West Liberty Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys

Motorcycle injury attorneys serve as resolute champions for riders when tragedy strikes. Specializing in motorcycle accidents, they handle the legal system's complexities to ensure injured riders receive deserved justice and compensation.

How Do Motorcycle Burn Injuries Occur?

Motorcycle burn injuries can result from various sources and circumstances. The most common types of burns sustained by motorcyclists include road rash, exhaust burns, windburn, and burns from collisions. Each of these injuries requires immediate medical attention due to their potential severity and complications.

Road Rash Injuries

Road rash, or road burn injuries, occur when a rider’s skin scrapes along the pavement after being thrown from or dragged by the motorcycle during an accident. These injuries can range from mild to severe and often necessitate hospitalization and extended recovery periods.

Types of Road Rash Injuries:
1. Deep Scrapes: High-speed impacts with the pavement can cause deep wounds requiring stitches. These open wounds are highly susceptible to infection, demanding careful medical management.
2. Bruising and Compression Injuries: Riders caught between their bike and the road can suffer significant bruising and crushing injuries.
3. Avulsion Injuries: Severe road rash can damage multiple layers of skin, exposing and injuring underlying muscles or fat tissue. These serious burns may require surgery and skin grafting.

Exhaust Burns

Exhaust burns happen when a rider or passenger inadvertently contacts the hot exhaust pipe. These burns are extremely painful and can lead to permanent scarring.

A study conducted by Athens University Medical School in Greece, published in Burns, found that:
- Most exhaust burns occur below the knee on the right leg.
- Over 70% of injuries were sustained by passengers rather than riders.
- More than 65% of these injuries were second-degree burns.

Windburn

Windburn results from the force of the wind damaging the outer skin layer. This condition can cause painful, dry, and itchy skin, making it more susceptible to sunburn. Wearing a helmet with a visor can help protect against windburn by shielding the face from direct exposure to the wind.

Burns from Collisions

Burns can also result from fires or explosions during motorcycle collisions. Gasoline and other fluids may ignite upon impact, causing severe, potentially life-threatening burns. Contributing factors to motorcycle fires include combustion, fluid leaks, and faulty wiring.

Burn injuries are classified into first, second, and third-degree burns, with treatment varying accordingly. Complications such as scarring, infections, and nerve damage are common concerns following serious burn injuries.

Recovering Compensation for Disfiguring Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents, given the lack of protective barriers, often lead to severe and disfiguring injuries. Despite taking precautions like wearing helmets and following traffic rules, accidents can still happen due to various factors, including the actions of other motorists.

Importance of Insurance and Liability Claims

Maintaining comprehensive motorcycle insurance is crucial. This coverage ensures that riders can manage medical and living expenses in case of accidents, even those not involving other vehicles. If another driver’s negligence caused the accident, filing a third-party liability claim against their insurance is an option.

Potential Compensation:
- Medical Expenses: Including hospital bills, medication, physical therapy, and long-term care.
- Lost Income: Compensation for time away from work during recovery and any reduction in earning capacity due to the injury.
- Pain and Suffering: Addressing physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
- Future Expenses: Considering long-term complications and ongoing medical needs.

Defenses Against Motorcycle Accident Claims in Iowa

When pursuing a motorcycle accident claim in Iowa, be prepared to face various defenses from the insurance company or other parties involved.

Common Defenses:

1. Violation of Motorcycle Regulations: The other party may argue that the motorcyclist violated specific laws, such as not using both hands while riding or riding more than two abreast in a lane. Proving that such a violation caused the accident can jeopardize the claim.
2. Speeding: If the motorcyclist was speeding or committing other traffic violations, they might be found partially or wholly at fault, affecting the compensation received.
3. Impairment: Claims that the motorcyclist was impaired by drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident can significantly hinder recovery efforts.
4. Helmet Use: Although Iowa does not mandate helmet use, not wearing one might be used to argue that the injuries were more severe than they would have been otherwise.

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.