Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Des Moines

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Des Moines, Iowa?

  The non-emergency contact number for the Des Moines Police Department is +1 515-283-4811.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Des Moines, Iowa?

  A copy of the police report for the accident can be accessed online by clicking the Public Records Request Form on its website (https://www.dsm.city › police-division › administrative). You can also mail the completed application form in Spanish to the Des Moines Police Department: 25 East 1st Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50309.

• What should you NOT do after a motorcycle accident in Des Moines?

  Do not give statements right away. You should focus on seeing a doctor for injuries and getting healthy, not giving an insurance adjuster a statement. If the other side's insurance company contacts you, tell them you will not speak with them until you have fully recovered and spoken with an attorney.

• How long does a motorcycle accident claim settlement in Des Moines take?

  The time it takes to settle a motorcycle accident claim in Des Moines can range from less than a month to more than a year. It is possible that you will have to wait 20–30 days before receiving the first settlement offer from the insurance company. The length of time depends on how long the negotiation takes, from several weeks to several months.

• How long do motorcycle no-claims last in Des Moines?

  In Des Moines and the rest of Iowa, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to initiate a lawsuit or settle your car accident case. A no-claims bonus is valid for two years after your insurance policy expires. You can use your no-claims bonus to get a discount on your policy if you insure your bike within this time frame. When the two-year period expires, you must usually start over from zero NCB.

• How many years after a motorcycle accident in Des Moines can you claim compensation?

  If you were injured in a motorcycle accident or if a loved one died in a motorcycle accident, you generally have two years to file a claim in Des Moines. The statute of limitations usually begins to run on the date of the accident if you were injured or on the date of death if your loved one was killed.

• Why do you need a motorcycle accident attorney in Des Moines?

  If you have suffered a serious injury in a motorcycle accident in Des Moines, a lawyer can assist you in maximizing your recovery. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer understands the worth of your case and can get an insurance company to pay you maximum compensation for your pain and suffering. Riders who attempt to pursue their claim without the support of experienced attorneys may be unable to obtain fair compensation for their losses. Even if the injuries are severe, without a strong case, the motorcyclist may end up with nothing.

• What does a motorcycle accident attorney do?

  Motorcycle accident attorneys provide legal advice, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent accident victims in and out of court. They investigate the cause of collisions, establish fault, value claims, prepare legal documents, and fight to recover adequate compensation for their clients. Most lawyers in this practice area also handle car and truck accidents and other personal injury claims.

• What is my motorcycle accident injury claim worth?

  Injured motorcyclists may be eligible for several types of compensation depending on their losses, state of residence, and level of fault. Whether or not they were wearing a helmet may also come into play. A lawyer can help to evaluate claims based on medical expenses, property damage, past and future lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.

• How long after a motorcycle accident can you claim an injury?

  The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, each state has its own rules. In Tennessee and Louisiana, for example, victims of motorcycle accidents have just one year to file a lawsuit. In Maine, Minnesota, and North Dakota, individuals have up to six years to initiate a claim.

• What is the average settlement for a motorcycle accident injury?

  Based on eight years of national data, the average verdict in motorcycle accident cases ranges from $74,000 to $560,000. Also note that the majority of claims are settled out of court. Riders may receive compensatory damages for medical bills, property damage, and lost wages, as well as general damages for emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. Additionally, in states that follow a comparative negligence model, the plaintiff’s claim may be reduced according to his or her level of fault.

• What is the first thing I should do after a motorcycle accident?

  The steps that you take immediately after a collision can be instrumental in proving an accident or injury claim. In general, you should follow these guidelines:

  • Gather insurance and contact information from the other driver and any witnesses.
  • Contact law enforcement to report the collision and complete an accident report.
  • Document injuries, property damage, and road conditions.
  • Visit a doctor or hospital within 24 hours.
  • Avoid discussing the accident with the other driver or their insurance company.

  
  

• How does the motorcycle injury claim process work?

  Motorcycle accident cases typically start with an insurance claim. After documenting their client’s losses and establishing fault, attorneys generally prepare a demand letter requesting compensation from the other driver’s insurance company. It can take anywhere from one to six months for insurance adjusters to make a settlement offer. If the company denies the claim or the parties can’t reach an agreement, the lawyer can prepare a notice of intent to sue and file a formal lawsuit with the appropriate court.

• How do many motorcycle crashes happen?

  The most common causes for motorcycle collisions are drunk driving, exceeding the speed limit, and left turns. In 42% of all motorcycle collision fatalities, another vehicle turned left in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Motorcycle accidents are also caused by dangerous road conditions, such as crumbling pavement, debris in the road, and potholes. Other factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents include unsafe lane changes, sudden stops, lane splitting, inexperienced drivers, motorcycle defects, and car doors opened in the path of a motorcycle.

• How many motorcyclists get into accidents?

  In 2017, of the over 8 million motorcycle riders that year, approximately 89,000 were injured in motorcycle accidents and over 5,000 motorcycle collisions resulted in fatalities. The fatality rate for 100 million miles driven is 25.67, which is largely attributed to the lack of helmet use. Most fatal crashes involving motorcycles happened during the heaviest traffic times between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

• Are motorcycles more dangerous than cars?

  Motorcycles are more dangerous than cars because they lack any protection for the rider in the event of an accident. Motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in a crash and more than five times more likely to be injured than those riding in enclosed vehicles. Because of their small size, motorcycles’ lack of visibility is a major contributing factor in collisions with other vehicles. Motorcycles are also more vulnerable to weather conditions and road hazards than other automobiles.

• How do you check a motorcycle after a crash?

  For a minor crash with no injuries, the immediate danger is being struck again by oncoming traffic, so moving your bike off of the road as soon as possible is imperative. Check your mirrors, brake lights, headlight, and controls. You should also check to make sure there is no leaking fluid, such as fuel or oil.