Grinnell Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys

Motorcycle injury attorneys act as unwavering defenders for riders when tragedy strikes. Specializing in motorcycle accidents, they adeptly handle legal challenges to ensure injured riders receive fair justice and compensation.

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

In Iowa, motorcycles make up only 0.3% of all registered vehicles, which is about 1 out of 333 vehicles. However, motorcycle deaths in Iowa make up 16.7% of the fatalities on Iowa roadways. In 2023, there were a total of 378 people killed in motor vehicle fatalities in Iowa, of which 63 people were killed in motorcycle crashes. This means despite the small number of motorcycles on the roads, motorcycle riders are 55 times more likely than other drivers to be killed in a motor vehicle crash. As of May 2, 2024, there have already been 11 people killed in motorcycle accidents in Iowa in 2024.

Does Wearing a Helmet Help?

We are not suggesting that Iowa needs a helmet law but want you to know all the facts when deciding whether to wear a helmet or not. Iowa is one of only three states in the country that does not require motorcycle riders to wear a helmet, including children. Iowa did have a helmet law from September 1975 to July 1976, and during that period, motorcycle deaths dropped 40%. 

Other motorcycle safety proponents point out that helmets can limit visibility and hearing, which might make riders more alert of their surroundings and potentially prevent accidents. In Iowa, the choice is yours as to whether you want to wear a helmet or not.

What Else Can I Do to Prevent Becoming a Statistic?

Training is a very important part of reducing your risk. While no amount of training can eliminate your risk, it can make a significant difference. For example, rider error is the most common cause of single motorcycle accidents. These preventable errors include driving too fast for the road conditions, not properly navigating a corner, speeding, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 

There are basic training courses that teach you about your motorcycle, starting, riding in a straight line, shifting, and stopping. More advanced courses teach situational awareness, risk evaluation, and evasive strategies to help prevent accidents, whether you or someone else is at fault.

Motorcycles can be hard to see, and the rise of distracted drivers only makes things worse for riders. Some riders wear brightly colored safety vests, always keep their headlights on, or have a flag on the back of their motorcycle to increase visibility. These are some measures to consider to reduce your risk of injury or death while riding a motorcycle in Iowa.

What Should You Do if You or a Loved One Are in a Motorcycle Crash?

If it is a single motorcycle crash, investigate what caused the crash. Was there a defective part on the motorcycle? Did a tire blow out? Was there an animal or debris on the roadway that caused the crash? If another driver caused the motorcycle crash, it is important to seek good advice about how to deal with insurance companies, doctors, property damage, etc.

For example, many riders injured by someone else think it is a good idea to tell their doctors to bill the other driver’s insurance company. This is not a good idea for many reasons, including that the other driver’s insurance company will not pay the medical bills as they are incurred. This could leave you with unpaid medical bills, calls from collections agencies, or even you being stuck with the medical bills. Iowa law only requires drivers to have $20,000 in insurance coverage for personal injuries. An emergency room visit and an overnight hospital stay alone will likely cost more than this. Therefore, if you have health insurance, the best thing is to use it to pay for your medical care and treatment.

If you do not have health insurance, you should try to get some as soon as possible. While it will not pay for your past medical bills, it should pay for any future medical care and treatment you need. Also, if you were treated at a hospital, you can ask them to write off your bill, as not-for-profit hospitals are required to write off a certain amount of medical bills to avoid paying taxes. Another small source of money (usually $1,000 to $5,000) to pay for medical bills is called medical payments coverage on your motorcycle. However, many motorcycle insurance policies do not include medical payment coverage as the rider may waive the coverage.

Tips if You or a Loved One Have Been Injured

1. Seek Medical Care Immediately: Tell your medical providers about everything that hurts. If you are injured and fail to get medical treatment, you are making a huge mistake. Delaying going to the doctor can hurt your case, as the insurance company will insist that if you were really hurt, you would have sought medical care and treatment immediately.

2. Keep Important Documents: Keep copies of medical records, work excuses, accident, or police reports. Keep a notebook or journal to document how you are feeling and how your injuries are affecting your everyday life.

3. Be Honest About Your Injuries: When seeing your doctors, tell them everything that hurts. Do not make it sound like you are better or worse than you are. Your medical providers need to know exactly how you are feeling to document your injuries and provide the best care.

Tips for Dealing with the Insurance Adjuster

1. Recorded Statements: Insurance adjusters often ask for recorded statements to evaluate your case, but this is rarely necessary if there is an accident or police report. The real reason they want your statement is to try to get you to say things that could hurt your case later.

2. Settlements: Do not rush to settle your case. The insurance company may offer a small amount to settle quickly, but if your injuries are serious, you could make a costly mistake. Consult with an experienced injury attorney before considering a settlement.

3. Consider Hiring an Attorney: Insurance adjusters are trained to pay you as little as possible. An attorney can ensure you are not ripped off by the insurance company and help with medical bills, subrogation, and other issues. 

How Do I File a Claim After a Motorcycle Accident in Iowa?

To file a claim after a motorcycle accident, you’ll need to establish injury or property loss, adhere to the statute of limitations, and hire a lawyer. Here are some tips on how to successfully file a claim:

1. Seek Medical Attention and Save Records: Gather all the documentation relevant to your medical care. This proof is necessary when filing your claim with the insurance company.

2. Review Your Policy: Ensure you understand your coverage. Basic coverage may not be enough, and additional types of coverage like medical payments coverage may provide more benefits.

3. File in Time: Notify your insurance company immediately and file your claim quickly to avoid missing stipulated time requirements. If filing a personal injury lawsuit, you have two years under Iowa Code 614.1.

4. Contact an Attorney: An attorney can increase your chances of getting a higher compensation amount and help you take your case to court if necessary. 

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 can help victims seek rightful compensation.

Common Types of Serious Motorcycle Injuries

1. Fractures: Severe breaks where bones protrude through the skin can increase infection risk and may lead to further complications like blood clots or bedsores.

2. Road Rash: When a motorcyclist’s body makes contact with the ground, severe road rash can cause damage to tissues and muscles underneath the skin, requiring skin grafts to expedite healing.

3. Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries can range from mild concussions to severe impairments affecting memory, concentration, and physical coordination. Spinal cord injuries can cause chronic pain or paralysis, requiring lifelong 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. Getting help from a motorcycle accident attorney allows for the pursuit of comprehensive compensation for financial damages and emotional distress.

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.