Gilbert Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys

When disaster hits, motorcycle injury attorneys act as resolute supporters for riders. Specializing in motorcycle accidents, they navigate legal intricacies to ensure justice and compensation for injured riders.

Emotional Trauma and Serious Injuries After a Motorcycle Accident

Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to severe injuries when involved in accidents, ranging from soft tissue injuries and fractures to spinal cord and head injuries. These physical ailments are often accompanied by significant emotional trauma, especially in cases of severe injuries. Iowa motorcyclists who pursue liability claims against negligent drivers can include emotional distress as part of their claims.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop following a traumatic event like a motorcycle accident. Initially recognized as a condition affecting soldiers exposed to battle, PTSD can occur due to various traumatic experiences.

According to the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH), PTSD symptoms are categorized into three main types:
- Re-experiencing: This includes flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts about the incident.
- Avoidance: This can manifest as avoiding certain events or actions, experiencing emotional numbness, guilt, depression, and difficulty remembering the event.
- Hyperarousal: Symptoms include being easily startled, feeling edgy, trouble sleeping, and intense episodes of anger.

Head Injuries and Depression

Head injuries are a significant concern for motorcyclists. Although Iowa has repealed its motorcycle helmet laws, many safety advocates still recommend their use to prevent or lessen head injuries.

Research has shown a strong link between traumatic brain injury (TBI) and depression. A 2004 study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry found that one-third of participants developed major depressive disorder within the first year after sustaining a TBI. Another study published in the Journal of Nursing Scholarship in 2002 found that chronic stress was significantly related to post-TBI depression, often due to the recovery process and other mitigating factors.

Emotional Trauma in Personal Injury Cases

Motorcycle accident claims in Iowa can account for medical expenses related to physical injuries as well as emotional trauma. Emotional trauma can be included in the monetary damages awarded and may cover mental health assessments, counseling, treatment, and mental anguish. However, failure to wear a helmet might reduce your settlement if you suffered head injuries, as the insurance company or defendant might argue that helmet use could have prevented or mitigated the injury.

Common Types of Serious Motorcycle Injuries

Motorcycle accidents can result in various serious injuries, each with its own set of complications and long-term effects.

Fractures

Virtually any part of the body is susceptible to fractures in a motorcycle collision. Severe breaks, where bones protrude through the skin, heighten the risk of infection. Specific fractures may cause further complications, such as prolonged immobilization leading to blood clots or bedsores.

Road Rash

Road rash occurs when a motorcyclist’s body makes contact with the ground, similar to a burn. Severe road rash can damage tissues and muscles underneath the skin. Complications like infections may necessitate skin grafts to expedite healing and cover exposed areas.

Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries

The severity of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can range from mild concussions to severe, life-altering conditions. Mild TBIs might cause temporary confusion and headaches, while severe TBIs can lead to long-term complications, such as memory and concentration issues, personality changes, and impaired movement. Psychological problems like anxiety and depression are also common.

Spinal cord injuries vary widely in severity, from minor herniated discs to catastrophic damage. These injuries can affect other body parts depending on the injury site, potentially causing chronic pain or paralysis, which might necessitate lifelong wheelchair use and ongoing medical care.

Consulting a Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Severe motorcycle injuries often result in substantial medical expenses and long-term care costs, which can be financially devastating for victims and their families. Lost wages can compound the problem, especially if the victim is unable to work for an extended period. A proficient motorcycle accident attorney can help victims pursue comprehensive compensation, including financial damages and emotional distress such as pain and suffering.

Victims should seek consultation with a motorcycle accident attorney to ensure they receive the compensation they deserve. Before contacting an attorney, it’s advisable to review their past client testimonials on platforms like Avvo or Google and check their previous case results on their website.

Iowa Motorcycle Insurance and Legal Considerations

Iowa motorcyclists without insurance risk losing their licenses under the Iowa Financial and Safety Responsibility Act. Additionally, uninsured riders may be held responsible for all repair and medical costs if at fault for an accident. It's crucial to explore various motorcycle insurance options to ensure adequate coverage.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

This coverage helps pay for your injuries if an accident is caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver. It ensures that your damages are covered even if the other driver lacks sufficient insurance.

Comprehensive and Collision Coverage

Comprehensive coverage protects your bike from non-accident-related damages such as floods, fires, or vandalism. Collision coverage helps pay for repairs if your bike is damaged in an accident with another object.

Medical Expense Coverage

This valuable coverage pays for medical expenses for both you and your passengers, regardless of who caused the accident.

Roadside Assistance Coverage

Roadside assistance coverage provides free towing if you experience a breakdown, run out of gas, or have an accident. Excursion diversion insurance, or interrupted trip insurance, pairs well with roadside assistance by covering lodging, food, and transportation if an accident occurs more than 100 miles from home.

Legal Action When Insurance is Insufficient

Sometimes, the damages from a motorcycle accident are so severe that insurance alone is not enough. In such cases, filing a personal injury lawsuit to recover the full extent of damages may be necessary. In Iowa, claims must be filed within two years under Iowa Code 614.1.

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.