Motorcycle Accidents

MASON CITY MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

INJURED IN A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT IN IOWA? CALL (641) 424-1614.

Motorcycle accidents are among the most dangerous and potentially life-threatening of all motor vehicle accidents. This is often due to the fact that motorcyclists are afforded little to no protection. Without the steel shell of a car surrounding you, you face serious or even catastrophic injuries when colliding with another vehicle, the road, or nearby objects, making it vital to seek counsel from a Mason City motorcycle accident attorney after an accident.

Other Types of Mason City Legal Cases We Handle Include

• Personal Injury
• Bicycle Accidents
• Motor Vehicle Accidents
• Pedestrian Accidents
• Premises Liability
• Truck Accidents
• Wrongful Death

When you’ve been injured and are dealing with the repercussions of that adversity, the last thing you need is to have to deal with insurance company tactics designed to undervalue your claim. A Mason City motorcycle accident attorney at our firm can use their experienced legal ability to advocate for your unique case. When you work with our team, you’re choosing compassionate and insightful counsel.

CONTACT OUR FIRM TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION TODAY. WE OPERATE ON A CONTINGENCY FEE BASIS, MEANING YOU DON’T PAY US UNLESS WE SECURE COMPENSATION FOR YOU.

THE DEVASTATING IMPACT OF MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS IN IOWA

According to the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT), motorcycle license holders and registrations have been increasing steadily throughout the past few decades in the state. This increase raises the potential for motorcycle accidents as well. The DOT reports that 62 people died in motorcycle crashes in Iowa in 2023, with 60 overall motorcycle crashes occurring throughout the state. In 42 of these accidents, the rider was not wearing a helmet.

While the above statistics may not seem very bad, they are serious in light of the fact that motorcyclists make up a small percentage of all drivers. Often, motorcycle accidents are caused by passenger car drivers who fail to see or acknowledge motorcyclists or who otherwise engage in careless driving behaviors, such as:

• Texting while behind the wheel. Distracted driving continues to be a major cause of many motor vehicle accidents. This type of driving can include talking on the phone, changing the radio or music station, eating and driving, or using navigational apps while driving.
• Speeding. While it may seem insignificant, speeding laws are there to protect yourself and others on the road. If a driver goes over the speed limit, it can greatly reduce their reaction time and make impacts even more severe.
• Driving drunk or while under the influence of drugs. This remains one of the most common causes of accidents, yet it is the easiest to avoid.
• Ignoring traffic laws or otherwise being inattentive. It can be easy to forget how dangerous driving truly is, but it’s important to stay cautious and diligent while operating a vehicle on the road.

Steps to Take After Being in a Mason City Motorcycle Accident

Due to the lack of physical protection, motorcyclists often suffer worse injuries than victims of regular car crashes. Severe road burns and scrapes, sprains, torn ligaments, broken bones, internal injuries, and worse can occur in motorcycle accidents. Knowing what to do immediately after a crash can help save your life and preserve your future legal case. You should:

1. Contact the Mason City Police Department by calling 911. Request paramedics, even if you feel okay physically. Certain injuries, such as internal wounds or traumatic brain injuries, may not present symptoms until later on. Even if you are okay, the other people involved in the crash may need medical attention.
2. Take photos and videos of the positioning of the vehicles, skid marks, property damage caused by the crash, damage to your vehicle and other personal belongings, your visible injuries, the make and model of the other driver’s vehicle, and their vehicle’s license plate number.Gathering this evidence early on is key to your future legal case, as it can help show the court the extent of the accident and the damages it caused.
3. Gather the contact and insurance information from the other driver involved in the accident. If they refuse to cooperate with you or act combatively, don’t engage with them. Arguing can worsen the situation and may make them reluctant to cooperate in your future legal case.Instead, wait calmly and quietly until law enforcement arrives at the crash site. You can explain the situation to them, and they can collect the information for you.
4. Gather the contact information of anyone nearby who witnessed the accident occur. Your attorney can work quickly to record their official statement about what they saw. This evidence needs to be collected quickly, as memories of traumatic events can change quickly.While at the crash site, do not apologize to anyone or admit fault in the accident. While it may feel instinctual to do so, it can irreparably harm your future legal case and can be used against you.
5. Hire a motorcycle accident attorney to help you decide what legal path to pursue. They can help explain your legal rights and file your case within Iowa’s two-year filing deadline. Filing can be done at the Cerro Gordo County Courthouse, located at 220 North Washington Avenue.While this timeline may seem lengthy, it’s important to file as early as possible. The longer you wait, the harder it can be to prove who was at fault for the accident, and the more your financial and personal losses may grow.

FAQs for Mason City Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Q: What Are Iowa’s Motorcycle Accident Laws?

A: Iowa’s motorcycle accident laws explain who is at fault for the crash and how much compensation they have to pay. Using the evidence provided by both parties, courts assign everyone involved in the accident a percentage of fault. If you are found to be over half at fault for the crash, you cannot recover compensation. Any compensation awarded to you is reduced by your percentage of fault. This system works to hold responsible parties accountable for their direct actions.

Q: What Four Things Do I Need to Prove in My Motorcycle Accident Case?

A: The four things you need to prove in your motorcycle accident case start with proving the wrongdoer had a duty to care for you, which every driver on the road has. You must prove that they failed in their duty and that failure directly caused your injuries. Finally, you have to show that your injuries led to losses. The burden of proof is on the filing party, meaning you need to provide the court with as much evidence as possible.

Q: What Evidence Do I Need for My Mason City Motorcycle Accident Case?

A: You need extensive evidence for your Mason City motorcycle accident case. You and your lawyer can work together to collect:

• witness statements
• testimony from crash reconstruction professionals that detail their professional opinion about the cause of the crash
• security footage or traffic camera footage that caught the accident on video
• copies of your medical reports and bills
• proof of your emotional harm
• the photos and videos taken at the time of the crash
• any other relevant evidence

Q: What Damages Can a Motorcycle Accident Victim Recover?

A: There are two main types of damages that a motorcycle accident victim can recover during their legal case. The first type is economic damages, which help victims recover compensation for their financial losses, including medical bills, property damage to their vehicle and other belongings, and lost income due to not being able to work from injuries.

The second type is non-economic damages, which recover compensation for their emotional damages, such as pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Q: What Are Punitive Damages After a Motorcycle Accident in Mason City?

A: After a motorcycle accident in Mason City, you may be able to request punitive damages. These damages are only awarded in specific cases where the wrongdoer acted with extreme recklessness or negligence. This can include situations of drunk driving, excessive reckless speeding, and intentional road rage.

These damages are meant to further punish the responsible party and deter them from acting similarly in the future. The court can grant you punitive damages alongside economic and non-economic damages.

Hire a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

When it comes to the aftermath of a crash, victims often struggle to get back to their daily lives. Dealing with a legal case on top of personal health and financial struggles can quickly become overwhelming. The team at McGuire Law, PLC, is here to help you take on your case with confidence.

Contact our firm to schedule a free consultation to see how we can help you pursue compensation. We represent clients living in Mason City, Clear Lake, Charles City, Algona, and surrounding areas throughout Iowa.

Mason City Law Resources

• How Long After an Accident Do You Have to File a Claim in Iowa?
• What Is the Liability of Personal Injury?
• What Is Personal Injury Law in Iowa?
• What Is the Statute of Limitations on a Personal Injury Claim in Iowa?
• What Is Considered a Felony in Iowa?

McGuire Law, PLC – Mason City Office

101 South Delaware Avenue
Mason City, IA 50401

Call: 641-670-4841