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Iowa Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one was injured in a motorcycle accident in Iowa, an Advocate can help.

A Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help Your Case

If you spend any time on a motorcycle, the risk of an accident is always present. Many drivers fail to see a motorcycle until it is too late. Unfortunately for the motorcyclist, this can mean serious injury or even death. 

A motorcycle crash can leave you with debilitating pain and injuries. Your motorcycle is likely damaged, and it may seem like expenses are never ending. It’s easy to feel lost or overwhelmed in the aftermath of a collision. You may be unsure of where to even start your physical, emotional, and financial recovery.

If your accident was the fault of a negligent driver, you deserve to reclaim the damages you’ve suffered as a result. The Advocates can help you build your personal injury case, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. Contact us today for a free consultation.

The Next Steps In Your Case

Injury

Immediately after your accident, check for injuries

Hire Attorney

Contact The Advocates as soon as possible to begin the road to recovery

Treatment

Seek medical attention as soon as you can

Property Damage

Get any property damage assessed and repaired

Treatment Complete

Once you've completed treatment, your case can move forward

Demand

Your Advocate will send a demand letter to the other party

Frequently Asked Questions

Not every accident requires an attorney. However, if the accident resulted in injuries or significant property damage, it is a good idea to contact a lawyer. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the claims process, which can be lengthy and complex. Your attorney will build your case, keep track of your medical records, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. Studies have shown that accident victims who hire a personal injury lawyer can receive settlements up to 3.5 times larger than if they settled on their own.

The best way to know if you have a case is to speak with an attorney. The Advocates offer free consultations—you can speak with a qualified legal team to understand what your case is worth without paying a dime. Once you have decided to hire an Advocate, we will investigate your accident to firmly establish liability.

Your initial consultation with us is always 100% free. There are never any upfront costs or hidden fees when you hire The Advocates.

Our attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means that our attorney fees are calculated as a percentage of your settlement. You will not pay us unless we win your case, and you receive a settlement.

Every personal injury case is different. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to accident claims. The length of the claims process will depend on the severity of your injuries, the willingness of the other party to settle, the court’s caseload, and more.

In general, personal injury cases can take anywhere from several months to a few years. It’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to get your case started. Each state has a statute of limitations for personal injury cases, after which you will lose your right of action.

When you hire The Advocates, we will begin investigating your accident immediately while you finish medical treatment. Once all evidence and medical records have been compiled, your attorney will send a demand letter to the other party’s insurance company. At this point, negotiations will begin.

In many cases, a settlement can be reached during negotiations. If the other party refuses to make a fair offer, you may choose to file a suit. In the litigation phase, your attorney will represent you in court in front of a judge, jury, and/or arbitrator.

A Team of Car Accident Professionals Assigned to Your Case

For 30 years, the personal injury lawyers with The Advocates have helped victims receive the compensation and care they deserve after their accidents, and we are prepared to do the same for you. 

We can help you:

  • Understand the claims process
  • Investigate your accident
  • Build your case
  • Negotiate with insurance adjusters
  • Understand your medical bills

You only pay if we win your case!


Talking to a Professional

  • No need to schedule an appointment
  • No need to wait for an email response
  • Free online consultation
  • Talk directly with an attorney

Talk to a professional

Iowa Motorcycle Accident Statistics


Motocyclist looks down at his phone while resting on his motorcycle

What are the most common causes of motorcycle accidents?

The same high-risk behaviors that lead to car accidents cause motorcycle crashes as well. However, because motorcycles are much smaller than passenger vehicles, bikers are at a higher risk of injury or death than people in cars. Common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

  • Speeding
  • Failure to check blind spots
  • Failure to yield right-of-way
  • Distracted driving
  • Impaired driving

Most motorcycle accidents are caused by drivers failing to see a motorcyclist. For this reason, it is critical that motorists check their blind spots before changing lanes.

What are common motorcycle accident injuries?

Motorcyclists are injured in accidents at much higher rates than people in cars. It is crucial that bikers wear proper protective gear to help protect them from serious injury. Some common injuries after motorcycle accidents include:

  • Head injuries/traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Internal organ damage
  • Broken bones
  • Strains, sprains, and bruising
  • Road rash
Common injuries that occur during motorcycle accidents

How many motorcycle accidents happen in Iowa each year?

