Marengo Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys

When tragedy occurs, motorcycle injury attorneys act as committed supporters for riders. With a focus on motorcycle accidents, they adeptly handle legal challenges to ensure justice and compensation for injured riders.

Are There Age Restrictions for Operating a Motorcycle in Iowa?

The legal age to operate a motorcycle in Iowa is 14, but young riders face specific restrictions designed to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road. Here's a detailed overview of these age-related restrictions, licensing requirements, safety courses, and the implications of accidents involving young motorcyclists.

Motorcycle Instruction Permits

For Riders Aged 14 to 17

Young riders between the ages of 14 and 17 can obtain a motorcycle instruction permit, but this comes with certain conditions. These riders can operate a motorcycle if accompanied by:

1. A Licensed Parent or Guardian: The parent or guardian must have a motorcycle endorsement on their license.
2. An Immediate Family Member: The family member must be 21 years or older and hold a motorcycle endorsement.
3. Another Licensed Adult: With parental permission, riders can be accompanied by an adult (25 years or older) with a motorcycle endorsement.

For Riders Aged 18 and Above

Riders aged 18 or older can obtain a motorcycle instruction permit under the same conditions, but they do not need parental permission to ride with a non-family member who meets the age and licensing criteria.

Supervision Requirements

Iowa law mandates that the supervising person must be within audible and visual communication distance from the permit holder and must accompany the permit holder on or in a different motor vehicle. The supervisor can only oversee one permit holder at a time.

Intermediate Motorcycle License

Riders who have held a motorcycle instruction permit for at least six months and have parental permission can apply for an intermediate motorcycle license at the age of 16. Additional requirements include:

- 20 Hours of Street and Highway Driving: At least two of these hours must be during nighttime (after sunset or before sunrise).

Intermediate license holders face a curfew, restricting motorcycle operation between 12:30 a.m. and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a qualified individual or traveling to or from a school-related extracurricular activity.

Full Motorcycle License

At 17, riders can obtain a full motorcycle license if they have held an intermediate license for at least one year and completed:

- 10 Hours of Street or Highway Driving: Including two hours of nighttime driving.

Motorcycle Safety Course for Riders Under 18

Young riders must complete a motorcycle safety course before obtaining their instruction permit. The course includes:

- 15 Hours of Training: Five hours of classroom instruction and 10 hours of range activities.

The course covers essential riding skills such as straight-line riding, turning, shifting, and stopping. These courses are approved by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and are available at certified facilities across Iowa.

Consequences of Unlicensed Operation

Riders who operate a motorcycle without the proper license or violate permit restrictions can face legal consequences. This can also impact their comparative negligence in the event of an accident, potentially reducing their ability to recover damages.

Filing a Claim for Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Iowa

Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries due to the lack of protection compared to other vehicles. Victims may suffer head trauma, spinal cord injuries, road rash, fractures, and more, leading to significant financial and emotional burdens.

Proving Negligence

To recover damages after a motorcycle accident, you must prove the other driver's negligence. This involves demonstrating that the other driver failed to operate their vehicle safely, leading to the accident. Key evidence can include:

- Police Reports: Indicating the cause of the collision and any citations issued.
- Photos and Videos: Of the accident scene and injuries.
- Eyewitness Statements: Testimonies from people who saw the accident.
- Damaged Vehicle Examination: To establish the collision's impact.

Impact of Helmet Laws on Claims

Iowa does not have a helmet law, so riders are not legally required to wear helmets. However, failure to wear a helmet can affect injury claims, especially if the rider sustains a head injury. Iowa's modified comparative negligence system allows victims to recover damages even if partially at fault, provided they are no more than 50% responsible. The award is reduced by the rider's percentage of fault.

Types of Recoverable Damages

Victims of motorcycle accidents can seek both economic and non-economic damages, including:

- Economic Damages: Medical bills, future medical expenses, and lost income.
- Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, mental anguish, and reduced quality of life.

Ensuring Proper Helmet Fit

Proper helmet fit is crucial for safety. Here are key points to check:

1. Forehead Gap: There should be no gap between the helmet and forehead.
2. Helmet Stability: The helmet should not lift off the head when the chin strap is secured.
3. Pressure Points: The helmet should not cause red marks or pressure points.
4. Side-to-Side Movement: The helmet should move with the head when shaken side-to-side.
5. Face Shield Clearance: There should be enough room between the face shield and the rider's face.

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.