Clive Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

When the weather turns warm in Clive, motorcycle enthusiasts cannot wait to get out and explore on their bike. For motorcyclists, their bike is not only a way to get from place to place. It is a lifestyle. However, bikers are well aware of the risks they face when on the road. For this reason, they are typically very cautious and exercise reasonable care. Unfortunately, not all other motorists do the same. They may fail to pay attention, or even drive aggressively around bikers. These actions can cause a motorcycle accident, resulting in the biker suffering some of the worst injuries.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Obtaining the full damages you need, though, is never easy. Our Clive motorcycle accident lawyer has the necessary experience to help you navigate the process so you obtain the full settlement you deserve.

Important Motorcycle Laws in Iowa

It is of the utmost importance that everyone understands the motorcycle laws in Iowa to ensure they remain safe, and to protect any future injury claim they may file. In Iowa, only riders under the age of 18 years old are required to wear motorcycle helmets. Still, motorcycle helmets save lives and greatly reduce the risk of serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), so it is recommended that all riders wear one. Due to the fact that there is no universal helmet law, if you were not wearing one at the time of an accident, this fact cannot be held against you in your claim.

Lane splitting is illegal in Iowa. Lane splitting occurs when a motorcyclist travels between two lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic. Like other motor vehicles, motorcycles can only occupy a single lane of traffic. When a motorcyclist splits lanes and is involved in a crash, it can be held against them in a claim.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Every year in Iowa, approximately 45 motorcyclists are killed in crashes and another 900 suffer serious injuries, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation. These injuries and fatalities are largely preventable and only occur due to the negligence of other motorists. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in the state are as follows:

Left turns: When drivers make left turns, they typically look ahead to make sure the path is clear. Unfortunately, while drivers will see other passenger vehicles, they often fail to notice motorcycles, which are much smaller vehicles. They then proceed with the turn and do not see the motorcyclist until it is too late.
Speeding: Speeding is a main cause of motorcycle accidents because it reduces the amount of time a driver has to slow down and come to a full stop. Not only does speeding cause motorcycle accidents, but it also increases the severity of injuries afterward.
Sudden stops: When drivers stop suddenly, it may not give a motorcyclist behind them enough time to also come to a stop, causing them to crash into the vehicle ahead of them. While rear-end collisions are typically very minor when they occur between two larger vehicles, they are very dangerous for bikers.
Dooring: Dooring occurs when occupants of parked passenger vehicles open their doors into the path of an oncoming biker. The biker then crashes into the door, resulting in very serious injuries.
Defective motorcycles or motorcycle parts: It is not always negligent drivers who cause motorcycle accidents. When a motorcycle, or motorcycle part, is defective, it can cause a motorcycle accident. Manufacturers have a legal obligation to ensure the products they create are safe and free of flaws. When they fail to do this, manufacturers can be held liable.
Dangerous road conditions: Slick road surfaces, potholes, and uneven lanes are just a few of the dangerous road conditions that can cause a motorcycle accident. When this is the case, the government entity responsible for designing or maintaining the road can be held liable.

The above are just a few of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents. Determining what caused an accident is not always easy, particularly when you are suffering from serious injuries. Our Clive motorcycle accident lawyer can investigate your case, determine what caused your crash, and hold the responsible parties accountable for paying the full damages you deserve.

Common Injuries Suffered in Motorcycle Accidents

Again, motorcycle accidents result in some of the most serious injuries. Motorcyclists do not have the protection of a steel frame, seat belt, or even a helmet at times. This leaves them very vulnerable to serious injuries. Some of the most common injuries suffered in motorcycle accidents are as follows:

Road rash, which is a skin injury involving abrasions and scrapes
Gloving, which occurs when the skin is removed from the hand and arm
Sprains and strains
Concussions and other TBIs
Internal injuries
Broken bones
Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
Back injuries
Neck injuries
Amputations

Damages Available in Motorcycle Accident Claims?

Motorcycle accident claims are intended to compensate victims for their injuries and other losses. If you are successful with your claim, there are many common types of damages you can claim. These include:

Hospital bills and other medical expenses
Emergency medical treatment
Long-term physical rehabilitation
Lost income and loss of future earnings
Pain and suffering, including mental anguish
Long-term disability or disfigurement
Repairs or replacement of the motorcycle
Wrongful death damages, when the motorcyclist does not survive the crash

Call Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Clive for a Free Consultation

If you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident, you need strong legal representation. At Baer Law Office, our Clive motorcycle accident lawyer has the necessary experience to help you through the claims process and obtain the full settlement you deserve. The Baer Law Office has won many awards its legal work and has been rated as a “Best Law Firm in Des Moines” for 9 years in a row. Call us now at (515) 279-2000 or contact us online to schedule a free review of your case and to learn more about your legal options.