Tama Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys

In times of disaster, motorcycle injury lawyers become unwavering supporters for riders. Their expertise in motorcycle accidents allows them to navigate the legal landscape and secure the justice and compensation injured riders deserve.

Motorcycle Accidents and Spinal Cord Injuries in Iowa

Motorcycle accidents are a significant cause of spinal cord injuries in Iowa. In 2011, nearly 1,000 motorcyclists were injured in crashes, and 34 died, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation. Approximately 11 percent of motorcycle accident victims sustain spinal cord injuries, making it one of the most severe outcomes of these incidents.

Causes and Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

Causes:
Spinal cord injuries can occur due to various reasons, including sports accidents, falls, and acts of violence. However, motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause, accounting for 40 percent of new cases, as per the Mayo Clinic. In motorcycle crashes, spinal injuries typically occur when the rider's vertebrae are damaged, either becoming crushed, compressed, or dislodged. Damaged ligaments or spinal discs can also impact the spinal cord.

Types:
Spinal cord injuries from motorcycle accidents can be classified as:
- Complete: Total loss of sensation and movement below the injury site.
- Incomplete: Partial loss of sensation and function, with varying degrees of impairment.

A study by St. James University Hospital found:
- Isolated spine injuries occurred in over 23 percent of riders.
- Multiple vertebral levels were affected in over 42 percent of cases.
- The thoracic spine was the most commonly injured area (54.8 percent), followed by the lumbar (30 percent) and cervical (27 percent) regions.
- Neurologic injury occurred in nearly 20 percent of accidents.

Complications and Mental Impact

Physical Complications:
Victims of spinal cord injuries face numerous health issues, including:
- Blood clots
- Pressure sores
- Breathing difficulties
- Uncontrolled muscle movements
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Increased risk of urinary and kidney infections
- Blood pressure problems
- Lung issues and pneumonia
- Muscle atrophy and joint pain
- Nerve pain

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

Mental and Emotional Impact:
The emotional toll of spinal cord injuries is significant. A 2008 study in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry revealed:
- 37 percent of patients suffer from depression.
- 30 percent experience anxiety.
- 25 percent deal with clinical-level stress.
- 8.4 percent develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Helmet Use and Motorcycle Accident Claims in Iowa

Iowa is one of three states without a motorcycle helmet law. While riders are not legally required to wear helmets, choosing not to can impact liability in the event of a crash, especially if head injuries occur.

Helmet Use and Liability:
- If you sustain a head injury without wearing a helmet, you may be considered partially negligent.
- If you were wearing a helmet, it could demonstrate your caution, potentially affecting the liability assessment favorably.

Comparative Fault Laws:
Iowa's comparative fault laws state that your damages may be reduced in proportion to your degree of fault. This makes it crucial to prove the other party's negligence and show that your injuries were independent of helmet use.

Proving Negligence:
To establish negligence, collect evidence such as:
- Police reports
- Lab tests (for DUI cases)
- Witness testimony
- Photo and video evidence
- Physical evidence

Age Restrictions for Operating a Motorcycle in Iowa

In Iowa, the legal age to operate a motorcycle is 14, with specific restrictions for younger riders.

Motorcycle Instruction Permits:
- Available to riders aged 14-17, with requirements to drive with a licensed parent or guardian who has a motorcycle endorsement.
- Riders can also drive with an immediate family member over 21 with a motorcycle endorsement or with an adult over 25 with parental permission.

Intermediate Motorcycle License:
- Obtainable at 16 after holding a permit for six months, with 20 hours of driving experience.
- Restrictions include no riding between 12:30 a.m. and 5 a.m. without accompaniment unless traveling to or from a school activity.

Full Motorcycle License:
- Available at 17 after holding an intermediate license for a year and completing additional driving hours.

Safety Courses:
Riders under 18 must take a safety course, covering essential skills such as riding, turning, shifting, and stopping.

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.