Milford Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys

When accidents happen, motorcycle injury lawyers act as resolute advocates for riders. Specializing in motorcycle accidents, they navigate legal challenges to ensure injured riders receive justice and compensation.

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 stands ready to help victims in seeking rightful compensation to lessen the physical, emotional, and financial repercussions. 

Common Types of Serious Motorcycle Injuries

In the event of a motorcycle collision, virtually any part of the body becomes susceptible to fractures. In cases of severe breaks, where bones protrude through the skin, the risk of infection is heightened. Specific fracture types may yield further complexities; prolonged immobilization, for instance, might elevate the danger of blood clots or bedsores.

Road Rash: When a motorcyclist’s body makes contact with the ground, such as from skidding across the pavement, it results in road rash. The most severe type of road rash can cause damage to the tissues and muscles underneath the skin. Complications such as infections might arise, leading to skin grafts to expedite healing and cover exposed areas. Compensation for these injuries and other expenses may be pursued with help from a motorcycle accident attorney.

The Consequences of Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries

A severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) from a motorcycle crash can affect a person in a variety of ways, which largely depends on the severity of the injury. Mild concussions may bring about temporary confusion and headaches, while more severe TBI can yield enduring complications. These span from enduring issues with memory and concentration to shifts in one's personality. Physical challenges encompass impaired movement, coordination, and potential psychological problems like anxiety and depression.

Spinal cord injuries vary from minor discomfort-inducing herniated discs to grave spinal cord harm. The implications extend to other bodily regions depending on the injury site, potentially causing chronic pain and even paralysis. Such catastrophic injuries could result in lifelong wheelchair dependency and ongoing medical care.

What’s the Value of My Motorcycle Accident Claim if I Suffered Permanent Injuries?

It’s not easy to give an exact value for a motorcycle accident claim, even if that motorcycle wreck results in a permanent, disabling injury. That’s because no two cases are alike. The injuries differ in severity and the effects may not be exactly the same from one injured rider to the next.

Permanent Injuries and Economic Damages

One of the most important aspects of any injury claim – and one of the easiest to calculate – is the economic damages you’ve suffered. This entails adding up the wages you’ve missed while you’re recovering, the medical bills you’ve incurred as you sought treatment, and any other expenses related to the accident.

But permanent injuries cause lasting and sometimes lifelong damages that create additional expenses. In extreme cases, if you require long-term care such as an in-home nurse, you must account for those expenses.

The same goes for wages. You may have to work with your attorney and an expert witness may provide testimony regarding the effects of your permanent injuries on your ability to work. An expert may also estimate your lost wages related to the accident and your injuries.

The Health Council published a study in 2010 on the incidence and total lifetime costs of motor vehicle-related fatal and nonfatal injury by road user type and they determined that the medical care and lost productivity cost roughly $99 billion. Of that amount, motorcycle fatal and non-fatal injuries made up $12 billion.

Permanent Injuries and Non-economic Damages

Non-economic damages are more difficult to calculate because they don’t come with receipts. An insurance company may calculate the value of your non-economic damages based on the value of your economic damages by using a multiplier based on the severity of your injuries.

For instance, a permanent and serious head injury may warrant more non-economic damages than a permanent knee injury. Talk to your attorney about how best to estimate your non-economic damages, which may address:

- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Disfigurement
- Disability

Should I Hire a Lawyer for My Motorcycle Wreck Case?

In addition to establishing your damages, you must also provide evidence of the other motorist’s fault if you’re pursuing a liability claim. If the other motorist tries to place some of the blame on you, you may have to present evidence that you were not to blame for the accident, or at least not as responsible as the other motorist is claiming.

Because of Iowa’s negligence laws, if you’re 51 percent or more at fault, you cannot recover damages; even if you’re less than 51 percent at fault, it will proportionally reduce the damages you can recover.

Important Safety Tips for Beginner Motorcyclists

With today's economy, many people are finding that motorcycles are a very useful and economical alternative to a car. In Iowa, the weather affects when people can ride, but in nice years like 2011, there can be many months of motorcycle riding. 

People choose motorcycle riding for different reasons. There are many benefits to riding a motorcycle, including less impact on the environment, but there are also many risks associated with getting on a bike. If you or a loved one has just purchased a motorcycle or is considering buying one, you should take into account the risks involved. 

Motorcycles do not provide the same level of protection that an automobile does. There is no outward shell to protect the rider if they are hit. 

To reduce your risk when riding, consider taking the following safety measures:

- Ride with your lights on at all times
- Wear protective clothing and gear, including a helmet, clothing that covers your skin, and fully enclosed shoes
- Follow all traffic laws
- Be aware of your surroundings and the drivers around you
- Never ride when you have been drinking or are extremely tired

A motorcycle is similar to a car in that you need to make sure it is in good condition before you ride. Make sure to check all your lights, tire pressure, and brakes before taking off on a long ride. Most importantly, enjoy yourself, but always be safe.

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.