Stuart Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys

In the wake of a tragedy, motorcycle injury attorneys become committed supporters for riders. With a focus on motorcycle accidents, they manage legal complexities to ensure injured riders receive fair justice and compensation.

Broken Bones from a Motorcycle Accident in Iowa: Recovering Compensation for Your Damages

Injuries to a motorcyclist following a crash can be extremely painful, expensive to correct, and may require an extensive healing period. Some of the most common injuries that a motorcyclist may sustain as a result of an accident are broken bones.

Broken bones from a motorcycle accident can typically be remedied with proper medical care. In some cases, though, broken bones may lead to long-term complications and impairment. If you’re a motorcyclist who has suffered a broken bone as a result of a motorcycle accident in Iowa, you may be able to pursue and recover compensation for your damages if another party caused the wreck.

Signs and Symptoms of a Broken Bone

The most distinct characteristic of a broken bone is intense pain at the affected area. Other signs of a broken bone include:

- Swelling
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Limited mobility at the site
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Broken skin with a protruding bone
- An obviously misshapen or out-of-place limb or joint

Bones Commonly Broken in a Motorcycle Accident

There is no limitation to the number or types of bones that may be broken in a motorcycle accident. Motorcyclists have very little protection in the event of an accident, and whatever is on their bodies – like helmets – is generally all that is protecting them.

Broken bones depend upon multiple factors:

- Severity of the accident
- Angle of impact
- Speed that the motorcyclist was traveling
- The part of the body impacted

Motorcyclists might suffer rib fractures from the trauma that comes with their torso striking the ground, other vehicles, or an object. Collarbone, leg, arm, spine, and pelvis breaks are possible, too. The severity and type of break will determine healing and recovery time, as well as whether there is a risk for long-term complications.

Recovery Time for Broken Bones from a Motorcycle Accident and Long-Term Complications

Treatment for a broken bone will vary greatly depending on the area and severity of the break. Cast immobilization, for example, will typically be used for breaks in the limbs (arms, legs). A functional cast or brace may also be used for minor breaks. Some serious breaks may require surgery to repair.

More serious breaks, such as a broken spine, can be particularly traumatizing. If a break of the spinal column causes any disturbance to the spinal cord, injuries can be severe and permanent. An injury to the spinal cord can cause permanent paralysis, for example.

Broken bone injuries have the potential to cause future complications. In some cases, for example, the condition known as post-traumatic arthritis may cause problems for a person later in life at the affected area.

Who’s Liable for Your Broken Bones from the Motorcycle Accident?

If your motorcycle accident, and therefore your broken bone injuries, were the result of another driver’s negligent or irresponsible actions, that driver may be liable for the damages you sustain because of your injuries. Damages may be awarded for medical expenses and future medical expenses, lost wages that you suffer as a result of your injury, and even pain and suffering.

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. Although less often considered—but one that is just as important to consider—is motorcycle apparel to reduce the risk of suffering a burn injury.

In many cases, burns occur as a result of road rash in a crash. But burns can also happen as a result of heat burns (when the body makes contact with the exhaust pipes or muffler) or chemical burns such as those involving gasoline. Serious burns can lead to a variety of 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. But wearing the right apparel could make a significant difference when it comes to burn injuries.

All-over body coverage can be obtained with a heavy-duty jacket, pants, and gloves. Clothing made from leather and other sturdy materials provides better protection from deep abrasions. Motorcycle boots, meanwhile, provide better protection than other types of footwear.

Special clothing designed for motorcyclists is even available. For instance, some contain impact-resistant material or armor integrated into the apparel to protect the rider in the event of an accident.

Eye protection isn’t just important to keep out debris. It may even help protect a motorcyclist’s sight in the event a crash leads to a chemical spill. Corrosive or toxic chemicals that get into the eyes can cause significant injury.

Comfort is important, but with so many different styles and choices when it comes to motorcycle apparel, there is no reason to shortchange oneself on safety. Providing protection from the top of the head to the soles of the feet can reduce the risk of various types of physical harm in the event of an accident, including burn injuries.

Motorcycle Safety Tips to Be More Visible on Your Bike in Iowa

In addition to paying attention to one’s surroundings when on a motorcycle, a motorcyclist’s visibility to other motorists is essential for safety and protection while riding. It can be key to avoiding an accident. If you’re a motorcyclist in Iowa, here are some motorcycle safety tips for making yourself more visible.

Wear Bright Colors

While the cliché look for motorcyclists involves black leather, dark colors can be hard to see and don’t increase your visibility. Try to wear something bright, as doing so will improve the ease with which other drivers can see you. Wearing something bright is especially important at night when visibility is particularly poor.

Consider Reflective Gear

If you can’t bring yourself to wear a neon jacket while riding, no worries. Reflective gear and/or reflective tape can help do the trick. You can add reflective tape to your bike, your helmet, and/or the back of a jacket to increase your visibility and decrease the chance of an accident.

Avoid Cars’ Blind Spots

Always avoid riding in a car’s, “no zone,” or blind spot. These blind spots are usually on the passenger side of the vehicle, but larger cars may have larger blind spots, especially trucks. Know where these blind spots are located and always pass other vehicles quickly and safely. Avoid lingering next to another vehicle.

Use Your Lights

Iowa law requires motorcyclists to have at least one lighted headlamp for any motorcycle that’s a 1977 model or later, according to Iowa Code Section 321.275(5). Not only does a headlight help to increase a motorcyclist’s ability to see what’s directly in front of a rider, it always helps the motorcyclist be more visible to other drivers, too.

Use Your Horn

While the use of a horn can be aggressive in some situations, it can also be an effective way to let a driver know that you’re there so they can avoid striking you. This can give you and your motorcycle some much-needed attention.

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.