Spencer Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys

When tragedy strikes, motorcycle injury attorneys serve as dedicated defenders for riders. With a focus on motorcycle accidents, they expertly navigate the legal system to ensure justice and compensation for injured riders.

Types of Special Motorcycle Insurance Coverage in Iowa

Motorcycle insurance in Iowa encompasses several types of coverage that riders should consider to ensure they are adequately protected in the event of an accident. While the state mandates minimum liability insurance requirements, additional coverage options can provide comprehensive protection for motorcyclists.

Iowa's Minimum Liability Insurance Requirements

Iowa law requires motorcyclists to carry liability insurance with the following minimum limits:
- $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $40,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $15,000 property damage liability

These minimums ensure that motorcyclists can cover damages and injuries they may cause to other motorists. If a motorcyclist is involved in an accident or is stopped by a police officer, they must provide proof of insurance to meet these financial responsibility requirements. Failure to do so can result in the revocation of the motorcyclist’s license.

Additional Motorcycle Insurance Coverage Options

In addition to the state-mandated liability insurance, motorcyclists can opt for various other insurance policies to protect themselves and their bikes:

1. Collision Insurance: This coverage pays for damages to the policyholder's motorcycle resulting from a collision with another vehicle, an object, or a fall/rollover. It provides financial assistance to repair or replace the bike, regardless of who is at fault.

2. Comprehensive Insurance: Comprehensive coverage handles non-collision-related damages, such as those caused by fire, weather events, vandalism, theft, floods, and animal strikes. 

3. Medical Expense Coverage: This insurance covers medical expenses for the policyholder, regardless of fault, up to the policy limits. It can be crucial for covering treatment costs following an accident.

4. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Insurance (UM/UIM): This policy protects the motorcyclist if they are involved in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance or whose insurance limits are insufficient to cover the damages. It also covers hit-and-run incidents.

5. Accessory or Optional Equipment Coverage: Many motorcyclists customize their bikes with accessories and enhancements. This coverage protects the investment in modifications and helps recover costs in the event of an accident.

Filing a Motorcycle Insurance Claim

Following an accident, it’s essential to collect and preserve all relevant information and evidence. This includes:
- The accident report
- Contact information for witnesses
- Contact and insurance information of other motorists involved
- Photographs of the accident scene and the damaged motorcycle

The motorcyclist should notify their insurance company about the accident, providing details about who was involved and what occurred. If another driver is at fault, the motorcyclist should also inform the at-fault driver’s insurance company. If fair compensation is not obtained through the other driver’s insurance, the motorcyclist may need to file a lawsuit. 

Understanding Motorcycle Helmets: Replacement After an Accident

Even minor motorcycle accidents can cause significant, often invisible damage to a helmet. According to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, any impact to the head during an accident compromises the helmet’s protective capabilities. Therefore, it is crucial to replace a helmet after any accident, even if it appears undamaged.

Helmet manufacturers may offer inspection and repair services, but when in doubt, replacing the helmet is the safest option. This advice also applies to helmets that have been dropped from significant heights or have experienced severe impacts.

Properly Fitting Motorcycle Helmets

Ensuring a proper helmet fit is vital for safety. A helmet should be snug yet comfortable and meet several criteria:
1. Forehead Gap: No space should exist between the helmet and the forehead.
2. Lifting the Helmet: With the chin strap secured, the helmet should not lift off the head.
3. Red Marks or Pressure Points: The helmet should not leave red marks or cause discomfort.
4. Side-to-Side Head Shake: When shaking the head, the helmet should move with the skin.
5. Room for Face Shields: There should be adequate space between the face shield and the face.

Never use a helmet that has been involved in a previous accident, as hidden damage can reduce its effectiveness.

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.