State Center Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys

When calamity hits, motorcycle injury attorneys act as resolute advocates for riders. Specializing in motorcycle accidents, they navigate legal complexities to ensure justice and compensation for the injured.

Motorcycle Head Injuries and Compensation Claims: A Comprehensive Guide

Motorcycle accidents can lead to devastating injuries, particularly to the head, and can result in long-term consequences that significantly impact a rider’s life. Understanding the types of head injuries, the importance of legal representation, and the steps to recover compensation are crucial for accident victims. This article provides an in-depth look at head injuries, compensation claims, and legal assistance for motorcycle accident victims in Iowa.

Types of Head Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to head injuries, which can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). The Iowa Department of Transportation reported 41 motorcycle fatalities in 2013, with 34 victims not wearing helmets. While helmets are not mandatory in Iowa, wearing one can significantly reduce the severity of head injuries.

Common Head Injuries:
1. Concussions: These can range from mild to severe and typically resolve within a few days, although some can have lasting effects.
2. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): These occur when the brain is violently shaken within the skull, leading to potential long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
3. Penetrating Injuries: These involve objects penetrating the skull and brain tissue, often requiring immediate and extensive medical intervention.
4. Intracranial Hemorrhaging: This condition involves bleeding within the brain, which can restrict blood flow and increase pressure on brain tissue, potentially leading to fatal outcomes.

Long-Term Consequences of Head Injuries

The long-term effects of head injuries from motorcycle accidents can be severe and life-altering. Victims may experience:
- Communication problems
- Cognitive limitations
- Trouble with mobility and balance
- Fine motor skill limitations
- Hearing and vision problems
- Emotional and mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety

The severity and type of head injury significantly influence these outcomes. Those who suffer severe injuries often require long-term care and rehabilitation, leading to substantial medical expenses.

Helmet Use and Legal Implications

In Iowa, the lack of a helmet law can complicate compensation claims for head injuries. If a motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, the defense might argue contributory negligence, reducing the compensation based on the victim’s perceived responsibility for their injuries.

However, if the injuries were unrelated to the lack of helmet use, such as leg injuries, helmet use would not affect the claim. An experienced attorney can help navigate these complexities and work to prove the other party’s liability.

Recovering Compensation for Disfiguring Injuries

Disfiguring injuries from motorcycle accidents, such as severe burns or amputations, also warrant substantial compensation. These injuries can result from collisions, road rash, or contact with hot surfaces. Burn injuries often require skin grafts, which involve replacing damaged skin with healthy skin from another part of the body or a donor. This process can be extensive and may involve multiple surgeries and long recovery periods.

Victims of disfiguring injuries may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills and hospitalization
- Long-term care and rehabilitation
- Loss of earnings and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress

Legal Assistance for Motorcycle Accident Victims

Hiring an attorney immediately after a motorcycle accident is crucial. Insurance companies often seek quick settlements that may not adequately cover the victim’s expenses and suffering. An attorney can help ensure fair compensation by:
- Handling all communications with insurance companies
- Collecting and presenting evidence of the other party’s liability
- Addressing allegations of contributory negligence
- Navigating the complexities of medical and legal documentation

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.