Pella Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys

Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable people on Iowa's roads. Unlike drivers in enclosed vehicles, riders have very little protection when a crash occurs. Whatever a rider is wearing, including a helmet and any other gear, is generally all that stands between them and serious harm. When negligence causes a motorcycle crash, the aftermath can bring fractures, road rash, brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and deep emotional trauma that may linger long after physical wounds have healed. A knowledgeable Pella motorcycle accident attorney can help injured riders and their families seek the compensation needed to address all of these consequences.

Common Serious Injuries Suffered in Pella Motorcycle Accidents

In the event of a motorcycle collision, virtually any part of the body becomes susceptible to injury. The severity of those injuries depends on multiple factors, including the speed the motorcyclist was traveling, the angle of impact, the part of the body that made contact, and the overall severity of the crash. Some of the most serious and common injuries that Iowa motorcyclists sustain include fractures, road rash, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord damage.

Broken Bones and Fractures

Broken bones are among the most frequent injuries suffered in motorcycle accidents. According to the Iowa Department of Transportation, there were over 1,000 motorcycle injury crashes in Iowa in 2012 alone, and fractures consistently rank among the leading results of those collisions. Motorcyclists might suffer rib fractures from the trauma that comes with their torso striking the ground, another vehicle, or a fixed object. Collarbone, leg, arm, spine, and pelvis breaks are all possible depending on the circumstances of the crash.

In cases of severe breaks, where bones protrude through the skin, the risk of infection is significantly heightened. Specific fracture types may bring further complications as well. Prolonged immobilization, for instance, can elevate the risk of blood clots or bedsores. Treatment for a broken bone varies greatly depending on the area and severity of the break. Cast immobilization is typically used for breaks in the arms and legs. A functional cast or brace may be used for more minor breaks. Some serious fractures require surgery to repair properly.

Broken bone injuries also carry the potential to cause future complications. Post-traumatic arthritis, for example, may develop at the affected area later in life, creating ongoing problems long after the initial injury has technically healed. More serious breaks, such as a broken spine, can be particularly devastating. If a break of the spinal column causes any disturbance to the spinal cord, injuries can be severe and permanent, including full or partial paralysis.

You can learn more about recovering compensation for broken bones from a motorcycle accident in Iowa here.

Road Rash

Road rash occurs when a motorcyclist's body makes contact with the pavement during a crash, such as when skidding across the road surface. Like a burn injury, road rash ranges in severity. The most serious cases can cause damage not just to the outer layers of skin but to the tissues and muscles underneath. Complications such as infections are common with severe road rash, and skin grafts may be necessary to expedite healing and cover exposed areas. The physical pain and scarring associated with serious road rash can have significant impacts on a victim's quality of life and may require ongoing medical treatment.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Head injuries are a major concern for motorcyclists in any accident. Iowa repealed its mandatory motorcycle helmet laws, which means riders are not legally required to wear helmets. However, safety groups continue to recommend helmet use for all operators and passengers precisely because of the risk of traumatic brain injury (TBI). A severe TBI from a motorcycle crash can affect a person in a wide variety of ways, depending largely on the severity of the injury. Mild concussions may bring about temporary confusion and headaches. More severe TBIs can produce enduring complications spanning from lasting problems with memory and concentration to shifts in personality and emotional regulation. Physical challenges from serious TBI can include impaired movement and coordination, as well as psychological problems such as anxiety and depression.

Researchers have studied the connection between traumatic brain injury and depression extensively. One study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry found that one-third of participants developed major depressive disorder within the first year after sustaining a TBI. A separate study published in the Journal of Nursing Scholarship found that chronic stress was significantly and positively related to post-TBI depression, a stress that is often tied to the recovery process and other mitigating factors following a serious injury.

For more information, visit the iowainjured.com article on head injuries and what you need to know.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries from motorcycle accidents range from minor discomfort-inducing herniated discs to grave, permanent spinal cord damage. The implications of a spinal cord injury extend to other regions of the body depending on where the injury occurs, potentially causing chronic pain and even paralysis. Catastrophic spinal cord injuries can result in lifelong wheelchair dependency and the need for continuous medical care, fundamentally altering every aspect of a victim's daily life.

