Asbury Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys

Riding a motorcycle through Asbury and the surrounding Dubuque County roads offers a sense of freedom that few other experiences can match. But that freedom comes with real physical risk. A motorcycle simply does not offer the protection that a car does. It has no roll cage, no roof, no airbags, and no seatbelts. Where a car has four wheels and considerably more mass to stabilize it, a motorcycle rider is exposed to the full force of any collision. When a crash does happen, the injuries that follow are often severe and life-altering.

If you or someone you love has been hurt in a motorcycle accident in Iowa, understanding the most common crash types, the serious injuries riders face, and how an experienced attorney can protect the full value of your claim is essential. The attorneys at Walker, Billingsley & Bair have been representing injured Iowa motorcyclists for over 28 years, and we are here to help.

Why Motorcycle Accidents Are So Dangerous

A car has much more weight and mass than a motorcycle, and because of its size, a car is also far easier for other drivers to see. What a motorcycle sacrifices in crash protection is only somewhat offset by its ability to stop and turn quickly when the rider has been properly trained. That training element matters more than many riders realize. According to the Hurt Report, a landmark motorcycle safety study conducted in 1981, 92 percent of motorcycle riders involved in accidents were essentially without formal training. Most were self-taught or had learned from family or friends.

Beyond training, other leading contributors to motorcycle crashes include alcohol use, excessive speed, and inadequate vehicle maintenance. Nearly half of all fatal motorcycle crashes involve alcohol use by the rider. A significant portion of crashes are also caused by excessive speed, whether from taking a corner too fast or traveling above the speed limit and not having enough distance to stop when another vehicle pulls out. And while only 3 percent of crashes involve vehicle failures, most of those are single-vehicle accidents where the rider lost control due to a flat tire, which at high speed often produces serious injuries.

The Most Common Types of Motorcycle Crashes and How to Avoid Them

Another Driver Turns Left in Front of You

This is the most common type of motorcycle crash. Another driver either fails to see you or misjudges your speed while turning in front of you at an intersection. The driver may be distracted, on their phone, or simply not looking for motorcycles. To reduce your risk, approach intersections with caution and watch for signs that a driver may turn, including gaps in traffic and the positioning of nearby driveways or parking lot entrances. Watch the wheels of vehicles, not the vehicle itself, as they provide the first indication of movement. As you approach an intersection, slow down, prepare your brakes, and be ready to take evasive action.

If a crash appears unavoidable, do not lay your bike down. Your best chance of reducing injury is keeping the bike upright and applying both brakes to reduce your speed as much as possible before impact. Even reducing your speed by 10 to 20 miles per hour can make the difference between going home with bruises and not going home at all.

A Car Changes Lanes Into You

Motorcycles are easily lost in a driver's blind spot, and other drivers are not always actively looking for riders. If you are traveling in traffic and a vehicle begins moving toward your lane, knowing how to respond quickly is critical. Spend as little time as possible in blind spots. A simple rule: if you can see a driver's eyes in their mirrors, they have the ability to see you too. Watch for early warning signs of a lane change, including turn signals, a vehicle drifting within its own lane, and a driver's head moving as they check their mirrors.

A Car Rear-Ends You From Behind

What would be a minor fender bender for a car driver can be fatal for a motorcyclist stopped at a red light or stop sign. If the driver behind you does not notice that traffic has stopped and strikes your motorcycle, the consequences can be catastrophic. Consider installing brake lights that flash as you apply the brakes to increase your visibility. When stopped, position your motorcycle toward the side of the center of the lane, keep it in gear, and stay alert to vehicles approaching from behind. Be prepared to move if a vehicle does not appear to be slowing.

Motorcycle Accidents and Spinal Cord Injuries

The injuries sustained in motorcycle crashes are often far more severe than those in car accidents. Spinal cord injuries are among the most serious, affecting approximately 11 percent of motorcycle accident victims, according to a St. James University Hospital study published in the Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery. Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries overall, accounting for 40 percent of all new spinal injury cases according to the Mayo Clinic.

Upon collision, a rider's vertebrae can become crushed, compressed, or dislodged. Damaged ligaments or spinal discs can also affect the spinal cord. Research from the St. James University Hospital study identified several patterns in the types of spinal injuries riders sustain:

Complete vs. Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries

There are two basic categories of spinal cord injury. A complete injury means the rider has experienced a total loss of sensation and movement below the site of the injury. An incomplete injury means some loss of sensation and function has occurred, but it is not total. With incomplete injuries, there are varying degrees of impairment, and it often takes weeks or months to determine the full extent of the victim's long-term condition.

Physical Complications of Spinal Cord Injury

After a spinal cord injury, numerous changes in body function can produce ongoing health complications. These can include 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, susceptibility to lung problems and pneumonia, muscle atrophy, weight issues, sexual and reproductive function problems, muscle and joint pain, and nerve pain.

