Moville Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys

When disaster hits, motorcycle injury attorneys serve as resolute advocates for riders. Specializing in motorcycle accidents, they navigate legal complexities to secure the justice and compensation injured riders deserve.

Properly Fitting Motorcycle Helmets

Choosing the right motorcycle helmet size is crucial for both comfort and safety. Even if you think you have the correct size, ensuring a proper fit is essential. Most motorcycle shops can help you determine what works best, but understanding what to look for and how a helmet should feel can help ensure nothing is overlooked.

Helmets should be fitted for both comfort and safety, particularly for new riders who may not be used to how snug motorcycle helmets need to be. Here are some key fit checks to keep in mind when trying on a helmet:

1. Forehead Gap: A helmet is too big if you can slip your pinky between your forehead and the helmet. It should be so snug that there is no room for even your smallest finger.
   
2. Lifting the Helmet: With the chin strap secured, you should not be able to lift the helmet off your head from the front or back.

3. Red Marks or Pressure Points: While a helmet should be snug, it should not cause red marks or deep indentations on your head, face, or neck.

4. Side to Side Head Shake: A helmet fits properly if your skin moves with the helmet when shaking your head firmly from side to side. If the helmet moves but your face does not, it is too big.

5. Room for Face Shields: If the helmet has a face shield, there should be enough room so that your nose or chin does not touch the shield.

It is also crucial never to use a helmet that has been involved in a previous accident, even a minor one. Damage to the interior can decrease its effectiveness in another impact.

Common Types of Serious Motorcycle Injuries in Iowa

Motorcycle crashes often result in severe injuries due to the lack of protection compared to other vehicles. Common serious injuries include:

1. Fractures: Virtually any part of the body can sustain fractures. Severe breaks where bones protrude through the skin increase the risk of infection. Prolonged immobilization from fractures can lead to complications like blood clots or bedsores.

2. Road Rash: This occurs when a motorcyclist’s body skids across the pavement, causing damage similar to a burn. Severe road rash can damage tissues and muscles beneath the skin and may require skin grafts to heal.

3. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): The impact on the brain can range from mild concussions to severe, long-term complications affecting memory, coordination, personality, and movement. TBIs can also cause psychological problems like anxiety and depression.

4. Spinal Cord Injuries: These injuries vary from herniated discs to severe spinal cord damage, causing chronic pain or paralysis. Severe spinal cord injuries may result in permanent disability and the need for lifelong care.

Consulting a Motorcycle Accident Attorney

The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can lead to substantial medical expenses, long-term care costs, and lost wages, especially if the injuries prevent the victim from working. Consulting with a motorcycle accident attorney can help pursue comprehensive compensation for these damages, including financial losses and emotional distress.

Understanding Motorcycle Insurance in Iowa

Iowa law requires drivers to meet minimum liability coverage amounts:

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

Motorcyclists must meet these minimums. However, higher coverage amounts offer better financial protection in case of an accident.

1. Medical Payments Coverage: This no-fault coverage pays for medical costs regardless of who is at fault. It ensures medical bills are covered promptly, even if the insurance companies are still determining fault.

2. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: This coverage is essential if the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance. It can cover medical bills, lost earnings, and other accident-related expenses.

Impact of Insurance Coverage on Accident Claims

Having adequate insurance coverage is critical for motorcyclists due to the potentially catastrophic nature of accidents. For example, if a motorcyclist is struck by a drunk driver and the medical bills exceed the at-fault driver’s coverage, the motorcyclist’s underinsured motorist coverage can cover the remaining expenses.

In hit-and-run accidents, uninsured motorist coverage can help pay for damages until the responsible driver is found.

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.