• Sioux Center Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys
  • Phone: 641-792-3595
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Motorcycle injury lawyers stand as dedicated advocates for riders when disaster occurs. Specializing in motorcycle accident cases, they expertly handle legal intricacies to secure justice and compensation for injured riders.

Understanding Motorcycle Helmets: Replacement after an Accident

Motorcycle helmets are crucial for rider safety, but even minor accidents can cause damage that isn't immediately visible. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation advises replacing a helmet after any accident where your head struck something, as the helmet likely absorbed some impact shock. This can compromise its effectiveness in future incidents.

Helmet manufacturers often inspect and repair damaged helmets, but it's usually safer to buy a new one if you're unsure about its integrity. The same applies if a helmet is dropped from a significant height or from a moving vehicle, as such impacts can damage both the interior padding and the outer shell.

What Happens if I Was Partially at Fault in an Iowa Motorcycle Accident?

In Iowa, if you are partially at fault in a motorcycle accident, your compensation will be reduced by your degree of fault. However, you can still seek compensation as long as you are less than 51 percent responsible for the accident.

Iowa follows the comparative negligence rule, meaning your settlement will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if your settlement is $100,000 and you are 25 percent at fault, you will receive $75,000. Proving fault and negligence is critical, and this is where an experienced attorney can be invaluable.

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

While Iowa law does not require motorcyclists to wear helmets, riding without one can lead to severe injuries and affect your compensation claim. According to a 2012 factsheet by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau, 83 percent of motorcyclists killed in the past five years were not wearing helmets.

Surviving a crash without a helmet can result in significant medical expenses. In Iowa, the lack of a helmet does not break any law, but it may impact your compensation due to comparative negligence rules. If you are more than 50 percent at fault for an accident, you cannot recover any damages. If you suffered head injuries while not wearing a helmet, you might be deemed partially at fault, reducing your compensation.

If your injuries are unrelated to helmet use, such as a broken leg, helmet use won’t affect your claim. For help navigating these complex laws and pursuing your claim, contact Walker, Billingsley & Bair at (888) 435-9886 or online.

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