Rock Valley Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys

In times of misfortune, motorcycle injury lawyers become resolute champions for riders. Specializing in motorcycle accidents, they handle legal complexities to ensure injured riders get the justice and compensation they deserve.

Default May Not Be Enough: Explore Motorcycle Insurance Company Coverage

Iowa motorcyclists who don’t carry motorcycle insurance can lose their licenses if pulled over by a policeman, per the Iowa Financial and Safety Responsibility Act. Additionally, a biker can be held responsible for the full cost of all repairs and medical bills if at fault for an accident. To ensure a carefree riding experience, investigate what the motorcycle insurance company has to offer. It is more than just bodily injury and property damage liability.

A little extra money on the front end could save you thousands later when you don’t have the means to make extra cash after a motorcycle crash. The following provides some optional vehicle coverage options worth considering.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

While you may carry insurance, not all drivers do. If you’re in an accident caused by another driver, the other driver’s insurance may not be enough to pay for your injuries. By purchasing an uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage policy, you can help to ensure that your damages are paid in the event of an accident caused by someone else.

Comprehensive and Collision Coverage

Comprehensive coverage pays for damages that occur to your bike for things other than a motor vehicle accident, such as:

- Flood
- Fire
- Vandalism

Collision coverage helps cover the cost of repairs if you’re involved in an accident caused by colliding with another object, not another motor vehicle.

Medical Expense Coverage

Medical expense coverage is one of the most valuable types of coverage options to have, as it will pay for the medical expenses of both you and any of your passengers in the event of an accident, no matter who caused the motorcycle wreck.

Roadside Assistance Coverage

If you have an accident while on a ride, run out of gas, or experience a breakdown, roadside assistance coverage provides you with free towing. Excursion diversion insurance, sometimes called interrupted trip insurance, pairs well with roadside assistance coverage, as it provides riders with lodging, food, and transportation in the event of an accident that occurs more than 100 miles from your home. If you follow this pre-ride checklist for bikers, you may not need to use roadside assistance with any frequency.

When Damages Are So Severe that Insurance Coverage Is Not Enough

Despite the many types of auto insurance options for motorcyclists available, sometimes, the damages that result from an accident are so severe that insurance alone is not enough. When this happens, you should consider filing a personal injury lawsuit for damages to recover the total cost of all damages incurred. In Iowa, a claim must be filed within two years’ time under Iowa Code 614.1.

What Motorcycle Apparel to Wear to Avoid Motorcycle Burn Injuries?

It’s no secret that motorcycle helmets can reduce the risk of head injuries, including skull fractures and brain damage, in the event of a motorcycle accident. Although less often considered—but just as important—is motorcycle apparel to reduce the risk of suffering a burn injury.

Burns can occur as a result of road rash in a crash, heat burns (when the body makes contact with the exhaust pipes or muffler), or chemical burns involving gasoline. Serious burns can lead to complications, including permanent disfigurement.

Types of Motorcycle Apparel That May Reduce or Prevent Burn Injuries

Wearing the right apparel can significantly reduce the risk of burn injuries:

- Heavy-Duty Jacket, Pants, and Gloves: Clothing made from leather and other sturdy materials provides better protection from deep abrasions.
- Motorcycle Boots: Provide better protection than other types of footwear.
- Special Protective Clothing: Some apparel is designed with impact-resistant material or armor integrated to protect the rider in an accident.
- Eye Protection: Important for keeping out debris and protecting the eyes from chemical spills.

Comfort is important, but safety should never be compromised. By providing protection from head to toe, you can reduce the risk of various types of physical harm in the event of an accident, including burn injuries.

Tips to Avoid Some of the Most Common Motorcycle Accidents

Many motorcycle accidents are avoidable if the rider is knowledgeable about good riding techniques and safety measures. Here are eight common motorcycle crashes and how to prevent them:

1. Drinking and Driving

Alcohol is a factor in 50 percent of all bike wrecks.

How to Avoid It: Don’t drink and ride. Alcohol impairs skills crucial to riding, such as balance and coordination.

2. A Car Turns Left in Front of You

This is the most common motorcycle accident.

How to Avoid It: Look for signs that a car may turn in front of you:

- A car is at an intersection waiting to turn.
- There’s a gap in traffic near an intersection, driveway, or parking lot.

Slow down, cover your brakes, and get ready to take evasive action. Look at the car’s wheels for clues as to where the car is going.

3. You Hit Gravel in a Blind Corner

You lose control of the bike and wreck.

How to Avoid It: Ride at a pace where your reaction time matches your range of vision. On winding roads, “Slow In, Fast Out” is a good rule. Enter corners wide and at an easy pace, then pick up speed once you can see through the corner.

4. You Entered a Corner Too Fast

How to Avoid It: Ride only as fast as you can see. Use visual clues like telephone poles and signs to judge a road’s direction. If you find yourself going too fast, trust the bike and try to ride it out.

5. A Car Changes Lanes into You

A car swerves into your lane without seeing you.

How to Avoid It: Stay out of drivers' blind spots. Watch for cues that a car is going to change lanes, such as turn signals, wheels turning, swerving in the lane, and the driver’s head movement.

6. A Car Hits You From Behind

You are stopped at an intersection and the car behind you doesn’t see you.

How to Avoid It: Stop to the side rather than in the center of a lane. Flash your brake light rapidly and be prepared to move the bike by keeping it in gear and your hand on the throttle.

7. Your Riding Buddies Are Careless

A group ride turns into a rear-end collision.

How to Avoid It: Ensure everyone knows proper group riding etiquette and rides in a staggered formation to increase vision and reduce the risk of collisions.

8. You Locked Up the Front Brake

You grab the front brake in a panic and lock it up.

How to Avoid It: Learn to use your front brake effectively. Practice braking in a safe area until you can use the maximum braking ability of your motorcycle reliably and safely.

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.