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When calamity strikes, motorcycle injury attorneys act as determined defenders for riders. Specializing in motorcycle accidents, they expertly manage legal challenges to ensure injured riders receive fair justice and compensation.
Broken Bones from a Motorcycle Accident in Iowa: Recovering Compensation for Your Damages
Injuries to a motorcyclist following a crash can be extremely painful, expensive to correct, and may require an extensive healing period. Some of the most common injuries that a motorcyclist may sustain as a result of an accident are broken bones.
Broken bones from a motorcycle accident can typically be remedied with proper medical care. In some cases, though, broken bones may lead to long-term complications and impairment. If you’re a motorcyclist who's suffered broken bones as a result of a motorcycle accident in Iowa, you may be able to pursue and recover compensation for your damages if another party caused the wreck.
Signs and Symptoms of a Broken Bone
Usually, the most distinct characteristic of a broken bone is intensive pain at the affected area. Other signs of a broken bone include the following:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Limited mobility at the site
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Broken skin with a protruding bone
- An obviously misshapen or out-of-place limb or joint
Bones Commonly Broken in a Motorcycle Accident
There is no limitation to the number or types of bones that may be broken in a motorcycle accident. Motorcyclists have very little protection in the event of an accident, and whatever is on their bodies – like helmets – are generally all that is protecting them.
Broken bones depend upon multiple factors:
- Severity of the accident
- Angle of impact
- Speed that the motorcyclist was traveling
- The part of the body impacted
Motorcyclists might suffer rib fractures from the trauma that comes with their torso striking the ground, other vehicles, or an object. Collarbone, leg, arm, spine, and pelvis breaks are possible, too. The severity and type of break will determine healing and recovery time, as well as whether or not there is a risk for long-term complications.
Recovery Time for Broken Bones from a Motorcycle Accident and Long-Term Complications
Treatment for a broken bone will vary greatly depending upon the area and severity of the break. Cast immobilization, for example, will typically be used for breaks in the limbs (arms, legs). A functional cast or brace may also be used for minor breaks. Some serious breaks may require surgery to repair.
More serious breaks, such as a broken spine, can be particularly traumatizing. If a break of the spinal column causes any disturbance to the spinal cord, injuries can be severe and permanent. An injury to the spinal cord can cause permanent paralysis, for example.
Broken bone injuries have the potential to cause future complications. In some cases, for example, the condition known as post-traumatic arthritis may cause problems for a person later in life at the affected area.
Who’s Liable for Your Broken Bones from the Motorcycle Accident?
If your motorcycle accident, and therefore your broken bone injuries, were the result of another driver’s negligent or irresponsible actions, that driver may be liable for the damages you sustain because of your injuries. Damages may be awarded for medical expenses and future medical expenses, lost wages that you suffer as a result of your injury, and even pain and suffering.
In Iowa, the law requires that you file a motorcycle injury case within two years of your injury occurring if you want to recover damages. As such, you need to get started on speaking with an attorney immediately.
Recovering Compensation for Disfiguring Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
Riding a motorcycle is a risky business. With ever-increasing traffic jamming our highways and frustrated commuters behind the wheel, a motorcyclist not only must learn to drive defensively but also must learn to anticipate and react to the poor or aggressive driving of other motorists.
The best way to beat these statistics is to follow the rules of the road and wear a helmet. However, even the most cautious riders have accidents, and if you suffered disfiguring injuries in a motorcycle accident, you may pursue compensation for damages.
Check Your Insurance Policy and Consider a Third-Party Liability Claim
It is a good policy to keep complete coverage on your bike; it is a dangerous risk not to have yourself properly insured. Not all accidents involve other vehicles, and you need to be able to cover medical and living expenses while you recuperate. If you have been seriously injured or disfigured due to weather conditions or unintentional driver error, you are entitled to collect money from the insurance company if you have purchased the right type of motorcycle insurance coverage. Additionally, you may file a third-party claim against another driver's liability insurance if the other driver caused your accident.
Hire an Attorney Immediately
It is important to talk to an attorney as soon as possible after the accident. If you were in a serious accident, never settle with an insurance company until you obtain professional legal advice.
Insurance companies have lawyers and experts on their staff, and it is in their best interest to offer a quick settlement. This, however, is not usually in the victim’s best interest. Even if the settlement sounds fair, you are not in the physical or emotional condition to make proper judgments on these kinds of decisions. A reputable attorney will represent you, so all you have to worry about is getting better.
Types of Compensation for Which You May be Eligible
Victims of motorcycle accidents who suffered serious or disfiguring injuries may be entitled to compensation for their medical bills, hospitalization and long-term care, hiring of caregivers, physical therapy, and any loss of earnings. Depending on the severity of the injury, these expenses not only may compensate for current damages but also future ones.
In addition, an accident victim may be entitled to pain and suffering and emotional distress related to the disfiguring injuries. In the case of extreme scarring or amputation of a limb, a person may need both emotional and physical therapy to help heal the wounds. There also could be long-term complications and the possibility of future issues that need to be addressed when discussing compensation.
Types of Special Motorcycle Insurance Coverage in Iowa
Iowa's financial responsibility requirement applies to motorcycles as well as motorists. The minimum requirements are $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 that other motorists suffer for an accident the policyholder caused.
Under the law, if a driver is in an accident or stopped by a police officer, they need to show proof of meeting the financial responsibility requirement, or the state may revoke the motorcyclist’s license.
Also note that the auto insurance purchased for a car does not apply to a motorcycle. Each vehicle must have its own insurance.
What Insurance Coverage Can Motorcyclists Purchase?
While required to carry liability insurance, there are other insurance policies motorcyclists may carry to protect themselves in the event of an accident. Check with the insurer if it offers a particular type of coverage for motorcycles.
Some possible coverage options include:
- Collision: This insurance covers damages for the policyholder in accidents with vehicles, objects, or for rollovers/falls. Regardless of fault, policyholders will have money to repair or replace the bike after the accident.
- Comprehensive: Comprehensive covers damage from fire, weather events, vandalism, floods, theft, and animal damage to the bike.
- Medical Expense: This covers medical expenses for the policyholder regardless of fault in the accident, up to the policy limits.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Insurance (UM/UIM): This insurance covers you in the event you're in an accident with someone without insurance, if you exceed the at-fault driver's liability limits, or if the at-fault driver flees the scene.
Some motorcyclists customize their bikes, so they may wish to purchase additional coverage for these accessories. Accessory or optional equipment coverage is for modifications and enhancements to the appearance or performance of a motorcycle. In the event of an accident, the coverage will allow the policyholder to recover the expenses he or she incurred customizing the bike.
How Do I File a Motorcycle Insurance Claim?
After any accident, you should save the:
- accident report;
- witness contact information;
- other motorist's contact and insurance information;
- photographs of the accident scene; and
- photos of the bike.
Let your insurance company know about the accident. Tell them who was involved and the basics of what
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.