The Dangers of Undiagnosed Vertebrae Fractures

Undiagnosed compression fractures can lead to serious long-term complications, including kyphosis, or curvature of the spine, which causes deformity, can compress organs, and leads to a wide range of health problems. Other consequences of untreated compression fractures include chronic pain, reduced physical function, impaired lung function, decreased ability to perform daily activities such as work and recreation, and depression, anxiety, and decreased enjoyment of life. If vertebral fractures are left untreated, symptoms will worsen over time and can eventually cause permanent disability. It is worth noting that compression fractures are often hairline in nature and may not appear on initial X-rays, so it is important to persist in seeking an accurate diagnosis if you have any back pain following a crash.

The Mental and Emotional Impact

A spinal cord injury does not only affect the body. According to a study published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, there was a two-fold increase or more in the probability of an emotional disorder in spinal injury victims. Researchers noted that nearly half of spinal cord patients wind up suffering from mental health problems, including depression in 37 percent of cases, anxiety in 30 percent, clinical-level stress in 25 percent, and post-traumatic stress disorder in 8.4 percent. These mental health consequences are a legitimate and compensable part of your injury claim, and an experienced attorney will make sure they are fully accounted for in any demand or settlement.

Should You Wear a Helmet in Iowa?

Iowa is one of the few states in which riders have the right to choose not to wear a helmet. While it may feel more enjoyable to ride without one, the statistics make a strong case for wearing proper head protection. A helmet is the most important safety device available to a rider. Motorcycle helmets feature a hard outer shell that protects the brain and distributes the force of impact, and newer models include an inner liner that also absorbs impact force. Wearing a helmet significantly reduces the chance of sustaining a disabling or deadly brain injury. If you do wear a helmet, make sure it meets federal safety standards. And keep in mind that if you ride outside Iowa, most other states require helmets by law.

How an Asbury Motorcycle Attorney Strengthens Your Case

When you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, the insurance company's first offer rarely reflects the true value of your claim. Without proper legal representation, you could be leaving thousands of dollars on the table. Understanding how a qualified Iowa personal injury attorney can maximize your settlement is critical to protecting your financial recovery.

Uncovering the Full Value of Your Claim

Most accident victims do not realize their case may be worth significantly more than what insurance adjusters initially propose. A personal injury attorney who practices primarily in this area has the experience and knowledge to uncover the full value of your claim, the value that insurance companies are trained to minimize or hide. This includes obtaining doctors' reports and medical opinions that establish a clear link between your injuries and the accident, and securing expert opinions on the cost of your future medical care. Insurance adjusters often focus only on current bills while ignoring the long-term financial impact of injuries. Your attorney will document your future medical needs to ensure you receive compensation for your full recovery, not just your immediate expenses.

Negotiating Subrogation Claims

An attorney can add significant value by managing subrogation claims, which are claims made by your health insurance or motor vehicle insurance company seeking reimbursement from your settlement. An Iowa personal injury attorney who knows the law can properly handle these claims and often puts more money in your pocket simply by being involved. Without legal representation, you may end up paying back more to insurance companies than is legally required. A qualified attorney negotiates these liens and reduces what you owe, maximizing your net recovery.

Conducting a Thorough Investigation

To maximize case value, Iowa personal injury attorneys conduct thorough investigations that strengthen their clients' positions. This includes gathering police accident reports, medical records, and bills. When necessary, attorneys hire investigators to interview witnesses, locate additional witnesses, and collect evidence such as photographs of vehicles and accident scenes. Attorneys also review and analyze legal issues that could affect your compensation, including comparative fault and assumption of risk. Understanding these legal concepts allows your attorney to counter insurance company arguments designed to reduce your settlement.

Analyzing Your Insurance Policy for Hidden Coverage

An experienced personal injury attorney will also analyze your insurance policy to identify coverages you may have that could pay all or a portion of your medical bills while your claim is pending. Many accident victims are completely unaware of coverage options within their own policies that can provide immediate financial relief and increase overall recovery. This thorough policy review ensures no potential source of compensation is overlooked.

Reviewing and Challenging Liens

Doctors, insurance companies, welfare benefit plans, and employers may all assert liens claiming entitlement to part of your recovery. Your attorney reviews the validity of any such liens, challenging those that are incorrect or excessive. This lien negotiation and reduction often results in substantially more money remaining in your pocket from the same settlement amount.

Avoiding Mistakes That Can Cost You Thousands

Perhaps most importantly, an Iowa motorcycle accident attorney helps you avoid the common mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars or ruin your claim entirely. These mistakes include giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters, accepting quick settlement offers before understanding the full extent of your injuries, missing important filing deadlines, or failing to properly document your damages. The experience and knowledge of your attorney guides you through a process you have likely never been through before, keeping your case on solid legal ground from beginning to end.

No Upfront Risk to You

Iowa personal injury attorneys typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if your case is successful. All the work performed to maximize your case value, from investigation through trial preparation, is done at no upfront cost to you. There is no financial reason to go it alone against an insurance company that has experienced adjusters and legal teams working specifically to reduce what they pay you.

Consulting a Asbury 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. 

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