Sigourney Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys

Motorcycle injury attorneys serve as committed supporters for riders when calamity strikes. Specializing in motorcycle accidents, they navigate legal complexities to ensure injured riders receive the justice and compensation they deserve.

How Do Motorcycle Burn Injuries Occur?

Motorcycle burn injuries encompass various types, including road rash, exhaust burns, windburn, and burns from collisions. Each type of burn injury arises from different causes and circumstances, but all serious burns require immediate medical attention.

Road Rash Injuries

Road rash, also known as road burn injuries, occurs when a rider's skin scrapes along the road after being thrown from or dragged by the bike during an accident. These injuries can be severe, requiring hospitalization and extended healing periods. There are three main types of road burn injuries:

1. Deep Scrapes: High-speed scrapes on the pavement can cause open wounds needing stitches and are prone to infection.
2. Bruising and Compression Injuries: When a rider is caught between the bike and the road, serious bruising and crushing injuries can occur.
3. Avulsion Injuries: Multiple layers of skin are damaged, exposing and potentially injuring underlying muscle or fat tissue. Such injuries may necessitate surgery and skin grafting.

Exhaust Burns

Exhaust burns happen when a rider or passenger accidentally contacts the exhaust pipe. These injuries are extremely painful and can cause permanent scarring. Research from Athens University Medical School in Greece highlighted that most exhaust burns occur below the knee on the right leg, with over 70% affecting passengers and more than 65% resulting in second-degree burns.

Windburn

Windburn is caused by the force of the wind damaging the skin's outer layer, leading to painful, dry, and itchy skin. Wearing a helmet with a visor can help protect the face from windburn.

Burns from Collisions

Burn injuries from collisions often result from mechanical or gas fires. In a crash, gasoline or other fluids can ignite, causing serious, sometimes life-threatening injuries. Factors like combustion, fluid leaks, and faulty wiring can contribute to motorcycle fires. These burns are classified as first-, second-, or third-degree, and complications such as scarring, infections, and nerve damage need to be managed by healthcare providers.

Motorcycle Accidents & Spinal Cord Injuries

Motorcycle accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries, including spinal cord injuries. According to a study published in the Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, spinal cord injuries affect approximately 11% of motorcycle accident victims.

Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries

Motor vehicle accidents are the most common cause of spinal cord injuries, accounting for 40% of all new cases. Upon collision, the vertebrae can become crushed, compressed, or dislodged, damaging the spinal cord. Ligament or disc damage can also affect the spinal cord.

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

1. Complete Injury: Total loss of sensation and movement below the injury site.
2. Incomplete Injury: Partial loss of sensation and function, with varying degrees of severity.

A study by St. James University Hospital found that the thoracic spine is the most commonly injured area, followed by the lumbar and cervical spines. Neurologic injuries occurred in nearly 20% of cases.

Complications of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injury victims face numerous health complications, including:

- Blood clots
- Pressure sores
- Breathing difficulties
- Uncontrolled muscle movements
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Increased risk of infections
- Blood pressure problems
- Muscle atrophy and joint pain
- Nerve pain

Undiagnosed vertebrae fractures can lead to serious long-term issues like kyphosis, chronic pain, reduced physical function, and mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

Filing a Claim for Motorcycle Accident Injuries in Iowa

Motorcycle accidents can leave victims with significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens. To recover damages in Iowa, you need to prove the other driver's negligence.

Establishing Negligence

Negligence occurs when the other driver breaches their duty to drive safely, leading to the accident. Evidence such as police reports, photos, videos, and eyewitness statements can support your claim. It's essential to keep all medical appointments, contact the insurance company, and retain all accident-related documents.

Iowa Helmet Laws and Negligence

Iowa does not require motorcyclists to wear helmets, but failure to do so may affect injury claims, especially in cases involving head injuries. Iowa's modified comparative negligence system allows victims to recover damages even if partially at fault, provided they are no more than 50% at fault. Damage awards are reduced by the victim's percentage of fault.

Types of Recoverable Damages

Victims can recover economic damages such as medical bills and lost income, as well as noneconomic damages like pain and suffering, mental anguish, and reduced quality of life. It's crucial to account for future medical care and home care needs when calculating losses.

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.