La Porte City Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys

Motorcycle riders face a unique level of risk on Iowa roads. Without the protection of a metal frame, seatbelt, or airbags, a rider involved in a crash near La Porte City is far more likely to suffer catastrophic injuries than someone traveling in a passenger vehicle. Whether you were the operator of the bike, a passenger, or a family member trying to understand your options after a serious crash, it is important to know how Iowa law treats motorcycle accident claims and what type of insurance coverage may be available to help with your recovery.

Can a Passenger on a Friend's Motorcycle File a Claim?

One question that comes up often after a crash near La Porte City is whether a passenger riding on a friend's motorcycle can file an injury claim. The answer is yes. Motorcycle accident victims who were passengers on a friend's bike can file an injury claim against the at fault party. Depending on who caused the accident, that claim may be filed under the motorcyclist's own insurance policy or against another party, such as the driver of a passenger vehicle involved in the crash.

When the operator of the motorcycle is at fault, that rider's insurance coverage might pay for the injured passenger's damages. If another driver is responsible for causing the accident, the passenger may instead file a claim against that driver's insurance company. Bodily injury liability coverage would apply to injuries up to the limits of the policy involved.

Minimum Motorcycle Insurance Requirements in Iowa

Many riders and drivers choose to carry higher coverage limits than these minimums. Some motorists also carry medical payments coverage, which pays for the cost of medical care regardless of who was at fault for the crash. A passenger injured near La Porte City may even be able to use their own coverage to initially help with costs before recovering compensation from the at fault party.

When Insurance Coverage Is Not Enough

Sometimes the at fault party's insurance coverage simply is not enough to cover everyone's damages. For example, if a driver runs a red light and crashes into a motorcycle, both the passenger and the motorcyclist may be injured. If that driver only carries the state minimum coverage, the available bodily injury liability limits may not be sufficient to address the losses suffered by both riders.

When insurance coverage falls short, there is always the possibility of filing a lawsuit against the party who was at fault for the accident, whether that is the motorcyclist or the driver of the other vehicle involved. While some minor insurance claims can be handled without an attorney, filing a lawsuit typically requires legal representation to protect your interests.

Damages a Motorcycle Accident Passenger or Rider May Recover

A motorcycle accident victim near La Porte City may suffer severe injuries, and the associated medical and hospital costs can be recovered through a claim or lawsuit. If the injured person is out of work for days, weeks, or longer, lost earnings may also be addressed as part of the claim. Beyond hospital stays and lost wages, damages may include pain and suffering, disability, and emotional distress. Speaking with an attorney can help injured riders and passengers understand the full range of compensation that may be available to them.

Filing an insurance claim, even a seemingly minor one, requires dealing with an insurance company that may use various tactics to avoid paying a fair amount. This is one of the many reasons it is usually wise to consult with an attorney after a motorcycle crash near La Porte City.

Motorcycle Accidents and Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are among the most serious types of injuries a motorcycle rider can sustain. According to a study published in the Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, spinal cord injuries affect approximately 11 percent of motorcycle accident victims. Motor vehicle accidents remain the leading cause of new spinal cord injuries nationwide, accounting for 40 percent of all new cases, according to the Mayo Clinic.

During a collision, a rider's vertebrae can become damaged, with one or more vertebra crushed, compressed, or dislodged. In some cases, damaged ligaments or spinal discs can affect the spinal cord as well.

Types of Motorcycle Accident-Related Spinal Cord Injuries

There are two basic types of spinal cord injuries. A complete injury means the rider has experienced a total loss of sensation and movement below the site of the injury. An incomplete injury involves some loss of sensation and function, but it is not total, and the extent of a rider's long term condition may take weeks or months to fully determine.

Research examining patterns of spinal cord injuries in motorcycle crashes found that isolated injuries to the spine occurred in over 23 percent of riders, while multiple vertebral levels, including the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions, were affected in over 42 percent of riders. The thoracic spine was the most commonly injured area, occurring in 54.8 percent of cases, while the lumbar spine was injured 30 percent of the time and the cervical spine was injured in 27 percent of cases. Neurologic injury occurred in nearly 20 percent of the accidents studied.

Complications Facing Spinal Cord Injury Victims

After a spinal cord injury, numerous changes in body function can lead to serious health complications. These can include blood clots, pressure sores, breathing difficulties, uncontrolled muscle movements, loss of bladder or bowel control, and an increased risk of urinary infections, kidney infections, and bladder stones. Additional complications can include blood pressure problems, susceptibility to lung problems and pneumonia, muscle atrophy, weight issues, sexual and reproductive function issues, and chronic muscle, joint, and nerve pain.

Undiagnosed vertebral compression fractures present another serious danger. Left untreated, these fractures can lead to kyphosis, or curvature of the spine, which causes deformity and can compress internal organs. Other complications of undiagnosed compression fractures include chronic pain, reduced physical function, impaired lung function, decreased ability to perform daily activities, and depression, anxiety, and decreased enjoyment of life. Because compression fractures are sometimes hairline and may not initially appear on X-rays, La Porte City riders who suspect this type of injury after a crash should seek medical attention right away and continue to advocate for proper diagnosis and treatment.

The Mental and Emotional Impact of a Spinal Cord Injury

The physical complications of a spinal cord injury are only part of the picture. Many riders experience significant mental and emotional challenges following such a severe injury. Research published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry found a two-fold increase or more in the probability of an emotional disorder among spinal injury victims. Nearly half of spinal cord patients studied went on to experience mental health problems, including depression in 37 percent of cases, anxiety in 30 percent of cases, clinical level stress in 25 percent of cases, and post-traumatic stress disorder in 8.4 percent of cases.

Exploring Motorcycle Insurance Coverage Beyond the Minimum

Iowa motorcyclists who do not carry motorcycle insurance can lose their license if pulled over by law enforcement, under the Iowa Financial and Safety Responsibility Act. A rider can also be held responsible for the full cost of repairs and medical bills if found at fault for an accident. Because of this, it is worth exploring what a motorcycle insurance policy has to offer beyond the state's basic bodily injury and property damage liability requirements. Spending a little more on coverage up front can save thousands of dollars later if you are ever involved in a serious crash near La Porte City and do not have the means to cover unexpected costs.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

This coverage helps protect you if you are hit by a driver who carries no insurance or not enough insurance to cover your injuries.

Comprehensive and Collision Coverage

Comprehensive coverage pays for damage to your bike caused by events other than a motor vehicle accident, such as flood, fire, or vandalism. Collision coverage helps pay for repairs if you are involved in an accident caused by colliding with another object rather than another vehicle.

Medical Expense Coverage

Medical expense coverage is one of the most valuable coverage options available, since it pays for the medical expenses of both the rider and any passengers involved in an accident, regardless of who caused the crash.

Roadside Assistance Coverage

Roadside assistance coverage can also be valuable, providing free towing if you experience an accident, run out of gas, or have a breakdown while riding. Excursion diversion insurance, sometimes called interrupted trip insurance, pairs well with roadside assistance and can provide lodging, food, and transportation if an accident occurs more than 100 miles from home. Following a pre-ride safety checklist before heading out near La Porte City can also help reduce the chances of needing roadside assistance in the first place.

When Damages Exceed What Insurance Can Cover

Despite the many insurance options available to motorcyclists, sometimes the damages resulting from a crash near La Porte City are so severe that insurance coverage alone is not enough. When this happens, riders should consider filing a personal injury lawsuit to recover the full cost of their damages. Under Iowa Code 614.1, a personal injury claim generally must be filed within two years of the date of the accident.