- Muscatine Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys
- Phone: 641-792-3595
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When accidents occur, motorcycle injury lawyers serve as steadfast champions for riders. Specializing in motorcycle accident cases, they skillfully manage legal challenges to secure the justice and compensation injured riders deserve.
What Happens if I Was Partially at Fault in an Iowa Motorcycle Accident?
Motorcycle accidents can lead to serious injuries and complex legal issues, especially when fault is shared. If you are found to be partially at fault in an Iowa motorcycle accident, the compensation you are eligible to recover will be reduced. However, this does not mean you cannot seek compensation with the help of the injury attorneys at Walker, Billingsley & Bair.
Iowa’s Comparative Negligence Rules
In Iowa, the legal framework used to calculate settlements in personal injury cases is known as comparative negligence. This rule states that your compensation will be reduced by your degree of fault in the accident. For instance, if your settlement is $100,000 and you are found to be 25% at fault, you will receive $75,000 in damages. As long as you are less than 51% responsible for the accident, you can still pursue financial compensation.
Reducing your degree of fault and demonstrating the other party’s liability is critical in these cases. An experienced Iowa injury attorney can help collect evidence, protect your rights, and present your case effectively to insurance adjusters or in court.
Road Rash as a Result of a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle accidents often result in road rash, a common and painful injury caused by skin scraping across the road surface. Road rash can range from minor abrasions to severe injuries requiring medical intervention. Wearing protective clothing, such as leather gear, can help reduce the severity of road rash.
Degrees of Motorcycle Road Rash
1. First-Degree Road Rash: Involves skin redness and minor abrasions that can typically be treated at home with cleaning and antibiotic ointment.
2. Second-Degree Road Rash: Involves more severe skin breakage but can often be managed at home with proper care.
3. Third-Degree Road Rash: Affects all skin layers, exposing tissue and potentially damaging muscles. This level of injury often requires medical treatment, including skin grafting.
Skin Grafting to Treat Motorcycle Road Rash
Skin grafting is a surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia. Recovery can be lengthy and challenging, involving extended hospital stays and limited movement to ensure proper healing.
Seeking Compensation for Motorcycle Road Rash
If another party is at fault for your motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Proving fault and documenting all losses are crucial for a successful claim. Keep meticulous records of medical treatments, bills, lost work time, and any other relevant documentation.
How Do I File a Claim After a Motorcycle Accident in Iowa?
Filing a claim after a motorcycle accident involves several critical steps. Here are the key actions to take:
Seek Medical Attention and Save Records
Immediately seek medical attention if you were injured. Gather all documentation related to your medical care, as this will be crucial when filing your claim.
Review Your Policy
Review your motorcycle insurance policy to understand your coverage. This is essential to know what compensation you may be entitled to, especially if you were at fault.
File in Time
Notify your insurance company about the accident immediately and file your claim promptly to avoid missing any deadlines. In Iowa, you have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit under Iowa Code 614.1.
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.