Huxley Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys

When tragedy occurs, motorcycle injury attorneys act as steadfast champions for riders. Specializing in motorcycle accidents, they skillfully manage legal intricacies to ensure justice and compensation for injured riders.

Motorcycle accidents can lead to severe injuries, with spinal cord injuries being among the most devastating. In 2011, nearly 1,000 motorcyclists were injured in crashes in Iowa, and another 34 died, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation. Approximately 11 percent of motorcycle accident victims sustain spinal cord injuries, as highlighted by a St. James University Hospital study published in the Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery in 2002.

Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries, accounting for 40 percent of new cases, according to the Mayo Clinic. Upon collision, motorcyclists can suffer vertebrae damage, where the bones may be crushed, compressed, or dislodged, affecting the spinal cord. Ligament or spinal disc damage can also result in spinal cord injuries.

Types of Motorcycle Accident-Related Spinal Cord Injuries

There are two main types of spinal cord injuries:

1. Complete Spinal Cord Injury: This results in a total loss of sensation and movement below the site of the injury.
2. Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: This involves partial loss of sensation and function, with varying degrees of impairment.

The St. James University Hospital study identified the following patterns in spinal cord injuries from motorcycle crashes:

- 23 percent of riders had isolated spine injuries.
- Over 42 percent had injuries affecting multiple vertebral levels.
- The thoracic spine was the most commonly injured (54.8 percent).
- The lumbar spine was injured 30 percent of the time.
- The cervical spine was injured in 27 percent of cases.
- Neurologic injury occurred in nearly 20 percent of the accidents.

Complications That Spinal Cord Injury Victims Face

Spinal cord injuries can lead to numerous health complications, such as:

- Blood clots
- Pressure sores
- Breathing difficulties
- Uncontrolled muscle movements
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Increased risk of urinary infections, kidney infections, and bladder stones
- Blood pressure problems
- Lung problems and pneumonia
- Muscle atrophy
- Weight issues (both weight loss and obesity)
- Sexual and reproductive function issues
- Muscle and joint pain
- Nerve pain

The Dangers of Undiagnosed Vertebrae Fractures

Undiagnosed compression fractures can lead to long-term complications like kyphosis (curvature of the spine), chronic pain, reduced physical function, impaired lung function, decreased ability to perform daily activities, and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

Mental and Emotional Impact of Spinal Cord Injury

The mental and emotional toll of spinal cord injuries can be significant. According to a study in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry (2008), there is a substantial increase in the likelihood of emotional disorders among spinal injury victims. Mental health issues include:

- Depression (37 percent)
- Anxiety (30 percent)
- Clinical-level stress (25 percent)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (8.4 percent)

To file a claim after a motorcycle accident, you need to establish injury or property loss, adhere to the statute of limitations, and hire a lawyer. Here are the essential steps:

Seek Medical Attention and Save Records

First, seek medical attention immediately after the accident. Collect all documentation related to your medical care as this will serve as proof of your injuries and expenses when you file your claim.

Review Your Policy

Review your motorcycle insurance policy to understand the coverage you have. Ensure you know the details of your coverage, including medical payments coverage, which can provide additional funds regardless of who was at fault.

File in Time

Notify your insurance company of the accident promptly and file your claim as soon as possible to avoid missing deadlines. Under Iowa Code 614.1, you have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages.

Motorcyclists often encounter aggressive drivers, which poses a serious safety risk. Knowing how to handle such situations is crucial.

Don’t Respond to Road Rage

Avoid engaging with drivers exhibiting road rage. Instead of responding to their aggression, maintain your composure and distance yourself from the aggressive driver.

Move Over if Being Tailgated

If you are being tailgated, change lanes to allow the driver to pass safely. Do not speed up or slow down to aggravate the situation.

Report the Driver

If necessary, pull over or exit the highway to let the aggressive driver pass. Consider reporting the aggressive driver to authorities, especially if their behavior poses a danger.

Know How to Stay Safe While Riding

In addition to handling aggressive drivers, always follow general motorcycle safety tips, such as wearing a helmet and carrying a motorcycle safety kit. For more safety tips, visit our blog.

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.