irrespective of fault.
2. Comprehensive Coverage: Covers non-collision damages such as fire, theft, vandalism, weather events, floods, and animal damage.
3. Medical Expense Coverage: Covers medical expenses for the policyholder regardless of fault, up to the policy limits.
4. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage: Protects in accidents where the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance or flees the scene.

Filing a Motorcycle Insurance Claim:
In the event of an accident, it is vital to:

- Preserve the accident report.
- Gather witness contact information.
- Collect the other motorist’s contact and insurance details.
- Take photographs of the accident scene and the motorcycle.

Inform your insurance company about the accident, providing necessary details. If another motorist is at fault and their insurance doesn’t offer fair compensation, you might need to file a lawsuit. Your own insurance coverage, like collision or medical expense coverage, can also help recover damages.

Why is Iowa’s Motorcycle Death Rate 10 Times Higher than the National Average?

Despite motorcycles constituting only 0.3% of all registered vehicles in Iowa, motorcycle fatalities make up 16.7% of all road deaths. In 2023, 63 out of 378 motor vehicle fatalities involved motorcycles, highlighting a disproportionate risk for motorcyclists.

Helmet Usage:
Iowa is one of the few states without a helmet law. During a brief period from September 1975 to July 1976, when helmets were mandatory, motorcycle fatalities dropped by 40%. While some argue helmets can reduce visibility and hearing, the choice to wear a helmet remains personal in Iowa.

Safety Measures:
1. Training: 
   - Basic training courses cover motorcycle mechanics, straight-line riding, shifting, and stopping.
   - Advanced courses teach situational awareness, risk evaluation, and evasive strategies.
2. Visibility: 
   - Wearing bright colors, keeping headlights on, and using flags can enhance visibility.

Post-Crash Actions:
If involved in a motorcycle crash, especially one caused by another driver, seeking legal advice is crucial. It’s important to avoid instructing medical providers to bill the at-fault driver’s insurance directly. Instead, use your health insurance to cover immediate medical expenses. Hospitals might also offer bill write-offs under certain conditions.

Age Restrictions and Licensing for Motorcyclists in Iowa

In Iowa, individuals as young as 14 can obtain a motorcycle instruction permit, although they face specific restrictions. Riders between 14 and 17 must ride with a licensed parent or guardian, or with an immediate family member over 21 who holds a motorcycle endorsement. They may also ride with a non-family member over 25 with parental permission.

Intermediate and Full Licenses:
At 16, riders can obtain an intermediate license after holding an instruction permit for six months and completing 20 hours of driving (including two hours of night driving). Intermediate license holders face curfews between 12:30 a.m. and 5 a.m. except for school-related activities. A full license is available at 17 after holding an intermediate license for a year and completing additional driving hours.

Mandatory Safety Courses:
Riders under 18 must complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation-approved course, which includes both classroom instruction and practical range activities.

Legal Consequences for Unlicensed Riders:
Riding without the proper license can lead to legal and civil repercussions, especially if involved in an accident. This could also affect the determination of negligence in a crash.

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.