Des Moines Motorcycle Accident Attorney

What To Do After A Motorcycle Crash

The moments and days after a crash can feel chaotic. You may be in pain, dealing with the emergency room, and getting calls from insurance adjusters. Knowing a few practical steps can help protect both your health and your legal rights after a motorcycle accident in the Des Moines area.

Your first priority should be safety and medical care. If you can, move out of traffic and wait for help. Call 911 so law enforcement and medical responders can come to the scene and create an official Iowa accident report. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, it is important to let paramedics check you and to follow up with a doctor soon after the crash.

If it is safe to do so, exchange names, contact details, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information with the other driver. When you are able, take photos of the vehicles, the scene, your motorcycle, skid marks, traffic controls, and any visible injuries. Pictures of damaged riding gear and helmets can also help show the severity of the impact.

Many riders feel pressure to explain what happened or to apologize at the scene, especially if the other driver is upset. It is usually better to stick to basic facts with officers and let the investigation determine fault. When the other driver’s insurer calls, you are often not required to give a detailed recorded statement right away, and doing so too soon can be risky when you are still shaken and do not know the full extent of your injuries.

Before you sign forms or accept any payment from the insurance company, it can be helpful to talk with a motorcycle accident lawyer Des Moines riders can turn to for guidance. Pothitakis Law Firm can review what happened, explain how Iowa law may apply, and help you avoid common insurance mistakes that might reduce the value of your claim later.

Common Causes & Injuries

Motorcycle crashes in and around Des Moines often occur even when the rider is doing everything reasonably possible to stay safe. Other drivers sometimes fail to look for motorcycles or misjudge their speed and distance. Road conditions can also play a larger role for a bike than for a car or truck.

Common causes of motorcycle crashes include drivers turning left in front of an oncoming bike, unsafe lane changes, distracted driving, and failing to yield the right of way at intersections. Riders may also encounter hazards such as loose gravel, potholes, or debris on streets or on roads leading into Des Moines, and these can cause a sudden loss of control.

After a crash, fault is not always clear from the initial report. Insurers sometimes assume that the motorcyclist was speeding or taking risks, even when that is not supported by the evidence. Under Iowa law, comparative fault rules can come into play, which means that careful investigation and documentation are important when responsibility is disputed.

The injuries from a motorcycle collision can be severe, even at lower speeds. Riders commonly suffer fractures, road rash, head and brain injuries, spinal injuries, internal injuries, or significant damage to shoulders, knees, and other joints. These injuries may require surgery, hospitalization, and lengthy physical therapy, and they can limit a person’s ability to return to work or to the type of work they did before the crash.

Some injuries heal with time, while others may lead to chronic pain or permanent restrictions. Any settlement or award should take into account not just current bills but also expected future care, possible complications, and the impact on earning capacity. A law firm that regularly handles serious injury cases can help identify and document these long term issues, so they are properly presented in negotiations or litigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the insurance company blames me?

Insurers often suggest that riders share fault. The firm reviews the evidence, including the crash report and witness statements, under Iowa’s comparative fault rules. The goal is to challenge unfair assumptions and to present facts that support your version of how the collision happened.

Can you help if I was riding for work?

Yes, the firm handles both Iowa workers’ compensation claims and related third party injury cases. If you were riding for your job when the crash occurred, the team can evaluate possible work benefits and any claim against an at fault driver, then explain how the two may interact.

Do I need to live near your office?

No, Pothitakis Law Firm represents clients across Iowa, including those injured in Des Moines. Many consultations and follow up meetings can be handled by phone or through virtual appointments. This helps injured riders get legal guidance without traveling long distances while they recover.

How long will my motorcycle case take?

The length of a case depends on factors such as medical recovery, the complexity of fault issues, and how the insurance company responds. Some matters resolve in a few months, while others take longer. The firm works to keep clients informed about timing as the case progresses.