The Emotional Toll of a Motorcycle Accident

The physical injuries described above are well-recognized consequences of motorcycle crashes, but the emotional and psychological toll of a serious accident is equally real and equally deserving of attention. Motorcyclists who are involved in serious accidents may suffer from emotional trauma in addition to their physical injuries, and Iowa law allows this emotional distress to be factored into a personal injury claim.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder After a Motorcycle Crash

Post-traumatic stress disorder, commonly known as PTSD, may develop following a traumatic event like a motorcycle accident. Once thought of primarily as a condition affecting soldiers, PTSD is now understood to manifest after many types of traumatic experiences. According to the National Institutes of Mental Health, PTSD symptoms fall into three main categories:

• Re-experiencing: Flashbacks, recurring nightmares, and intrusive thoughts about the accident.
• Avoidance: Steering clear of certain situations or activities, as well as emotional numbness, guilt, depression, difficulty recalling details of the event, and withdrawal from others.
• Hyperarousal: Being easily startled, persistent edginess, trouble sleeping, and episodes of intense anger.

Any of these symptoms following a serious motorcycle crash should be taken seriously, both for the sake of the victim's health and because they represent real damages that may be included in a compensation claim.

Head Injuries and Depression

As noted above, the link between traumatic brain injury and depression is well-documented. When a motorcyclist suffers a head injury in a crash, the risk of developing major depressive disorder is substantial. Researchers have found that this depression is not simply an emotional reaction to a difficult situation but can result from the neurological effects of the injury itself, compounded by the chronic stress of navigating recovery, medical care, and life changes that follow a serious crash. This connection between physical brain injury and mental health outcomes makes it all the more important that motorcycle accident victims receive comprehensive care and that their legal claims account for both types of harm.

Emotional Trauma Damages in an Iowa Motorcycle Accident Claim

Your motorcycle accident claim can account for medical expenses related to physical injuries such as fractures, road rash, head injuries, and spinal cord injuries. It may also account for the emotional trauma you have experienced as a result of the accident. Emotional trauma damages that may be included in the monetary compensation awarded after an Iowa motorcycle accident include:

• Mental health assessment costs
• Counseling expenses
• Ongoing psychological treatment
• Mental anguish

It is worth noting that failure to wear a helmet may affect your settlement if you suffered head injuries. The insurance company or defendant could argue that helmet use might have prevented or reduced the severity of those injuries. Discussing your helmet use with your attorney is important so you understand how it may factor into your claim and whether it has any bearing on the emotional or noneconomic damages you may be able to recover.

Who Is Liable for Your Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

If your motorcycle accident and the injuries you suffered were the result of another driver's negligent or irresponsible actions, that driver may be liable for the damages you have sustained. A proficient motorcycle accident attorney can help you pursue comprehensive compensation covering all of the physical, financial, and emotional consequences of your crash. Damages in a motorcycle accident case may include:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost wages during recovery
• Diminished earning capacity if injuries limit your ability to return to work
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress, including treatment and mental anguish
• Long-term care costs for catastrophic injuries

The toll from severe motorcycle injuries can encompass substantial medical expenses and long-term care costs for victims and their families. Lost wages compound matters further, especially if returning to employment becomes unrealistic for an extended period. Getting help from a motorcycle accident attorney allows you to pursue the full range of compensation available to you, from financial damages to recovery for pain and suffering and emotional distress.

Iowa's Two-Year Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accident Claims

Iowa law requires that you file a motorcycle injury claim within two years of your injury occurring if you want to recover damages. Failing to act within that window typically means losing your right to seek compensation entirely. Given the complexity of serious motorcycle injury cases and the time required to gather evidence, document damages, and build a strong claim, speaking with a Pella motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible after your crash is essential. Do not wait until you are feeling better or until the bills start piling up. The sooner you seek legal guidance, the better protected your rights will be.

Consulting a Pella 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. 

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