Bellevue Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys

Riding a motorcycle is a risky business. With ever increasing traffic and frustrated commuters behind the wheel, a Bellevue motorcyclist not only has to drive defensively, but also has to anticipate and react to the poor or aggressive driving of other motorists. Even the most cautious riders can end up in an accident, and when that happens, the resulting injuries are often more severe than what a driver in an enclosed vehicle would experience. This guide covers what Bellevue riders need to know about head injuries, disfiguring injuries, and why speaking with a motorcycle accident attorney should be a priority after a crash.

Motorcycle Head Injuries and Concussions

Wearing a helmet could save a Bellevue rider's life, though it is not mandatory under Iowa law. Head injuries from a motorcycle accident can range from a relatively simple concussion that improves after a couple of days to a coma caused by a severe traumatic brain injury. Many head injuries from motorcycle accidents are traumatic brain injuries in which the brain violently moves around within the skull. Others are penetrating injuries, where an object becomes embedded in brain tissue. Intracranial hemorrhaging can also occur when blood from the trauma pools in the brain, putting pressure on brain tissue and restricting blood flow. All of these conditions can be fatal without immediate treatment, and riders who suffer serious head injuries often require long-term care and rehabilitation, creating extensive medical bills that may be pursued in an injury claim against an at-fault driver.

Long-Term Consequences of a Motorcycle Head Injury

The consequences of a motorcycle accident head injury can be long-term and life-altering for a Bellevue rider. Victims of a brain injury may experience communication problems, cognitive limitations, trouble with mobility and balance, fine motor skill limitations, hearing and vision problems, lost feeling in parts of the body, and emotional or mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. The effects vary greatly from one patient to the next, depending on the type of head injury and the severity of the damage.

Helmets and Motorcycle Accident Claims

Iowa does not require motorcyclists to wear a helmet, and it is within a rider's rights not to wear one. However, not wearing a helmet might indicate contributory negligence for head injuries specifically. If a Bellevue rider suffered a leg injury instead, helmet use would have no bearing on that injury or the resulting claim. But with a head injury, a defendant may argue that the decision not to wear a helmet contributed to the severity of the injury. If a motorcyclist is found contributory negligent, damages are reduced by that percentage of fault. If the claimant's fault is found to be more than 50 percent, they cannot recover damages at all. This makes proving the other party's liability especially important, and an attorney can collect and present evidence of the other driver's responsibility while addressing any argument that helmet use worsened the injury.

Disfiguring Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents make up a small share of overall road accidents, yet they are responsible for a disproportionate share of serious, injury-related accidents and fatalities. The best way for a Bellevue rider to beat these odds is to follow the rules of the road and wear a helmet, but even the most cautious riders sometimes end up in a crash. If that crash results in disfiguring injuries, compensation for damages may still be available.

Checking Insurance Coverage and Third-Party Claims

It is good practice for a Bellevue rider to keep complete coverage on a motorcycle, since it is a dangerous risk not to have proper insurance in place. Not all accidents involve other vehicles, and a rider needs to be able to cover medical and living expenses while recovering. If a rider is seriously injured or disfigured due to weather conditions or unintentional driver error, compensation may be available through the rider's own motorcycle insurance coverage, provided the right type of coverage was purchased. A Bellevue rider may also be able to file a third-party claim against another driver's liability insurance if that driver caused the accident.

Types of Compensation Available for Disfiguring Injuries

Bellevue riders who suffer serious or disfiguring injuries may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, hospitalization, long-term care, hiring of caregivers, physical therapy, and any loss of earnings, both current and future depending on the severity of the injury. A rider may also be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering and emotional distress related to disfiguring injuries. In cases involving extreme scarring or amputation, both emotional and physical therapy may be needed to help heal the wounds, and long-term complications may need to be addressed as part of any compensation discussion.

Why a Bellevue Rider Should Talk to a Motorcycle Accident Attorney

When a motorcycle accident happens, the last thing a victim and their family are usually thinking about is taking legal action. Thoughts are typically focused entirely on the rider's injuries and recovery. While a motorcycle accident can feel overwhelming and emotional, and talking to an attorney may not feel like a natural next step, meeting with a lawyer as soon as possible is important.

Damages from Serious Injuries

Even when a Bellevue motorcyclist is riding with proper safety gear, serious injuries are common, including head and brain injuries, broken bones, burn injuries requiring skin grafts, and soft tissue injuries. Even with health and motorcycle insurance, these damages can be expensive. If injuries carry a prolonged recovery time, a rider may be unable to return to work and earn an income, and may need special therapy or ongoing healthcare. An attorney can help recover damages for all of these expenses.

Gathering the Right Evidence

Part of recovering damages involves proving the fault of the other party. Evidence that may be needed includes physical evidence from the accident scene or photographs of it, medical documents, doctors' statements and medical bills, eyewitness testimony, police reports, facts about the other driver such as a history of driving offenses, and possible proof of intoxication.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Who ultimately pays for a Bellevue rider's damages, whether it is the rider's own insurance company or the other driver's, depends on a variety of circumstances, including fault and the type of insurance involved. Insurance companies will often attempt to offer accident victims settlement amounts far too small to cover their actual damages. Even when a number sounds large, it can be tempting to accept an offer that is still lower than it should be. Having an attorney handle negotiations helps prevent a rider from accepting less than they deserve.

A Legal Resource for Bellevue Riders

An attorney serves as a resource for any legal questions a Bellevue rider may have about the accident, fault, and the types of damages available. If filing a personal injury lawsuit is in the rider's best interest, an attorney can guide them through the process, including Iowa's statute of limitations of two years. Without firsthand knowledge of the insurance system, understanding what to do after an accident to receive full benefits is not always straightforward.