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.Â
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. Itâs 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 youâve 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 consultationsâyou 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 courtâs caseload, and more.
In general, personal injury cases can take anywhere from several months to a few years. Itâs 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 partyâs 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.Â
We can help you:
- Understand the claims process
- Investigate your accident
- Build your case
- Negotiate with insurance adjusters
- Understand your medical bills
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
I was in an accident 3 years ago and had a very bad experience with the attorney back then I was in another accident last year and called the advocates mark and his team were amazing changed my view on accident attorneys they kept I'm touch with me every step of the way gave me authority on choices for myself I didn't have to go with what they said I could go against it and they still would have worked with me the same I had choices this time around I would always go with Mark I have even sent friends his way just cause I appreciate all the help and support the whole way threw.
My experience with the advocates was a good one. After being hit by a car on my motorcycle they helped me with a settlement with the insurance company to get the hospital bills paid. They were extremely helpful. They always answered any questions I had with in a day. Every email I sent was always responded to. If you unfortunately has to go through a injury by another person I would recommend them in helping you resolve any debt you have because if that injury. The Advocates were great to work with and help me get this unfortunate event behind me.
Steve and his crew at The Advocates were nothing short for amazing. They took my case after I was rear-ended resulting in neck surgery. Steve and company made sure all of the was taken care of and that I got the maximum compensation possible. I definitely recommend The Advocates
Mr. Brad Johnson, our lawyer; was Awesome! He was very informative, kept us up to date on my case with regular calls. He returned calls back to us within 24 hours or less. Brad Johnson is very courteous, honest, kind, and a pleasure to talk to and work with. There are very few Lawyers out there that could even come close to the high morals that Brad Johnson has and has shown towards us. We need more lawyers like Brad Johnson . If we ever needed a disability lawyer again in the future; it would be Brad Johnson and The Advocates Firm that he works at. We will definitely turn ALL of our family and friends towards this lawyer and firm; in a heartbeat!!!
I want to First say that I am truly thankful for the advocates Law Firm they have been a great service to me through this ordeal and Katie she is a tremendous lawyer someone that I would recommend she fights tooth and nail for her clients and the rest of the team they supported me to the fullest with that being said I would like to say for anyone who is trying to find an attorney to fight their case The Advocates is the way to go.
Iowa Motorcycle Accident Statistics
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
How many motorcycle accidents happen in Iowa each year?
- The number of motorcycle crashes, injuries, and fatalities have decreased over the last two decades
- From 2016-2021, the average number of motorcycle accidents per year in Iowa was 950, compared to 2,700 in the 1970s and â80s
- Iowa sees an average of 47 motorcycle accident fatalities each year
When and where are motorcycle accidents most likely to happen?
While itâs 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 SeptemberÂ
- Weekends see a higher number of crashes than weekdaysÂ
- 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
Iowa Motorcycle Laws
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 driverâs vision or ability to steer.
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 driverâs 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 driverâs 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 driverâs 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.Â
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. Itâs 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 driverâs 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 Advocatesâ personal injury law firm has three decades of experience fighting for our clientsâ 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 servicesâ 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.Â
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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