New London Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys

Motorcycle injury attorneys serve as dedicated advocates for riders when tragedy strikes. Their expertise in motorcycle accidents enables them to manage legal challenges and secure justice and compensation for injured riders.

Motorcycle accidents can result in devastating injuries, ranging from severe burns to spinal cord injuries. Understanding the treatment options for these injuries, as well as the legal landscape for operating motorcycles in Iowa, is crucial for riders and their families. This guide provides an in-depth look at burn treatments, spinal cord injury complications, and age restrictions for motorcyclists in Iowa.

Skin Grafts for Burns After a Motorcycle Accident

When a motorcycle accident results in third-degree burn injuries—whether from contact with hot parts on the bike, a chemical spill, or road rash—damage can extend to the deepest layers of tissue. Severe burns can cause swelling, infection, and shock, necessitating the replacement of damaged or missing skin through a skin graft.

Overview of Skin Grafting as a Burn Injury Treatment

Skin grafting involves taking skin from another part of the patient’s body or using donor skin. Before grafting, the damaged area must be thoroughly cleaned to remove debris like gravel or tiny pebbles. Debridement, the removal of dead tissue, is also necessary, and blood vessels are constricted to stop blood flow into the injured area.

There are two types of skin grafts:

- Split-Thickness Skin Grafts: Used for burns that damage the epidermis (outer layer) and part of the dermis (middle layer). These grafts generally take several days to heal.
- Full-Thickness Skin Grafts: Required for more severe burns that damage both layers of skin significantly. These are more complicated and take longer to heal.

The graft is held in place with dressings or sutures to prevent infection. However, complications such as infection, swelling, or improper wound preparation can cause graft failure. Beyond physical issues, burn injuries can also lead to psychological trauma, including depression and other mental health problems.

Spinal Cord Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents

Spinal cord injuries are among the most severe outcomes of motorcycle accidents. In Iowa, nearly 1,000 motorcyclists were injured, and 34 died in crashes in 2011. According to a study by St. James University Hospital, approximately 11% of motorcycle accident victims suffer spinal cord injuries.

Causes and Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

Motor vehicle accidents are the most common cause of spinal cord injuries, accounting for 40% of new cases. During a collision, the vertebrae can be crushed, compressed, or dislodged, leading to spinal damage. There are two types of spinal cord injuries:

- Complete: Total loss of sensation and movement below the injury site.
- Incomplete: Partial loss of sensation and function, with varying degrees of severity.

The St. James University Hospital study found that:

- Isolated spine injuries occurred in over 23% of riders.
- Multiple vertebral levels were affected in over 42% of riders.
- The thoracic spine was the most commonly injured area (54.8% of cases).
- The lumbar spine was injured 30% of the time.
- The cervical spine was injured in 27% of riders.
- Neurologic injury occurred in nearly 20% of accidents.

Complications and Mental Impact

Spinal cord injuries can lead to numerous health complications, including:

- Blood clots
- Pressure sores
- Breathing difficulties
- Uncontrolled muscle movements
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Increased risk of urinary infections, kidney infections, and bladder stones
- Blood pressure problems
- Susceptibility to lung problems and pneumonia
- Muscle atrophy
- Weight issues
- Sexual and reproductive function issues
- Muscle and joint pain
- Nerve pain

Undiagnosed vertebrae fractures can cause long-term issues like kyphosis (curvature of the spine), chronic pain, and reduced physical function, potentially leading to disability.

The mental and emotional impact is also significant. According to a study in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, spinal injury victims have a higher likelihood of experiencing emotional disorders. Nearly half of spinal cord patients suffer from:

- Depression (37%)
- Anxiety (30%)
- Clinical-level stress (25%)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (8.4%)

Legal Requirements for Operating a Motorcycle in Iowa

Understanding Iowa's legal requirements for operating a motorcycle is essential for ensuring safety and compliance with state laws.

Age Restrictions and Licensing

- Motorcycle Instruction Permits: Available to riders aged 14 to 17, allowing them to drive with a licensed parent, guardian, or family member with a motorcycle endorsement. Riders 18 and older can ride with a non-family member over 25 years old with a motorcycle endorsement.
- Intermediate Motorcycle License: Available to riders who have held an instruction permit for six months, requiring at least 20 hours of street and highway driving, with two hours occurring after sunset or before sunrise. There are restrictions on operating hours without accompaniment.
- Full Motorcycle License: Riders aged 17 and older can obtain a full license after holding an intermediate license for a year and completing at least 10 hours of street or highway driving.

Motorcycle Safety Course Requirement

Riders under 18 must complete a motorcycle safety course before obtaining their instruction permit. These courses, approved by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, include five hours of in-class instruction and 10 hours of range activities, covering skills like riding in a straight line, turning, shifting, and stopping.

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.