Palo Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys

When disaster hits, motorcycle injury attorneys act as dedicated advocates for riders. Specializing in motorcycle accidents, they navigate legal challenges to ensure justice and compensation for injured riders.

Motorcycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries and legal complexities. From burn injuries and broken bones to understanding age restrictions for operating a motorcycle, it's crucial to grasp the various aspects involved. This article delves into the different types of motorcycle injuries, age-related legal requirements, and the steps to take for recovering compensation in the event of an accident.

Types of Motorcycle Burn Injuries

Motorcycle burn injuries can be severe and vary widely in their causes and consequences. The primary types of burn injuries include road rash, exhaust burns, windburn, and burns from collisions.

Road Rash Injuries

Road rash, or road burn, occurs when a rider's skin scrapes along the road after being thrown from or dragged by the bike. These injuries can range from deep scrapes requiring stitches to severe avulsion injuries where several layers of skin are damaged. Road rash often leads to hospitalization and requires extensive healing periods.

Exhaust Burns

Exhaust burns happen when the rider or passenger accidentally contacts the hot exhaust pipe. These burns are usually below the knee on the right leg and can cause permanent scarring. Studies show that passengers are more likely to sustain exhaust burns than riders.

Windburn

Windburn results from the force of the wind damaging the outer skin layer. This condition causes painful, dry, and itchy skin and makes the skin more susceptible to sunburn. Wearing a helmet with a visor can help mitigate this risk.

Burns from Collisions

Collisions can lead to mechanical or gas fires, causing severe burns. Gasoline or other fluids may ignite upon impact, leading to life-threatening injuries. These burns require immediate medical attention and long-term treatment to prevent complications such as scarring and infections.

Age Restrictions for Operating a Motorcycle in Iowa

Iowa has specific age restrictions for operating a motorcycle, with varying requirements based on the rider's age.

Motorcycle Instruction Permits

Riders aged 14 to 17 must obtain a motorcycle instruction permit, which allows them to ride with a licensed parent, guardian, or family member who is at least 21 years old and has a motorcycle endorsement. They need a parent's permission to ride with another licensed adult aged 25 or older.

Intermediate Motorcycle License

Riders who have held an instruction permit for six months and have parental permission can obtain an intermediate motorcycle license at 16. They must have completed 20 hours of street and highway driving, with at least two hours after sunset or before sunrise. Intermediate license holders cannot ride between 12:30 a.m. and 5 a.m. without proper accompaniment unless traveling to or from a school-related activity.

Full Motorcycle License

At 17, riders can obtain a full motorcycle license if they have held an intermediate license for at least a year and completed 10 hours of street or highway driving, including two hours after sunset or before sunrise.

Motorcycle Safety Course

Riders under 18 must complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation-approved safety course before receiving their instruction permit. The course includes 15 hours of training, covering riding skills, turning, shifting, and stopping.

Recovering Compensation for Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle accidents can result in significant injuries, such as broken bones, which require medical attention and may lead to long-term complications. Here's how to navigate the process of recovering compensation.

Signs and Symptoms of Broken Bones

Common symptoms of broken bones include intensive pain, swelling, bruising, bleeding, limited mobility, and numbness. Specific bones commonly broken in motorcycle accidents include ribs, collarbone, legs, arms, spine, and pelvis.

Treatment and Recovery

The treatment for broken bones varies based on the severity and location of the break. Options range from cast immobilization and braces to surgical interventions for severe breaks. Spinal injuries can be particularly serious, potentially leading to permanent paralysis.

Legal Steps for Compensation

If another party's negligence caused the motorcycle accident, the injured rider might be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In Iowa, the statute of limitations for filing a motorcycle injury case is two years from the date of the injury.

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.