Keokuk Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys

In times of misfortune, motorcycle injury lawyers become resolute champions for riders. Their expertise in motorcycle accident cases allows them to navigate legal complexities and secure justice and compensation for injured riders.

What Motorcycle Apparel to Wear to Avoid Burn Injuries

Motorcycle helmets are widely recognized for reducing the risk of head injuries in accidents. However, equally important is the right motorcycle apparel to reduce the risk of burn injuries. Burns can occur due to road rash, heat burns from exhaust pipes or mufflers, or chemical burns from substances like gasoline. Serious burns can lead to complications, including permanent disfigurement.

Types of Motorcycle Apparel to Reduce Burn Injuries

Full Body Coverage: Wearing a heavy-duty jacket, pants, and gloves made from leather or other sturdy materials provides better protection from deep abrasions and burns. Motorcycle boots offer superior protection compared to other footwear.

Specialized Clothing: Some motorcycle apparel is designed with impact-resistant material or integrated armor to protect the rider during an accident. This type of gear can significantly reduce the severity of injuries, including burns.

Eye Protection: Eye protection is crucial not only for keeping out debris but also for protecting against chemical spills that can cause significant eye injuries.

Comfort is important, but with the wide variety of motorcycle apparel available, there is no reason to compromise on safety. Ensuring protection from head to toe can reduce the risk of various injuries, including burns, in the event of an accident.

Types of Special Motorcycle Insurance Coverage in Iowa

Mandatory Liability Insurance

In Iowa, motorcycle riders must meet financial responsibility requirements similar to motorists. The minimum liability insurance requirements are:

- $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $40,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $15,000 property damage liability

This insurance covers damages suffered by other motorists in an accident caused by the policyholder. If a rider is involved in an accident or stopped by a police officer, they must show proof of insurance, or their license may be revoked. Note that auto insurance for a car does not apply to a motorcycle; each vehicle requires its own insurance.

Additional Insurance Coverage Options

Motorcyclists can purchase various types of insurance to protect themselves further:

Collision Coverage: Covers damages to the policyholder's motorcycle in accidents with vehicles, objects, or rollovers, regardless of fault.

Comprehensive Coverage: Covers non-collision damages such as those from fire, weather events, vandalism, floods, theft, and animal damage.

Medical Expense Coverage: Covers medical expenses for the policyholder regardless of fault, up to policy limits.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Insurance (UM/UIM): Provides coverage if the policyholder is in an accident with someone without insurance or with insufficient insurance, or if the at-fault driver flees the scene.

Accessory or Optional Equipment Coverage: Covers modifications and enhancements to the motorcycle's appearance or performance.

Filing a Motorcycle Insurance Claim

After an accident, save the following:

- Accident report
- Witness contact information
- Other motorist’s contact and insurance information
- Photographs of the accident scene
- Photos of the bike

Notify your insurance company about the accident, detailing who was involved and what happened. If another motorist is at fault, notify their insurance company as well. If you cannot recover fair compensation, you may need to file a lawsuit. Your insurance policy might provide coverage through collision or medical expense coverage.

For more information about motorcycle accident insurance claims and lawsuits, consult Walker, Billingsley & Bair's guide. We have years of experience in these cases and can provide legal representation.

Defenses Against Motorcycle Accident Claims in Iowa

Common Defenses in Motorcycle Accident Claims

If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident and are pursuing a claim for damages, the insurance company or other driver may present arguments against your claim. Familiarizing yourself with common defenses and hiring an attorney is crucial.

Violation of Motorcycle Regulations: The other driver may argue that you violated motorcycle-specific laws, such as carrying a package that restricts the use of both hands (Iowa Code 321.275(6)) or riding more than two abreast in a lane (Iowa Code 321.275(4)). If proven, this violation could jeopardize your claim.

Speeding: The defense may argue that you were speeding or committed other traffic violations, like an illegal lane change. If you are partially at fault, your damages may be reduced proportionally to your fault percentage. If you are more than 50 percent at fault, you may be barred from recovering damages.

Driving While Impaired: If you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol, it could severely hinder your ability to recover damages. Impairment will likely increase your fault percentage, reducing your ability to recover damages.

Not Wearing a Helmet: While Iowa doesn’t require helmet use, the defense may argue that not wearing one led to more severe injuries. This could increase your comparative negligence, reducing your recoverable damages.

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.