Saylorville Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys

In the event of a tragedy, motorcycle injury attorneys become resolute champions for riders. With a focus on motorcycle accidents, they navigate legal intricacies to ensure injured riders receive the justice and compensation they deserve.

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. Equally important, though often overlooked, is the right motorcycle apparel to reduce the risk of suffering a burn injury.

In many cases, burns occur due to road rash in a crash, but they can also result from heat burns (when the body contacts the exhaust pipes or muffler) or chemical burns from substances like gasoline. Serious burns can lead to complications, including permanent disfigurement.

Types of Motorcycle Apparel That May Reduce or Prevent Burn Injuries

A motorcyclist may have no way of preventing a crash, especially if another driver’s negligence causes the accident. However, wearing the right apparel can make a significant difference in preventing burn injuries.

Full Body Coverage

- Heavy-duty jackets, pants, and gloves: Clothing made from leather and other sturdy materials provides better protection from deep abrasions.
- Motorcycle boots: These offer superior protection compared to other types of footwear.

Specialized Clothing

Some motorcycle apparel is designed specifically for enhanced protection, with features like impact-resistant material or integrated armor to protect the rider during an accident.

Eye Protection

Eye protection is crucial not only to keep out debris but also to protect a motorcyclist’s sight if a crash leads to a chemical spill. Corrosive or toxic chemicals in the eyes can cause significant injury.

Comfort is important, but with the variety of styles and choices available in motorcycle apparel, there is no reason to compromise on safety. Protecting your body from head to toe can significantly reduce the risk of various types of physical harm in an accident, including burn injuries.

How Does Motorcycle Insurance Help Injured Riders in Iowa?

Insurance Requirements and Options for Motorcyclists

Insurance laws in Iowa require drivers, including motorcyclists, to meet minimum liability coverage amounts:
- $20,000 for bodily injury (per person)
- $40,000 for bodily injury (for more than one person)
- $15,000 for property damage

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. For better financial protection, many opt for higher coverage amounts. If another driver is at fault, motorcyclists cannot recover from their own liability coverage but must file a claim against the other driver’s insurance.

However, not all drivers carry adequate insurance, so motorcyclists should consider additional coverage options:

- Medical Payments Coverage: This no-fault coverage ensures medical bills are covered regardless of who is at fault.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: This helps cover expenses if the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage. It can pay for medical bills, lost earnings, and other expenses.

Impact of Insurance on Motorcycle Accident Claims

Having adequate coverage is critical, especially since motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries requiring extensive recovery. For example, if a motorcyclist is struck by a drunk driver with minimum insurance, the rider’s underinsured motorist coverage can cover expenses beyond the at-fault driver's policy limits.

Uninsured motorist coverage is also crucial in hit-and-run situations, ensuring that the motorcyclist can cover damages even if the responsible party is not identified.

Filing a Claim After a Motorcycle Accident Without a Helmet

While Iowa law allows motorcyclists to ride without a helmet, this choice can contribute to severe injuries in an accident. According to a 2012 factsheet from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau, 83% of individuals killed while riding motorcycles in Iowa over five years were not wearing helmets.

Iowa Motorcycle Helmet Laws

Iowa does not mandate helmet use, which means riders not wearing helmets at the time of an accident are not breaking the law. However, the state’s comparative negligence laws can impact the recovery of damages.

Comparative Negligence in Iowa

Iowa uses a comparative negligence system to determine liability. An injured party may receive compensation minus their percentage of fault. If the rider is more than 50% at fault, they cannot recover any compensation.

In a motorcycle accident, if the rider suffered head injuries while not wearing a helmet, they might be deemed partially at fault, reducing their compensation. If the injuries are unrelated to head trauma, helmet use may not factor into 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.