Cedar Rapids Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

We Fight for the Rights of Injured Motorcyclists in Cedar Rapids

There’s nothing like the feeling of getting out on your motorcycle after a long Cedar Rapids winter. Unfortunately, too many drivers don’t watch out for motorcycle riders and serious accidents occur. According to the Iowa Department of Transportation, 63 people were killed in motorcycle accidents in 2023 alone. Many hundreds of riders in Iowa have suffered serious injuries in bike wrecks. If you have been seriously injured in an accident in Cedar Rapids, you need to talk to the motorcycle lawyers who will fight for fairness for you. At RSH Legal, our Cedar Rapids motorcycle accident lawyers will fight for fairness for you. If you were hurt in a crash, please do not hesitate to contact us at our Cedar Rapids office for a free consultation with a top-rated Iowa motorcycle accident attorney.

Motorcyclists are Vulnerable: Accidents Can Cause Serious Injuries

Motorcyclists are inherently vulnerable. Even when wearing a properly-fitted motorcycle helmet and other proper gear, riders have limited protection. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 80 percent of motorcycle crashes result in physical injuries to the rider. Unfortunately, these injuries are disproportionately likely to be serious or catastrophic. Our Cedar Rapids, IA motorcycle accident lawyers handle the full range of injuries, including:

• Road rash;
• Biker’s arm;
• Whiplash;
• Sprains;
• Strains;
• Broken bones;
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs);
• Spinal cord damage;
• Internal organ injuries; and
• Loss of limbs.

Know the Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Crash in Cedar Rapids

Were you involved in a motorcycle crash in Cedar Rapids or elsewhere in Linn County? It is imperative that you take immediate action to protect yourself and your rights. Here are five things to do after a motorcycle collision:

1. Call 911 and Report the Motorcycle Crash: The first thing you should do after a motorcycle accident in Cedar Rapids is call 911 to report the crash. Law enforcement will document the scene of the crash, which will be crucial information for your claim. All injury crashes in Iowa should be reported.
2. Seek Immediate Medical Attention—Even for Seemingly Minor Injuries: Motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries, but even if you feel fine, it is essential to get checked by a doctor. Without medical records,it’s next to impossible to prove you were hurt enough to get compensation for it. .
3. Gather Evidence at the Scene (If You Are Able): If you are capable, take photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible injuries. Also, get the names and contact information of any witnesses who saw what happened.
4. Notify Your Insurance Company About the Crash: You should report the motorcycle accident to your insurance provider as soon as possible, but be cautious about what you say. Avoid admitting fault or giving a recorded statement. You only need to tell them that it happened, not give details. .
5. Consult With a Cedar Rapids Motorcycle Accident Attorney: A top-rated Cedar Rapids motorcycle accident lawyer can help you navigate the claims process, deal with insurance companies, and pursue full compensation for your damages.

What Most People Get Wrong about Cedar Rapids Motorcycle Accidents

If The Accident Wasn’t Your Fault, You’re Automatically Entitled To Compensation.

It takes more than being seriously injured in a motorcycle accident to get compensation for those injuries. The person responsible for your crash must also be able to pay for the harms and losses you suffered.

If the at-fault driver had no insurance, or not enough insurance to pay all of your bills, then your own insurance company may need to make up the difference.

That’s why it’s so important to have enough uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage in your personal motorcycle insurance policy – it could mean the difference of getting your bills paid or being stuck paying them out of your pocket.

You Always Need An Attorney. 

Hiring an attorney is an investment. If a motorcycle accident causes serious injury or a need for lots of medical care, hiring an attorney is usually a smart move. If it was only vehicle damage and there were no injuries, you probably don’t need a lawyer.

Even though you may not need to hire an attorney, consulting with one after any significant crash is a good idea.

Most Iowa lawyers will offer a free, no-obligation case evaluation to speak with you about your case and tell you whether you need an attorney. You can get free advice without signing any paperwork – so you are informed about your rights and make the right decision about your claim.

Any Attorney Can Handle Your Motorcycle Accident Claim. 

Many people – including some lawyers – seem to think motorcycle accidents are like any other traffic accident and can be treated as such.

That’s not true.

Not only are the vehicles involved very different, but laws and regulations governing motorcycles and motorcycle riders can also be different than the basic rules of the road.

Understanding motorcycles is essential to handling a serious motorcycle accident case in Cedar Rapids. Without that kind of specialized knowledge, you may not get the settlement you deserve.If you were in a serious motorcycle crash in Cedar Rapids, you need to call our skilled motorcycle accident lawyers at 1-800-433-0283 today.

Settling Your Cedar Rapids Motorcycle Accident Claim on Your Own

A quick settlement after a motorcycle crash is not always in your best interest. It’s important to remember that insurance corporations will only issue one settlement check for your claim. After that check, the other driver’s insurance company will not pay you any more money for your claim – even if you need future medical treatment.

