Storm Lake Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys

In the aftermath of a tragedy, motorcycle injury attorneys become resolute supporters for riders. Specializing in motorcycle accidents, they skillfully handle legal intricacies to ensure justice and compensation for the injured.

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

In Iowa, motorcycles make up only 0.3% of all registered vehicles, which is about 1 out of 333 vehicles. However, motorcycle deaths in Iowa account for 16.7% of the fatalities on Iowa roadways. In 2023, there were a total of 378 people killed in motor vehicle fatalities in Iowa, of which 63 people were killed in motorcycle crashes. This means despite the small number of motorcycles on the roads, motorcycle riders are 55 times more likely than other drivers to be killed in a motor vehicle crash. As of May 2, 2024, there have already been 11 people killed in motorcycle accidents in Iowa in 2024.

Does Wearing a Helmet Help?

We are not suggesting that Iowa needs a helmet law but want you to know all the facts when deciding whether to wear a helmet or not. Iowa is one of only three states in the country that does not require motorcycle riders to wear a helmet, and this includes children. Iowa did have a helmet law from September 1975 to July 1976, and during that period, motorcycle deaths dropped 40%.

Other motorcycle safety proponents point to the fact that you have limited visibility and hearing when wearing a helmet, and being more alert of your surroundings can prevent a motorcycle accident from happening. In Iowa, the choice is yours as to whether you want to wear a helmet or not.

What Else Can Myself and My Family Do to Prevent from Becoming a Statistic?

Training

Training is a very important part of reducing your risk. Of course, no amount of training can eliminate your risk, but training can make a big difference. For example, rider error is the most common cause of single motorcycle accidents. These preventable driver errors include driving too fast for the road conditions, not properly going around a corner, speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, etc.

There are basic training courses that teach you about your motorcycle, starting, riding in a straight line, shifting, and stopping. There are also more advanced courses that teach you situational awareness, risk evaluation, and evasive strategies to help prevent a motorcycle accident whether you or someone else is at fault.

Visibility

Motorcycles can be hard to see, and the rise of distracted drivers only makes things worse for riders. Some riders wear a brightly colored safety vest, others always have their headlights on, and some even have a flag on the back of their motorcycle to increase visibility. These are some things that you should consider to reduce your risk of injury or death while riding a motorcycle in Iowa.

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

If it is a single motorcycle crash, then you should investigate what caused the crash. Was there a defective part on the motorcycle, did a tire blow out, was there an animal or debris on the roadway that caused the crash? If there was another driver that caused the motorcycle crash, then it is important that you seek good advice about how to deal with insurance companies, doctors, your property damage, etc.

For example, many riders injured by someone else think it is a good idea to tell their doctors to bill the other driver’s insurance company. This is not a good idea for many reasons, including that the other driver’s insurance company will not pay the medical bills as they are incurred, which could leave you with unpaid medical bills, calls from collections agencies, or even you being stuck with the medical bills. Iowa law only requires drivers to have $20,000 in insurance coverage for personal injuries. An emergency room visit and an overnight hospital stay alone will likely cost more than this. Therefore, if you have health insurance, the best thing is to use it to pay for your medical care and treatment.

If you do not have health insurance, then you should try to get some as soon as possible. While it will not pay for your past medical bills, it should pay for any future medical care and treatment that you need. Also, if you were treated at a hospital, you can ask that they write off your bill, as not-for-profit hospitals are required to write off a certain amount of medical bills to not pay taxes. Another small source of money (usually $1,000 to $5,000) to pay for medical bills is what is called medical payments coverage on your motorcycle. However, many motorcycle insurance policies do not include medical payment coverage, as the rider may waive the coverage.

Tips if You or a Loved One Have Been Injured

- Seek medical care immediately and tell your medical providers about everything that hurts. If you are injured and fail to get medical treatment, you are making a huge mistake. Delaying going to the doctor can hurt your case, as the insurance company will insist that if you were really hurt, you would have sought medical care and treatment immediately.
- Keep important documents such as copies of medical records, work excuses, and any accident or police reports. Have a notebook or journal to write down how you are feeling and how your injuries are affecting your everyday life.
- Be honest about your injuries when you see your doctors and other medical providers. Tell them everything that hurts at your appointments, and do not make it sound like you are better or worse than you are. Your medical providers need to know exactly how you are feeling to document your injuries and provide you with the best medical care possible.

