Postville Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys

In times of disaster, motorcycle injury lawyers become unwavering advocates for riders. Specializing in motorcycle accidents, they navigate legal complexities to ensure injured riders receive the justice and compensation they deserve.

How Does Motorcycle Insurance Help Injured Riders in Iowa?

Motorcycle accidents can result in serious injuries, making it essential for motorcyclists to understand how insurance can protect them. In Iowa, drivers are required to meet minimum liability coverage amounts, which include:

- $20,000 bodily injury (for one person);
- $40,000 bodily injury (for more than one person); and
- $15,000 (property damage).

Motorcyclists must also meet these minimum liability coverage requirements. In the event of an accident caused by another motorist, injured bikers may pursue a claim against that motorist’s liability coverage.

Importance of Insurance Coverage for Motorcyclists

Meeting the minimum required amounts is helpful if a motorcyclist is at fault for an accident. However, for better financial protection, many riders choose higher coverage amounts. This helps cover damages if the rider causes an accident. However, if another driver is liable, riders must file a claim against the other driver's insurance. Unfortunately, not all drivers carry sufficient insurance, so motorcyclists might need additional coverage to compensate for damages.

Medical Payments Coverage

Medical payments coverage is no-fault insurance, meaning it covers medical costs regardless of who is at fault. This is beneficial if there are delays in assigning blame or negotiating a settlement, as it can cover immediate medical bills.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is crucial because it covers medical bills, lost earnings, and other accident-related expenses if the at-fault driver has insufficient insurance. This is particularly important if the rider’s expenses exceed the other driver's minimum insurance limits.

How Insurance Coverage Can Impact a Motorcycle Accident Claim

Having adequate coverage is vital for motorcyclists since these accidents can be catastrophic, often leading to permanent disabilities. For instance, if a motorcyclist is hit by a drunk driver with only the minimum required insurance, and their bills exceed $20,000, the rider’s underinsured motorist coverage could cover the additional costs up to the policy’s limit. In hit-and-run situations, uninsured motorist coverage can help cover damages until the responsible driver is caught.

Talk to your insurance agent about purchasing motorcycle insurance, and consult an attorney if you’re having trouble recovering compensation from your or the at-fault driver’s insurer after a serious accident.

How to Deal with an Aggressive Driver if You’re on a Motorcycle

Motorcyclists often face aggressive drivers, which can lead to dangerous situations. Knowing how to handle aggressive drivers is crucial for your safety.

Don’t Respond to Road Rage

If another driver exhibits road rage—yelling, using obscene gestures, tailgating, or driving aggressively—do not respond. Instead, keep your distance and remain calm. Engaging with an aggressive driver can escalate the situation and increase the risk of an accident.

Move Over if Being Tailgated

Tailgating is a common form of aggressive driving. If you’re being tailgated, avoid the urge to slow down further. Instead, change lanes safely and let the tailgater pass. Don’t speed up to accommodate the tailgater, as this can be dangerous.

Report the Driver

If necessary, pull over or exit the highway to allow the aggressive driver to pass. Consider reporting the driver to the authorities, especially if they pose a danger. 

Know How to Stay Safe While Riding

Staying safe on a motorcycle involves more than handling aggressive drivers. Always wear a helmet and keep a motorcycle safety kit. For additional safety tips, visit our blog. If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident, consult an attorney to discuss your compensation and recovery options. 

If I Was Not Wearing a Helmet and Suffered Severe Head Injuries in a Motorcycle Accident, Can I Still File a Claim?

While riding without a helmet is legal in Iowa, it can lead to severe injuries in an accident. According to the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau, 83 percent of motorcyclists killed in the state over five years were not wearing helmets. If you survive a crash without a helmet, the financial burden of rehabilitation and medical treatments can be substantial. Speaking with an attorney is crucial to understand how helmet use might affect your claim for compensation.

Iowa Motorcycle Helmet Laws

Iowa does not mandate helmet use for motorcyclists. Although this absence of law leads to debates about safety, it means that riders not wearing helmets at the time of an accident are not breaking the law. However, under Iowa’s comparative negligence laws, failure to wear a helmet can affect the recovery of damages.

Comparative Negligence in Iowa

Iowa uses comparative negligence to determine liability in accidents. This means an injured party may receive a percentage of damages minus their share of the blame. If a rider is more than 50 percent at fault, they cannot recover any compensation. For instance, if a rider suffers head injuries while not wearing a helmet, they may be deemed partially at fault, reducing their compensation. However, if the injuries are unrelated to helmet use, like a broken leg, helmet use wouldn’t impact the case.

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.