When and where are motorcycle accidents most likely to happen?

While it’s always important to be vigilant while driving, knowing when and where motorcycle accidents happen can help both bikers and drivers avoid a crash. Some important statistics to know regarding motorcycle collisions are:

  • 64% of accidents occur from June to September 
  • Weekends see a higher number of crashes than weekdays 
  • More than 50% of crashes happen between 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm
  • Over 90% of accidents occur in dry conditions
  • Municipal roads in urban areas see the highest number of crashes each year
  • In around 35% of accidents, the motorcyclist played no role in causing the crash
  • Des Moines and Cedar Rapids have the highest number of crashes each year
  • Nearly 50% of motorcycle accidents occur when a car collides with a motorcycle; the other 50% are due to the motorcyclist losing control
Months with the most motorcycle accidents

Iowa Motorcycle Laws


Motorcycle helmet on a a blue gradient background

Do motorcyclists have to wear helmets?

Iowa is one of three states that does not have any helmet requirement for any motorcycle riders of any age. Eye protection is also not required.

However, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation, around 90% of motorcycle accident fatalities happen to riders who are not wearing a helmet at the time of their crash. Helmets save lives, so it is a good idea to wear one whenever you mount a motorcycle.

Goggles, glasses, or face shields can help keep bugs or debris from hitting your eyes, which is not only painful, but dangerous. The object could injure or damage your eye, permanently affecting your vision. It could also surprise you, causing you to swerve or brake suddenly.

What features must a motorcycle have?

All motorcycles in Iowa are required to have a headlamp on at all times. This helps increase visibility, since motorcycles can be easily overlooked by motorists. The motorcycle must also have working turn signals, just like any other vehicle.

If a biker plans to ride with a passenger, the motorcycle must have a seat and footrests for both riders. The passenger must sit behind the operator, so that they do not interfere with the driver’s vision or ability to steer.

Motorcyclist rides on a foggy mountain road
Motorcyclist rides the motorcycle safety course while instructor works with another student

What licenses does a motorcycle rider need?

There are a few types of licenses and permits that allow one to operate a motorcycle on Iowa roadways. The first is a motorcycle instruction permit, which functions similarly to a driver’s permit. The permit allows you to operate a motorcycle while accompanied by a licensed motorcycle operator. To get a permit, you must pass a knowledge exam and a vision screening.

A motorcycle endorsement can be added to your existing driver’s license. To receive an endorsement, you must pass a knowledge exam, a skills test, and a vision screening.

If you do not already have a driver’s license, you may obtain a Class M license, which allows you to operate a motorcycle, but no other type of motor vehicle. This type of license requires more tests than the other two, but the skills test may be waived if you have completed a state-approved motorcycle education course.

Is lane-splitting legal in Iowa?

Lane splitting, or the practice of allowing a motorcycle to share lanes with other vehicles to reduce traffic congestion, is not legal in Iowa. Motorcycles are entitled to the use of a full lane, and are not allowed to ride between other vehicles. 

This practice is allowed in an increasing number of states, particularly at stop lights, but it remains illegal in the state of Iowa. It is dangerous to attempt on Iowa roads, because drivers will not be expecting it. It’s important to be as predictable as possible when riding a motorcycle, which means always following the laws.


When Should I Hire a Des Moines Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?


If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance company will do their best to avoid offering you a fair settlement. They may try to diminish the severity of your injuries, claim your injuries were pre-existing, or deny liability for the accident altogether. A personal injury attorney can help you negotiate with insurance companies.

The Advocates’ personal injury law firm has three decades of experience fighting for our clients’ right to fair compensation under the law. We know the tricks insurance providers often use, and we will do everything we can to get you the settlement you deserve.

We are here to help every step of the way. We provide more than just legal services– we will assist you in accessing medical treatment and getting your bike fixed, as well as understanding your medical bills. The Advocates truly care about you and your recovery, and our goal is the same as yours: a successful motorcycle accident claim. 

Contact us today for a free case evaluation. You deserve excellent legal representation for your personal injury case. You deserve an Advocate.

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