Motorcycle Injuries? File Claims With An Iowa Motorcycle Accident Attorney.

There is nothing quite like riding your motorcycle, whether around town or out on the open road. As an avid rider myself, I know just how great riding can be. I also know how dangerous it can be when other drivers don’t pay attention to you. Accidents are far too common, and those accidents tend to be severe or even deadly.

I started Norris Injury Law Group to help clients throughout the Des Moines area with personal injury cases, but I am especially interested in helping fellow motorcycle riders with their accident cases. I have over 20 years of experience fighting for the damages my clients deserve.

Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents In Iowa

Motorcycle accidents can happen anywhere, anytime. The most common thing I hear from drivers who hit a motorcycle is that they “didn’t see it.” Motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles, it’s true, but that is no excuse. The real reasons for these accidents tend to fall into the following categories:

• Distracted driving
• Drunk driving
• Changing lanes, lane splitting or passing too closely
• Speeding motorists
• Turning left onto the motorcycle

No matter the reason for the crash, whether it was a truck accident or another crash, if another driver’s negligence caused your accident, you can pursue damages from them by filing a personal injury claim.

Understanding Iowa Motorcycle Laws And How They Affect Your Case

The rules that riders must follow on Iowa roads include: 

• Headlights must be on at all times: Iowa requires motorcycles to use headlights during the day as well as at night. This helps visibility, and insurers may question a claim if they believe a rider was harder to see.
• Lane sharing is limited: Only two motorcycles may ride side-by-side in a single lane. Riding outside of this rule can be used against you, even if another driver caused the crash.
• No lane splitting: Motorcycles are not allowed to ride between lanes of moving or stopped traffic. This is a common point insurers raise when trying to reduce payouts.

Iowa law also p making motorcycles more visible to others on the road. This means certain equipment is required in specific situations. For instance, certain cycles, like mopeds, require a safety flag. It must extend at least five feet above the vehicle, be triangular and Day-Glo in color to improve visibility.

This is important because lack of visibility can affect liability. If a rider is harder to see, insurers may argue for shared fault. That does not mean they are right, but it does mean the issue must be addressed directly.

Following these rules is not only about avoiding a ticket. It is about protecting your right to fair compensation if someone else hits you. I have spent over 20 years in the courtroom ensuring that insurance companies do not use minor infractions as an excuse to deny your claim.

Insurance Requirements And What They Really Mean

Iowa sets minimum insurance requirements, but those numbers often fall short after a serious crash. The law requires: 

• $20,000 for one injured person: This applies to bodily injury or death involving a single individual. Medical costs alone can exceed this quickly.
• $40,000 for multiple injuries: This covers two or more people in the same accident. It is often not enough in multi-vehicle crashes.
• $15,000 for property damage: This includes damage to vehicles and other property. Repairs and replacements can easily go beyond this limit.

Carrying more than the minimum is often a smart move because real costs are higher. Dealing with insurance companies alone is rarely a fair fight, as they often prioritize their profits over your recovery. I step in to deal with them directly and pursue the full amount you are owed. 

Recovering From Catastrophic Injuries

Due to the size of vehicles and the fact that riders lack the protection of a car, motorcycle accident injuries tend to be more severe than other vehicle crashes.

Common catastrophic injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI): These can happen even if you were wearing a helmet and can range from concussions to permanent cognitive damage.
• Spinal cord injuries: The impact of hitting the ground can cause severe spinal damage, often leading to partial or full paralysis.
• Broken bones and amputation: Riders often suffer complex fractures or lost limbs due to the force of the impact with the road or another vehicle.

In Iowa, the statute of limitations to file a motorcycle accident claim is two years from the date of the crash. If you have lost a loved one, please note that a wrongful death suit must be filed within two years of the date of death, which may differ from the accident date.

It is vital to contact an attorney immediately to preserve evidence like skid marks, witness statements and vehicle data before they disappear. However, if your medical situation worsens or new evidence is discovered later, a claim may still be possible within that two-year window. No matter how severe the injury after a crash, I will advocate for you to bring you the compensation you need to fully recover.

Answers To Your Questions

Many of my clients have a lot of questions when they come to me for legal assistance. To help you get the information you need, I have taken the time to answer some of the more common questions I get here.

Are helmets required in Iowa?

Helmets are not required for motorcycle riders in Iowa, and not wearing one does not prevent you from winning an accident case. Despite this, it is in your best interest to wear one, as it can significantly reduce the chances of a traumatic brain injury in an accident.

Are bikers automatically at fault after an accident?

Bikers are not automatically at fault in an accident; fault is determined by the specific circumstances of each case. I will take the time to review your case and establish who is at fault based on the evidence in your claim.

Can you recover property damage costs after a motorcycle accident?

Yes, you can recover property damage costs if you’re not at fault in a motorcycle accident. My goal is to maximize the compensation you receive to reflect all of the current and future costs of your injuries.

What is the average settlement after a motorcycle accident?

There is no mandatory settlement value for these claims. In a personal injury claim, I fight to pursue compensation that covers injury costs like medical bills, lost income, loss of earning potential and loss of bodily function.

Get The Guidance You Need

I am ready to get started on your case. I offer free, no-fee initial appointments for all of my clients. If you decide to hire me at Norris Injury Law Group, I charge on a contingency basis, which means you only pay if I recover financially for you. Call my West Des Moines office to schedule your free meeting at 515-297-7482 or send a message online.