Waterloo Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys

In the aftermath of a tragedy, motorcycle injury attorneys emerge as dedicated advocates for riders. With a focus on motorcycle accidents, they adeptly manage the intricacies of the law to ensure injured riders obtain rightful justice and compensation.

Motorcycle accidents can lead to severe injuries, among which spinal cord and burn injuries are particularly devastating. These injuries often result in long-term physical, mental, and financial burdens. Additionally, understanding the insurance requirements and options available for motorcyclists in Iowa is crucial for protection and financial recovery.

Spinal Cord Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents

Spinal cord injuries are one of the most severe injuries riders sustain, affecting approximately 11 percent of motorcycle accident victims, according to a study by St. James University Hospital published in the Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery in 2002.

Motor vehicle accidents, including motorcycle crashes, account for 40 percent of all new spinal injury cases, as reported by the Mayo Clinic. Upon collision, riders’ vertebrae can become damaged; one or more vertebrae can become crushed, compressed, or dislodged, causing the injury. In some instances, damaged ligaments or spinal discs can affect the spinal cord as well.

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

There are two basic types of spinal cord injuries:

1. Complete Injury: A total loss of sensation and movement below the site of the injury.
2. Incomplete Injury: Some loss of sensation and function occurs, but it’s not total. There are varying degrees of incomplete spinal cord injuries, and sometimes it takes weeks or months to determine the extent of the victim’s condition.

The St. James University Hospital study found that:
- Isolated injuries to the spine occurred in over 23 percent of riders.
- Multiple vertebral levels (cervical, thoracic, and lumbar) were affected in over 42 percent of riders.
- The thoracic spine was the most commonly injured area, occurring in 54.8 percent of cases.
- The lumbar spine was injured 30 percent of the time.
- Twenty-seven percent of riders injured their cervical spine.
- Neurologic injury occurred in nearly 20 percent of the accidents.

Complications and Impact

Spinal cord injury victims face numerous complications such as blood clots, pressure sores, breathing difficulties, uncontrolled muscle movements, and loss of bladder or bowel control. There are also risks of urinary infections, kidney infections, bladder stones, blood pressure problems, susceptibility to lung problems, muscle atrophy, weight issues, sexual and reproductive function issues, muscle and joint pain, and nerve pain.

Mental and Emotional Impact

The physical complications only touch on the surface of the impact of spinal cord injuries. According to a study published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, there was a two-fold increase or more in the probability of an emotional disorder in spinal injury victims. Nearly half of spinal cord patients suffer from mental health problems, including:
- Depression (37 percent of cases)
- Anxiety (30 percent)
- Clinical-level stress (25 percent)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (8.4 percent)

Seeking Help

If you or a loved one recently suffered a spinal cord injury in a motorcycle accident, it’s essential to explore possible options for restitution if someone else was liable for the accident. New treatments for spinal injury victims are becoming available, though they are expensive. Consulting an attorney can help you explore your legal options for compensation.

Burn Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents

There are several types of motorcycle burn injuries, including road rash, exhaust burns, windburn, and burns from collisions.

Road Rash Injuries

Road rash occurs when the skin scrapes along the road after being thrown from or dragged by the bike. There are three basic types of road burn injuries:
- Deep Scrapes: May require stitches and have a high risk of infection.
- Bruising and Compression Injuries: Serious bruising and crushing injuries can occur if the rider gets caught between the bike and the road.
- Avulsion Injuries: Several layers of skin may be damaged, exposing and damaging underlying muscle or fat tissue, possibly requiring surgery and skin grafting.

Exhaust Burns

Exhaust burns occur when the rider or passenger accidentally makes contact with the exhaust pipe. These injuries are extremely painful and can cause permanent scarring. According to a study by Athens University Medical School, most exhaust burn injuries occurred below the knee on the right leg, and more than 70 percent of the injuries were sustained by passengers.

Windburn

Windburn damages the outer layer of skin due to the force of the wind. It causes painful, dry, itchy skin and can make the skin burn more easily in the sunlight. Wearing a helmet with a visor can help prevent windburn.

Burns from Collisions

Mechanical or gas fires can cause serious burn injuries during collisions. Gasoline or other fluids can ignite, causing explosions and life-threatening injuries. Burn injuries are categorized as first-, second-, and third-degree burns, with varying levels of severity and treatment requirements.

Special Motorcycle Insurance Coverage in Iowa

Iowa requires motorcyclists to carry liability insurance with minimum requirements of $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $40,000 bodily injury liability per accident, and $15,000 property damage liability. Motorcyclists must show proof of meeting this requirement if involved in an accident or stopped by a police officer.

Insurance Coverage Options

In addition to liability insurance, motorcyclists can purchase various other insurance policies to protect themselves in the event of an accident. Some possible coverage options include:

- Collision: Covers damages for the policyholder in accidents with vehicles, objects, or rollovers/falls, regardless of fault.
- Comprehensive: Covers damage from fire, weather events, vandalism, floods, theft, and animal damage.
- Medical Expense: Covers medical expenses for the policyholder regardless of fault, up to the policy limits.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Insurance (UM/UIM): Covers you in the event of an accident with an uninsured driver, if you exceed the at-fault driver's liability limits, or if the at-fault driver flees the scene.

Motorcyclists who customize their bikes may also wish to purchase accessory or optional equipment coverage for modifications and enhancements to the bike’s appearance or performance.

Filing a Motorcycle Insurance Claim

After an accident, you should save the accident report, witness contact information, other motorist's contact and insurance information, and photographs of the accident scene and the bike. Notify your insurance company about the accident and provide them with the relevant information. If another motorist is at fault, you may need to file a liability claim with their insurance company as well.

If you cannot recover fair compensation from the other driver’s insurance, you may have to file a lawsuit. Consulting an experienced attorney can help you navigate the claims process and explore your legal options for recovery.

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.