Sac City Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys

When tragedy occurs, motorcycle injury attorneys act as committed defenders for riders. With a focus on motorcycle accidents, they adeptly handle legal challenges to ensure justice and compensation for injured riders.

What’s the Value of My Motorcycle Accident Claim if I Suffered Permanent Injuries?

Calculating the value of a motorcycle accident claim, especially when it involves permanent injuries, is complex and varies from case to case. The severity of the injuries, their long-term impact, and various economic and non-economic factors all play a role in determining the final compensation amount.

Permanent Injuries and Economic Damages

Economic damages are one of the most straightforward aspects of an injury claim to calculate. These include:

- Missed Wages: The wages lost during recovery.
- Medical Bills: Expenses incurred for treatment.
- Other Related Expenses: Costs directly tied to the accident.

Permanent injuries often lead to lifelong expenses, such as the need for long-term care. This can include hiring an in-home nurse, which significantly increases the total economic damages. Estimating lost wages due to diminished work capacity may require input from an expert witness, who can project the financial impact of the injuries over a lifetime.

Permanent Injuries and Non-economic Damages

Non-economic damages are more challenging to quantify as they do not come with receipts. These include:

- Pain and Suffering: The physical and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Mental Anguish: Psychological impacts, such as anxiety and depression.
- Disfigurement: Permanent changes to appearance.
- Disability: Loss of physical function.

Insurance companies often calculate non-economic damages using a multiplier based on the severity of the injuries. For instance, a severe head injury might result in higher non-economic damages than a less severe injury like a knee injury.

Should I Hire a Lawyer for My Motorcycle Wreck Case?

Hiring a lawyer is crucial for several reasons:

- Establishing Damages: Accurately calculating both economic and non-economic damages.
- Proving Fault: Providing evidence of the other motorist’s fault.
- Navigating Negligence Laws: In Iowa, if you are 51 percent or more at fault, you cannot recover damages. Even if you are less than 51 percent at fault, your recovery is proportionally reduced.

A lawyer can help you understand your rights and responsibilities, ensuring you receive fair compensation.

Emotional Trauma after a Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle accidents can result in significant emotional trauma, including conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, especially following a head injury.

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD can manifest through:

- Re-experiencing: Flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts.
- Avoidance: Emotional numbness, guilt, depression, and avoidance of reminders.
- Hyperarousal: Being easily startled, experiencing intense anger, and having trouble sleeping.

Head Injuries and Depression

Head injuries are a significant concern, and there is a well-documented link between traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and depression. Studies have shown that a significant percentage of individuals with TBI develop major depressive disorder within the first year of injury.

Emotional Trauma in Personal Injury Cases

Emotional trauma should be included in the monetary damages of a motorcycle accident claim. This may cover:

- Mental Health Assessment: Evaluation of psychological impact.
- Counseling: Professional mental health support.
- Treatment: Ongoing mental health care.
- Mental Anguish: General emotional distress.

Failure to wear a helmet might reduce your settlement if you suffer a head injury, as the defense might argue that a helmet could have prevented or mitigated the injury.

Why is Iowa’s Motorcycle Death Rate 10 Times Higher than the National Average?

In Iowa, motorcycles are a small fraction of all registered vehicles, yet they account for a disproportionately high percentage of traffic fatalities. Despite making up only 0.3% of registered vehicles, motorcycles were involved in 16.7% of roadway fatalities in 2023.

Does Wearing a Helmet Help?

While Iowa is one of only three states without a mandatory helmet law, statistics show that helmet use can significantly reduce motorcycle fatalities. During the brief period Iowa had a helmet law, motorcycle deaths dropped by 40%. However, opponents argue that helmets can limit visibility and hearing, potentially increasing the risk of accidents.

Preventative Measures

To reduce the risk of injury or death:

- Training: Participating in basic and advanced motorcycle training courses.
- Visibility: Wearing bright safety vests, keeping headlights on, and using flags.
- Cautious Driving: Avoiding speeding, driving under the influence, and ensuring proper motorcycle maintenance.

What Should You Do if You or a Loved One Are in a Motorcycle Crash?

Investigating the Crash

For single-vehicle crashes, investigate potential causes like mechanical failures, road debris, or animals. For multi-vehicle crashes, seek professional advice on dealing with insurance companies and managing medical and property damage claims.

Medical Bills

It's advisable to use your health insurance to cover medical bills, as the other driver’s insurance may not pay promptly. Consider other options like medical payments coverage and seeking write-offs from hospitals if you lack insurance.

Tips for Injured Riders

1. Seek Immediate Medical Care: Document all injuries and follow through with treatment.
2. Keep Important Documents: Save medical records, accident reports, and maintain a journal of your injuries.
3. Be Honest About Injuries: Clearly communicate all symptoms to healthcare providers.

Dealing with Insurance Adjusters

- Recorded Statements: Avoid giving recorded statements without legal advice.
- Settlements: Don’t rush to settle. Consult with an attorney to ensure you receive fair compensation.

Consider Hiring an Experienced Attorney

Insurance adjusters aim to minimize payouts. Consulting with an experienced attorney can help ensure you are not taken advantage of and that you receive the compensation you deserve.

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.