Kent Estates Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys

In the event of a tragedy, motorcycle injury attorneys become steadfast advocates for riders. Specializing in motorcycle accidents, they handle legal complexities to ensure injured riders receive fair justice and compensation.

How Does Motorcycle Insurance Help Injured Riders in Iowa?

Motorcycle insurance is crucial for riders in Iowa to ensure financial protection in case of an accident. The state's insurance laws mandate minimum liability coverage amounts, which are:

- $20,000 bodily injury (for one person)
- $40,000 bodily injury (for more than one person)
- $15,000 property damage

Motorcyclists must meet these minimum liability coverage requirements. In the event of an accident caused by another motorist, injured bikers can pursue a claim against the at-fault driver’s liability coverage.

Enhancing Financial Protection

While meeting the minimum required amounts provides basic protection, many motorcyclists opt for higher coverage limits to ensure better financial security in case they are at fault for an accident. However, when another driver is liable for the accident, riders will rely on the at-fault driver’s insurance.

Unfortunately, not all drivers carry insurance, or their coverage may be insufficient to cover all damages. Motorcyclists can rely on additional coverage options on their policies for compensation.

Medical Payments Coverage

Medical payments coverage is a no-fault insurance option that covers medical costs regardless of who was responsible for the accident. This coverage is beneficial if the insurance companies delay assigning blame or settlement negotiations stall, as it helps cover medical bills promptly.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is vital because it protects riders when the at-fault driver either lacks insurance or has insufficient coverage. This insurance can cover medical bills, lost earnings, and other accident-related expenses.

Impact of Insurance Coverage on Motorcycle Accident Claims

Adequate insurance coverage is critical for motorcyclists, especially since motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries requiring extensive recovery periods or even causing permanent disability.

Hit and Run Accidents

In hit-and-run scenarios, uninsured motorist coverage becomes crucial. It helps pay for damages until the responsible party is found, if ever.

Recovering Compensation for Broken Bones from a Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle accidents can cause severe injuries, including broken bones. In 2012, the Iowa Department of Transportation reported over 1,000 motorcycle injury crashes. If another party’s negligence caused the accident, injured motorcyclists might recover compensation for their damages.

Signs and Symptoms of Broken Bones

Common indicators of broken bones include:

- Intense pain at the affected area
- Swelling, bruising, and bleeding
- Limited mobility
- Numbness and tingling
- Protruding bones and misshapen limbs or joints

Commonly Broken Bones in Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists may suffer fractures in various body parts, depending on the accident's severity, angle of impact, and speed. Common fractures include ribs, collarbones, legs, arms, spines, and pelvises.

Recovery and Long-Term Complications

Recovery from broken bones varies based on the injury’s severity and location. Treatment options range from cast immobilization to surgery. Severe injuries, like spinal fractures, can cause permanent disabilities. Complications such as post-traumatic arthritis can also arise.

Liability and Compensation

If another driver’s negligence caused the accident, they might be liable for the injured motorcyclist’s medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In Iowa, victims must file a motorcycle injury case within two years of the injury.

Dealing with Aggressive Drivers

Motorcyclists often face aggressive drivers on the road, posing significant safety risks. Knowing how to handle such drivers is essential for safety.

Avoiding Road Rage

Aggressive drivers may display road rage through yelling, obscene gestures, tailgating, and speeding. It’s crucial to avoid responding to road rage, as it can escalate the situation. Instead, maintain a safe distance and stay calm.

Handling Tailgating

Tailgating is common aggressive driving behavior. If a driver tailgates you, avoid speeding up or slowing down abruptly. Safely change lanes to let the tailgater pass.

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.