Ottumwa Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys

In the wake of a tragedy, motorcycle injury attorneys become steadfast supporters for riders. With a focus on motorcycle accidents, they proficiently manage the legal system to ensure justice and compensation for injured riders.

Proper Helmet Fit: Ensuring Safety and Comfort

Choosing the right helmet size is crucial for motorcycle riders, not just for comfort but for safety as well. Knowing what to look for and how a helmet should fit can make a significant difference in its effectiveness during a crash.

Fit Checks for Helmets:

1. Forehead Gap: A helmet that fits correctly will not allow you to slip your pinky finger between your forehead and the helmet. It should be snug enough that there is no extra room.
2. Helmet Lifting: With the chin strap secured, you should not be able to lift the helmet off your head, whether from the front or the back.
3. Red Marks or Pressure Points: While the helmet should be snug, it should not cause red marks or deep indentations on your head, face, or neck.
4. Side-to-Side Movement: When shaking your head firmly from side to side, your skin should move with the helmet. If the helmet moves independently of your face, it is too big.
5. Face Shield Room: There should be enough space between the helmet’s face shield and your face so that your nose or chin does not touch the shield.

Never use a helmet that has been involved in a previous accident, as internal damage may compromise its effectiveness even if no exterior damage is visible.

Recovering Compensation for Disfiguring Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents

Riding a motorcycle carries inherent risks, and accidents can result in severe injuries, including disfiguring injuries. According to the Iowa Department of Public Safety, while motorcycle accidents made up only 2 percent of all road accidents, but they accounted for 12 percent of serious injury accidents and 14 percent of all fatalities.

Insurance and Liability:

- Ensure you have comprehensive coverage on your motorcycle to cover medical and living expenses in case of an accident.
- If another driver caused your accident, you could file a third-party claim against their liability insurance.
- It's essential to consult an attorney immediately after the accident. Insurance companies may offer quick settlements that are not in your best interest. A lawyer can ensure you get fair compensation.

Types of Compensation:

Victims of motorcycle accidents may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills, hospitalization, and long-term care.
- Hiring caregivers and physical therapy.
- Loss of earnings, both current and future.
- Pain and suffering, as well as emotional distress.
- Long-term complications from disfiguring injuries, which may require both emotional and physical therapy.

Broken Bones from Motorcycle Accidents: Compensation for Your Damages

Motorcycle accidents can result in painful and expensive injuries, particularly broken bones. Recently, Iowa saw over 1,000 motorcycle injury crashes, with broken bones being a common injury.

Signs and Symptoms of a Broken Bone:

- Intense pain in the affected area.
- Swelling, bruising, and bleeding.
- Limited mobility, numbness, and tingling.
- Obvious deformity or protrusion of bone through the skin.

Commonly Broken Bones:

- Ribs, collarbone, legs, arms, spine, and pelvis.
- The severity and type of break will affect recovery time and the risk of long-term complications.

Recovery and Long-Term Complications:

- Treatment varies from cast immobilization to surgery, depending on the severity of the break.
- Serious breaks, such as spinal fractures, can lead to permanent disabilities like paralysis.
- Long-term complications may include conditions like post-traumatic arthritis.

Determining Liability:

If another driver’s negligence caused your motorcycle accident, they might be liable for your injuries. Compensation can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Iowa law requires filing a motorcycle injury case within two years of the injury.

Ensuring proper helmet fit and understanding your rights to compensation can significantly impact your safety and recovery in the event of a motorcycle accident. Always prioritize safety and seek professional legal advice when needed.

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.