Tips for Dealing with the Insurance Adjuster

- Recorded statements: One of the first things that most insurance adjusters will ask for is a recorded statement to evaluate your case. This is rarely necessary if there is an accident or police report. The real reason the insurance adjuster wants your recorded statement is to try to get you to say things that could hurt your case later.
- Settlements: Do not rush to settle your case. The insurance company may offer you a few thousand dollars if you sign a release form, but if you agree to this, you may be stuck with a small settlement even if your injuries do not heal. If your injuries are serious, you should not consider settling your claim early because you could make a costly mistake.

Tips to Avoid Some of the Most Common Motorcycle Accidents

Many motorcycle accidents are avoidable if the rider is knowledgeable about good riding techniques and safety measures. Here are some common motorcycle crashes and how they can be prevented.

Drinking and Driving

According to the 1981 Hurt Report, the largest study ever conducted on motorcycle accident causation, alcohol is a factor in 50% of all bike wrecks. This is obviously preventable.

How to Avoid It: Don’t drink and ride. Alcohol affects skills that are fundamental to riding a motorcycle - balance and coordination. Drinking alcohol while riding plays a particularly big role in motorcycle accident deaths.

A Car Turns Left in Front of You

This is the most common motorcycle accident. A car doesn't see you or thinks you are going a different speed and turns in front of you at an intersection. You can blame distraction, blind spots, or inattention, but most drivers looking for cars only notice the absence of cars, not that there is a motorcycle in the lane.

How to Avoid It: Look for signs that someone may turn in front of you, such as a car at an intersection waiting to turn or a gap in traffic near an intersection, driveway, or parking lot. Slow down, cover your brakes, and be ready to take evasive action. Consider if the driver can see you without any obstructions and whether they are looking at where they are going.

You Hit Gravel in a Blind Corner

You’re riding on curvy country roads when you come around a corner and hit a patch of sand or gravel. You lose control and wreck.

How to Avoid It: Ride at a pace where your reaction time and ability to take action match your range of vision. On winding roads, "Slow In, Fast Out" is a good rule to follow. Enter corners wide to increase your vision and at an easy pace, then pick up speed on the way out once you can see through.

You Entered a Corner Too Fast

When you enter a corner too fast, you may realize you’re not going to make the corner as it tightens.

How to Avoid It: Ride only as fast as you can see and use visual clues like telephone poles and signs to judge a road’s direction. Pay attention to cues from the road. If you do find yourself going too fast, trust the bike and try to ride it out. The bike is likely more capable than you are, so try to ride through the corner rather than stopping the bike.

A Car Changes Lanes into You

While riding on a multi-lane road, a car in another lane may swerve into your lane without seeing you. Motorcycles are often in drivers' blind spots.

How to Avoid It: Be aware of other drivers' blind spots and stay out of them. Watch for cues that a car is going to change lanes, such as turn signals, wheels turning, swerving, or the driver checking mirrors. Pay attention to what’s behind you and in front of you.

A Car Hits You from Behind

You come to a stop sign or a red light and a car behind you doesn’t see you or doesn’t stop in time.

How to Avoid It: Flash your brake light while slowing down and after you’ve stopped to make sure drivers behind you see you. Stop to the side of the lane, not the center, to give yourself an escape route. Stay in gear, keeping an eye on your mirrors to be able to take off quickly if necessary.

Additional Considerations

- Be mindful of weather conditions: Weather can change quickly, and wet or icy roads can be particularly hazardous for motorcycle riders.
- Wear protective gear: While helmets may be optional in Iowa, wearing protective gear such as jackets, gloves, and boots can help minimize injuries in case of an accident.
- Regularly maintain your motorcycle: Ensure your motorcycle is in good working condition to prevent mechanical failures that could lead to accidents.

By following these tips and staying vigilant, motorcycle riders can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and enhance their safety on the road.

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.