Williamsburg Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys

Motorcycle injury attorneys serve as dedicated defenders for riders when calamity strikes. Their expertise in motorcycle accidents enables them to manage legal intricacies and secure justice and compensation for the injured.

Financial Responsibility Requirements in Iowa

Iowa's financial responsibility requirements apply to both motorcycles and cars. Motorcyclists must carry a minimum of $25,000 bodily injury liability insurance per person, $40,000 bodily injury liability per accident, and $15,000 property damage liability. Liability insurance covers damages to others in an accident caused by the policyholder.

If a motorcyclist is involved in an accident or stopped by a police officer, they must show proof of insurance. Failure to do so can result in the revocation of their license. It is crucial to note that auto insurance purchased for a car does not cover a motorcycle; each vehicle requires its own policy.

Types of Motorcycle Insurance Coverage

While liability insurance is mandatory, motorcyclists can purchase additional coverage for better protection. Here are some common types of motorcycle insurance coverage available in Iowa:

Collision Coverage

Collision insurance covers damages to the policyholder's bike from accidents with vehicles, objects, or rollovers/falls, regardless of fault. This ensures that policyholders have the funds to repair or replace their motorcycle after an accident.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage protects against damages from non-collision events such as fire, weather, vandalism, floods, theft, and animal-related incidents. This type of insurance provides broad protection for various unforeseen events.

Medical Expense Coverage

Medical expense coverage pays for the policyholder's medical expenses resulting from an accident, regardless of fault. This can include hospital bills, surgeries, and other medical costs up to the policy's limits.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Insurance (UM/UIM)

UM/UIM coverage protects motorcyclists in accidents where the at-fault driver has insufficient or no insurance. It also covers hit-and-run scenarios. This ensures that policyholders are not left bearing the financial burden if the other driver cannot cover the damages.

Accessory or Optional Equipment Coverage

For motorcyclists who have customized their bikes, accessory or optional equipment coverage is essential. This insurance covers modifications and enhancements, allowing policyholders to recover the costs of customizing their motorcycle in the event of an accident.

Filing a Motorcycle Insurance Claim

After an accident, motorcyclists should gather and save the following information:

- Accident report
- Witness contact information
- Other motorist's contact and insurance information
- Photographs of the accident scene
- Photos of the bike

Next, notify your insurance company and provide details about the accident. If the other driver is at fault, inform their insurance company as well. If you cannot recover fair compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance, you may need to file a lawsuit. Collision coverage or medical expense coverage can also help recover damages through your own insurance policy.

Internal Injury Risks and Signs After a Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle accidents pose a high risk of serious injury due to the lack of protection compared to cars. Many motorcyclists are hospitalized each year for severe injuries, some of which are internal and not immediately apparent.

Types of Internal Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Common internal injuries from motorcycle accidents include:

- Tears in the aorta or vena cava
- Trauma to organs like the spleen or liver
- Bleeding around the lungs
- Intracranial hemorrhage

Internal Injury Signs to Watch For

Some internal injury signs may be subtle, but they require immediate medical attention. Signs include:

- Loss of consciousness or headache, indicating possible brain hemorrhaging
- Swelling or pain in the abdomen, suggesting internal bleeding
- Discolored skin from bleeding beneath the surface
- Light-headedness or fainting from blood loss

Seek medical care immediately if you experience any of these symptoms after a motorcycle accident.

Legal Considerations and Helmet Use in Iowa

While Iowa law does not mandate helmet use for motorcyclists, riding without a helmet can lead to severe injuries. According to the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau, 83 percent of motorcycle fatalities in Iowa over a five-year period involved riders not wearing helmets.

Comparative Negligence in Iowa

Iowa follows a comparative negligence system, where fault is distributed among involved parties. If a rider is deemed more than 50 percent at fault for an accident, they cannot recover compensation. Not wearing a helmet can affect the recovery of damages, especially in cases involving head or spine injuries. However, if the injuries are unrelated to helmet use, such as a broken leg, helmet use would not impact the claim.

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.