If you are:

• Still receiving medical care for your accident-related injuries;
• Will require additional medical care in the future; OR
• Haven’t been able to return to activities, specifically work-related activities

You should usually avoid settling your case too quickly.

Another thing to consider in negotiating your own settlement is knowing how much to ask for to settle. There are a few challenges with this.

If you ask for too much at the beginning of settlement negotiations, the insurance adjuster will stop taking you seriously. If you ask for too little, you may be limiting yourself on the amount of money you can receive – even if you are actually entitled to more money.

Insurance adjusters handle hundreds or even thousands of insurance claims per year. They have a much better idea about what your claim is worth than you do.

That’s why we recommend speaking with an experienced Cedar Rapids motorcycle accident lawyer before you try to settle your case.

Recovering the Maximum Compensation for Motorcycle Accident Victims

If you were injured in a motorcycle crash in Cedar Rapids, Linn County, or elsewhere in Eastern Iowa, you may be able to recover for both economic losses and non-economic damages under Iowa law. How much can you expect to get in a settlement or verdict? The answer depends on many case-driven factors, including liability and damages. Our Cedar Rapids, IA motorcycle accident lawyers can help you get a fair settlement, which could include compensation for things like:

• Motorcycle repairs;
• Emergency room care;
• Hospital bills;
• Other medical costs;
• Physical therapy;
• Loss of wages;
• Diminished earnings;
• Pain and suffering;
• Permanent disability;
• Reduced life quality; and
• Wrongful death.

Why Injured Motorcyclists in Cedar Rapids Trust RSH Legal

Hurt in a bad motorcycle wreck? You probably have a lot of questions. Insurance companies can be very difficult to work with after you’ve been in a crash. At RSH Legal, our settlements and verdicts tell the story best. For example, we recently recovered $300,000 in financial compensation for a 43-year-old who was killed in a motorcycle crash and was partially at fault. When you reach out to our Cedar Rapids law office, you will have an opportunity to speak to an Iowa motorcycle crash lawyer who can:

• Conduct a free, confidential review of your case;
• Investigate your motorcycle crash in Cedar Rapids;
• Represent you in settlement discussions with insurance companies; and
• Develop a comprehensive strategy to help you get justice and the maximum recovery for your injuries.

Motorcycle Accidents in Cedar Rapids: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Should I Look for in a Cedar Rapids Motorcycle Accident Attorney?

When choosing a motorcycle accident attorney in Cedar Rapids, look for someone with extensive experience handling motorcycle injury claims. Your lawyer should have a strong track record of success.

Should I Give a Statement to an Insurance Company After a Crash?

No, not without first speaking to a Cedar Rapids, IA motorcycle accident attorney. It is best to avoid giving a recorded statement to any insurance company without first consulting a lawyer – even your own insurance company. Insurance adjusters may try to use your words against you to reduce or deny your claim. Instead, you should have an attorney handle communications with insurers.

Is Motorcycle Lane Splitting Allowed in Iowa?

No, motorcycle lane splitting is not legal in Iowa. The law requires motorcyclists to follow regular traffic rules and prohibits them from riding between lanes or passing vehicles within the same lane. You risk being held liable if you are involved in a crash while lane splitting.

Are Motorcycle Helmets Required By Law in Iowa?

Iowa is one of the few states that does not have a universal motorcycle helmet law. While helmets are not legally required, wearing one is strongly recommended to reduce the risk of serious head injuries, including TBIs. Motorcycle helmets help to prevent brain injuries and even save lives.

Is My Motorcycle Injury Case Likely to Go to Trial?

No. Most motorcycle accident cases are settled outside of court through negotiations with insurance companies. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, you have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit and to take your case to court in Linn County.

What Does it Cost to Hire Us?

Nothing. We work on a contingency-fee basis. “Contingency” means you pay nothing upfront, and you pay nothing unless we win for you.

We also front the expenses involved in your case like medical records and other fees and deduct them from the settlement we get for you. You don’t owe us anything until we fight for fairness and win for you.

There’s no reason to wait for your free, no-obligation case evaluation. Call our experienced Cedar Rapids motorcycle accident lawyers at 1-800-433-0283 today.

Contact Our Cedar Rapids Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Today

At RSH Legal, our Cedar Rapids motorcycle accident lawyers invest time, resources, and attention to detail into each and every case. Hurt in a serious crash? We are here to help. Contact our team today for a no cost, no obligation case review. With an office in Cedar Rapids, we handle motorcycle accident claims in Linn County and throughout Iowa.

Tim Semelroth

Board-Certified Trial Attorney

Pressley Henningsen

AV-Rated Trial Attorney