According to The Des Moines Register, motorcycle fatalities are a concern in Iowa. 63 people lost their lives in an accident involving a motorcycle in 2023, and by May this year, 11 people died in motorcycle crashes in 2024. These statistics are alarming and indicate that crashes involving motorcycles are particularly devastating, especially for the rider.
Those who survive these horrific accidents in Iowa are often left with serious, life-changing injuries that not only affect their daily lives but also affect their ability to work and make a living. In such cases, knowing who will cover the damages becomes a pressing question.
This article will provide an overview of the various parties that may be held liable in a motorcycle accident. However, it's important to remember that every case is different and to determine who will be financially responsible for their damages, victims must seek help from a reliable law firm.
Tom Fowler Law offers reliable guidance and legal advice for those who suffered injuries in accidents caused by someone else's wrongdoing or negligence. They can also advise who pays for a truck accident in Iowa.
Why Are Motorcycle Accidents Often Devastating?
In other traffic accidents, drivers and passengers stand a greater chance of survival because they have protective devices in the form of seat belts, airbags, and more to absorb the force of impact. However, motorcycle riders do not have the same kind of gear, making them more vulnerable to injuries.
Even with helmets and other safety devices, Iowa motorcycle riders are still at risk of spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and much more.
Motorcycle accidents are also prevalent because these two-wheel vehicles are often hard to see on the road. A driver could fail to see a motorcycle, resulting in a devastating car accident. Contact Tome Fowler Law to see who pays for a bicycle accident in Iowa.
Iowa Is an At-fault State
The first thing an injured rider needs to understand is that Iowa is an at-fault state. This simply means that in order to file insurance claims or personal injury lawsuits, the victim must prove that the other party was at fault.
Moreover, according to Iowa law, claimants may still obtain compensation for their injuries, even if they were partly to blame for the accident, but their percentage fault may not exceed 50%, and the amount that they receive will be reduced by this value.
Who Pays for a Motorcycle Accident in Iowa?
The truth is that there are numerous parties that can be held responsible for paying a victim's medical bills, lost wages, and more. Here are some of the most common people or entities that may be held financially responsible:
The Relevant Insurance Company
Like most states, Iowa requires that all drivers have insurance that provides coverage for bodily injury, death, and property damage. In most cases, injured parties can file a claim through the other driver's insurance company.
However, if they do not have insurance, they may have to file a claim with their own motorcycle insurance provider. It's important to note that insurance coverage is incredibly limited. Victims may not receive full coverage for all expenses.
This is a great option for those who have sustained minor injuries. For those who have been seriously injured, though, this is not a desirable option, as future medical bills, lost income, and more will not be covered.
The Other Driver
If the victim can prove that the other driver was negligent, they can file a motorcycle accident lawsuit to obtain compensation. The statute of limitations for such claims is two years from the date of the accident.
Going this route is generally advisable for those who have been critically injured, as they typically face greater medical expenses and other damages. That's because ongoing medical care and rehabilitation may be necessary to help them deal with the aftermath of an Iowa motorcycle accident.
The good news is that taking legal action will ensure that injured parties are able to obtain the maximum compensation for their injuries. They will also be able to claim non-economic damages, which include compensation for pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, scarring and disfigurement, and more.
However, it's important to note that in motorcycle accident cases, the victim bears the burden of proof. This means that it is their job to prove that the other party is liable for their damages. To ensure a positive outcome, claimants must work with a reputable team of personal injury attorneys.
Government Entities
If an unsafe road condition results in a motorcycle rider suffering serious injuries, a government entity may be held liable. That's because certain governmental departments have a responsibility to ensure that roadways are safe for all motorists, and if they fail to address an issue, they may have to cover the victim's medical expenses.
Contractors
Sometimes, contractors working on roadways can cause accidents. If they fail to use proper signage or obstruct traffic, they could be held liable in a personal injury claim.
The truth is that every case is different, and in order to determine who is responsible, injured motorcyclists should consult an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer. Tom Fowler Law is ready to provide the legal guidance and representation that victims need.
What Damages Can Motorcycle Accident Victims Claim?
If a rider's injuries were the result of a motorcycle crash caused by someone else's negligence, they can file a legal claim for economic and non-economic damages. While insurance companies will likely only cover medical expenses, more damages may be awarded in a motorcycle accident injury claim.
This may include the following:
Medical bills
Lost income
Property damage
Pain and suffering
Mental anguish
Loss of enjoyment of life
Personal Injury Cases Require Expert Legal Representation
Filing motorcycle accident lawsuits can be incredibly challenging. Not only is it difficult to identify the party that is responsible for the damages, but it is also hard to prove negligence. The good news is that Tom Fowler Law has many years of experience securing favorable outcomes for motorcycle accident victims.
When it seems like no one is on their side, injured riders can turn to our law firm for support and guidance as they navigate the complex legal landscape.
To learn more, victims can get in touch with us today to schedule their free consultation!
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