Wapello Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys

In times of disaster, motorcycle injury lawyers become unwavering champions for riders. Specializing in motorcycle accidents, they navigate legal complexities to ensure injured riders receive the justice and compensation they deserve.

Why You Should Talk to a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Wapello

When a motorcycle accident occurs, the victim and their family often find themselves overwhelmed and focused on recovery. Legal action may not be the first thing on their minds. However, consulting with a motorcycle accident attorney in Wapello is crucial for several reasons.

Damages from Serious Injuries

Motorcycle accidents, even with proper safety gear, can result in serious injuries such as:
- Head and brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Burns requiring skin grafts
- Soft tissue injuries

These injuries can be costly, especially if the recovery period is prolonged, preventing the victim from returning to work. An attorney can help recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs.

Gathering the Right Evidence

Proving fault in a motorcycle accident is essential for recovering damages. Critical evidence includes:
- Physical evidence from the accident scene and photos
- Medical documents, doctors' statements, and medical bills
- Eyewitness testimony
- Police reports
- Information about the other driver's history of offenses
- Evidence of intoxication if applicable

An attorney can assist in collecting and presenting this evidence effectively.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Determining who pays for damages—whether it’s the victim’s insurance company or the other driver’s—depends on various factors, including fault and insurance coverage types. Insurance companies often offer settlements that are too low. An experienced attorney can negotiate on behalf of the victim to ensure a fair settlement.

A Legal Resource

An attorney serves as a valuable resource for legal questions regarding the accident, fault, and potential damages. They can guide the victim through the personal injury lawsuit process and help navigate Iowa’s statute of limitations, which is two years.

Iowa Motorcycle Helmet Laws

Iowa does not require motorcyclists to wear helmets, which can lead to severe injuries in accidents. Statistics show that 83 percent of motorcycle fatalities in the state involved riders not wearing helmets. Although not wearing a helmet is legal, it can affect a claim due to Iowa's comparative negligence laws. If the rider is found more than 50 percent at fault, they cannot recover any damages. Not wearing a helmet can reduce the amount of compensation if head or spine injuries are involved.

Comparative Negligence in Iowa

Iowa uses a comparative negligence system to assess fault in accidents. If the injured party is partly to blame, their damages award is reduced by their percentage of fault. For instance, not wearing a helmet can impact the claim for head injuries but not for unrelated injuries like broken legs.

Skin Grafts for Burns after a Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle accidents can also result in severe burns, requiring skin grafts. Skin grafting involves transplanting skin from another part of the body or using donor skin to replace damaged tissue. The process includes cleaning the wound, removing debris and dead tissue, and preventing infection. Recovery times vary based on the severity of the burns and the type of graft used.

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.