Grundy Center Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys

A motorcycle accident near Grundy Center, Iowa can leave a rider dealing with far more than broken bones and road rash. The physical injuries are often severe, but the emotional toll, including anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder, can be just as life altering. Understanding how Iowa law accounts for both the physical and emotional consequences of a crash, along with what an attorney actually does on your behalf, can make a real difference in your recovery.

Walker, Billingsley & Bair has spent decades helping injured Iowa motorcyclists pursue full and fair compensation. This page brings together what Grundy Center riders need to know about emotional trauma after a crash, the reasons to talk to an attorney right away, and the specific tasks an attorney handles throughout a motorcycle accident case.

Emotional Trauma After a Grundy Center Motorcycle Accident

Motorcyclists are at risk of a wide range of injuries in the event of a motorcycle accident. This can range from soft tissue injuries and fractures to spinal cord and head injuries. In some cases, especially in cases involving severe injuries, motorcyclists involved in an accident might suffer from emotional trauma in addition to their physical ailments. Iowa motorcyclists pursuing a liability claim or lawsuit against a negligent driver can factor this emotional distress into the claim.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-traumatic stress disorder may develop following a traumatic event like a motorcycle accident. Once known as a condition that soldiers exposed to the battlefield might develop, and previously referred to as shellshock, the condition can manifest for a variety of reasons. According to the National Institutes of Mental Health, PTSD symptoms are grouped into three categories.

Head Injuries and Depression

Head injuries are a major concern for motorcyclists in the event of an accident. That is why advocacy and safety groups recommend helmet use by all operators and passengers, even though Iowa has repealed its motorcycle helmet law. Researchers have studied the association between traumatic brain injury and depression. One study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry found that one-third of study participants developed major depressive disorder within the first year after sustaining a traumatic brain injury, concluding that major depressive disorder is a frequent complication of these injuries. Another study published in the Journal of Nursing Scholarship found that chronic stress was significantly and positively related to depression following a traumatic brain injury, often connected to the recovery process and other factors after a serious injury.

Emotional Trauma in a Personal Injury Claim

A motorcycle accident claim will account for medical expenses related to physical injuries like head injuries and spinal cord injuries. It may also account for emotional trauma after the accident.

• Mental health assessment
• Counseling
• Treatment
• Mental anguish

Why You Should Talk to a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Near Grundy Center

When a motorcycle accident occurs, the last thing the victim and his or her family are usually thinking about is taking legal action. Instead, thoughts are typically focused solely on the victim's injuries and recovery. While a motorcycle accident can be entirely overwhelming and emotional, and talking to an attorney may not feel like a natural step to take, meeting with a lawyer is imperative.

Damages From Serious Injuries

Even when motorcyclists are riding with proper safety gear, serious injuries are common.

Even if the motorcyclist has health and motorcycle insurance, these damages can be expensive. If the injuries have a prolonged estimated recovery time, the rider may be unable to return to work and earn an income, and may need to pay for special therapy or healthcare. Having an attorney on your side can help you recover damages for all of these expenses.

Gathering the Right Evidence

Part of recovering damages involves proving the fault of the other party. To prove fault, evidence is incredibly important to a claim. Types of evidence that may be needed to show fault include the following:

• Physical evidence from the accident scene, including pictures of physical evidence
• Medical documents, doctors' statements, and medical bills
• Eyewitness testimony
• Police reports
• Key facts about another driver, including any history of driving offenses
• Possible proof of intoxication of another driver

Negotiating With Insurance Companies

Who pays for your damages, your insurance company or the other driver, depends upon a variety of circumstances, including who was at fault and the type of insurance you have. Regardless, having an attorney on your side who can handle negotiations can be a relief.

Often, insurance companies will attempt to offer accident victims settlement amounts that are far too small to cover adequate damages. If the number sounds large, it can be tempting to accept, even when it is lower than it should be. To avoid this situation, the advice and negotiating skills of an attorney are very helpful.

A Legal Resource for Every Step

An attorney serves as a resource for any and all legal questions you may have about the accident, fault, and the types of damages you are entitled to. If filing a personal injury lawsuit is in your best interest, an attorney can guide you through the process, as well as the state's two year statute of limitations.

What Can an Attorney Do for My Grundy Center Motorcycle Accident Case?

Depending upon the nature and severity of your injuries, you may or may not need an attorney in your case. However, it is always a good idea to at least consult with an experienced Iowa injury attorney and request information, such as a free book, that may help you through the process and avoid common costly mistakes.

If you have not yet decided to hire an attorney, make sure to look at the attorney's reviews online, since just because a firm says it handles motorcycle accident cases does not mean it does so well. Look for reviews from prior clients that talk about their experience and the results obtained, so you can be confident you are hiring the right attorney for your case.

Should you decide to work with an attorney, here is what they will typically do for your motorcycle accident case. Every case is different, and these tasks are generally performed at no upfront risk to the client, since attorneys are only paid if the case is successful.

Tasks an Attorney Handles on Your Behalf

If the case proceeds toward trial, an attorney will also prepare medical, demonstrative, and other exhibits, file motions and briefs to determine what evidence will be allowed, and take the case to trial with a jury if a fair settlement cannot be reached. After a verdict, the attorney reviews the outcome to determine if there are good grounds for appeal and makes recommendations on how to proceed.

Steps to Protect Your Grundy Center Motorcycle Accident Claim