West Union Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys

When calamity hits, motorcycle injury lawyers act as steadfast supporters for riders. Specializing in motorcycle accidents, they handle legal intricacies to secure justice and compensation for the injured.

Comprehensive Guide on Motorcycle Laws, Injury Claims, and Compensation in Iowa

Motorcycle operation and ownership come with unique legal considerations and potential risks. In Iowa, various laws and regulations govern the operation of motorcycles, especially for younger riders. Additionally, motorcyclists face significant risks on the road, and understanding how to handle accidents, claim damages, and navigate legal complexities is crucial. This comprehensive guide covers the age restrictions for operating motorcycles in Iowa, the intricacies of valuing motorcycle accident claims, and recovering compensation for disfiguring injuries.

Legal Age and Permit Requirements

In Iowa, the legal age to operate a motorcycle is 14. However, riders between 14 and 17 years old must obtain a motorcycle instruction permit, which comes with certain restrictions. 

Motorcycle Instruction Permits

- Ages 14-17: Riders can drive with a licensed parent or guardian who has a motorcycle endorsement. They may also operate the motorcycle with an immediate family member aged 21 or older who is licensed and endorsed.
- Ages 18 and Above: The requirements remain similar, but no parental permission is needed to ride with a non-family member who is at least 25 years old and holds a motorcycle endorsement.

Iowa’s motorcycle law specifies that the accompanying person must be within audible and visual communication distance from the permit holder and must supervise only one permittee at a time.

Intermediate Motorcycle License

Riders with a motorcycle instruction permit for six months can obtain an intermediate motorcycle license at 16, with parental permission. The requirements include:
- Driving Hours: 20 hours of street and highway driving, including two hours after sunset or before sunrise.
- Operational Restrictions: Intermediate license holders cannot operate a motorcycle between 12:30 a.m. and 5 a.m. without accompaniment unless riding to or from a school-related extracurricular activity.

Full Motorcycle License

At 17, riders may obtain a full motorcycle driver’s license if they have held an intermediate license for at least a year and completed 10 hours of street or highway driving, including two hours after sunset or before sunrise.

Mandatory Motorcycle Safety Course for Riders Under 18

Riders under 18 must take a motorcycle safety course before receiving their instruction permit. The course includes:
- Training: 15 hours of training (five hours of in-class instruction and 10 hours of range activities).
- Skills Taught: Riding in a straight line, turning, shifting, stopping, and other essential riding skills.

Consequences of Riding Without a Proper License

Operators who lack the proper license or violate license requirements may face legal consequences and be considered comparatively negligent in the event of an accident. This negligence can impact the outcome of a motorcycle accident claim.

Valuing Motorcycle Accident Claims with Permanent Injuries

Economic Damages

Economic damages in a motorcycle accident claim involve:
- Medical Bills: Costs incurred for treatment.
- Lost Wages: Income lost during recovery.
- Long-Term Care: Expenses for in-home nurses or ongoing medical care.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are more challenging to quantify as they don't have direct receipts. They include:
- Pain and Suffering
- Mental Anguish
- Disfigurement
- Disability

Insurance companies may use a multiplier based on the severity of injuries to calculate these damages. For example, severe head injuries might warrant higher non-economic damages compared to a knee injury.

Hiring a Lawyer for Your Motorcycle Wreck Case

Given the complexities of establishing fault and damages, hiring a lawyer is advisable. An attorney can help navigate Iowa's negligence laws, where being 51% or more at fault bars recovery of damages, and any fault below this threshold proportionally reduces the recoverable amount.

Recovering Compensation for Disfiguring Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents

Importance of Insurance and Third-Party Liability Claims

Having comprehensive motorcycle insurance is crucial. In accidents caused by another driver, victims can file a third-party claim against the driver's liability insurance. If disfiguring injuries occur due to weather or other conditions, appropriate motorcycle insurance coverage is vital for covering medical and living expenses during recovery.

Types of Compensation for Disfiguring Injuries

Victims of severe or disfiguring injuries may be eligible for compensation covering:
- Medical Bills: Hospitalization, long-term care, physical therapy.
- Loss of Earnings: Current and future income losses.
- Pain and Suffering: Emotional distress, therapy needs due to severe scarring or amputation.

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.