Strong Advocates
For the Injured And For A Safer Iowa

Des Moines Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Recovering from a motorcycle accident can be an overwhelming journey. At Galligan Law, we understand the physical and emotional challenges you are facing. The road to recovery is tough, and the legal hurdles can seem insurmountable. But you are not alone. Our Des Moines motorcycle accident attorneys are here to provide the guidance and support you need during this difficult time.

At Galligan Law, we provide legal support and guidance for those who have suffered due to motorcycle accidents in the Des Moines area and statewide. Our firm is built on a legacy of service, with a commitment to not only serving our clients but also bettering the community.

Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney Proudly Serving Des Moines

We are dedicated to holding responsible parties accountable for your suffering and take pride in our role in advocating for a safer Iowa. With a proven track record of success, having obtained millions for our clients, we are prepared to help you shoulder your legal burdens. Our goal is to allow you the space and peace of mind to focus on what’s most important – your healing.

What Are The Most Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents?

Motorcycle accidents can leave a lasting impact on your life, and navigating the legal process in the aftermath can be daunting. Motorcycle accidents can happen due to a variety of reasons, from negligent drivers on the road to hazardous road conditions.

  • Distracted driving: A driver who texts, eats or looks away for even a moment can miss a motorcyclist entirely.
  • Speeding: Excessive speed shortens the window to react and multiplies the force of impact, turning what might be a minor collision into a life-threatening one for a rider.
  • Road hazards: Potholes, loose gravel, debris and uneven pavement that a car might roll over without issue can instantly destabilize a motorcycle.
  • Impaired driving: Alcohol and drugs dull perception, slow reflexes and impair judgment, making it far more likely that a driver will fail to see or react to a rider in time.
  • Weather conditions: Rain reduces traction and visibility, fog obscures distance and ice makes it nearly impossible to stop quickly.
  • Vehicle malfunctions: A blown tire, failing brakes or a steering defect can strip a rider of control in an instant, often before there is any warning.
  • Failure to yield: Drivers who disregard the right-of-way at intersections frequently pull out or turn directly into a motorcycle’s path.
  • Unsafe lane changes: Merging without checking blind spots leaves riders with nowhere to go.
  • Tailgating: Following too closely gives drivers little time to stop when a motorcyclist slows or brakes.

Because motorcyclists lack the body of a car or another vehicle around them, collisions often have serious consequences and can lead to catastrophic injuries and fatalities. Commonly, motorcycle crashes result in traumatic brain injuries, burns, back and spine injuries, broken bones and fatalities.

What Are Typical Injuries Suffered In Des Moines Motorcycle Crashes?

Motorcycle crashes commonly cause serious, life-altering injuries, including:

  • Traumatic brain injuries: A hard blow to the head can result in lasting cognitive and physical damage.
  • Spinal cord injuries: Spine trauma may cause chronic pain, limited mobility or paralysis.
  • Biker’s arm: Bracing for impact often leaves the arm with nerve damage and fractures.
  • Burns: Engine heat or pavement friction can cause deep, painful burns.
  • Broken bones: A thrown rider commonly suffers fractures to the legs, wrists or ribs.
  • Road rash: Pavement contact strips skin and raises the risk of infection and scarring.
  • Mental and emotional trauma: Serious crashes often bring anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress.

Prompt medical treatment protects your health and strengthens any future claim.

You Deserve Compensation For Your Injuries

After a motorcycle accident in Iowa, the types of compensation available to you in a personal injury claim include economic and noneconomic damages. Economic damages cover quantifiable losses such as medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages and lost earning capacity. Noneconomic damages address the more intangible consequences of an accident, like pain and suffering, disfigurement and mental anguish.

In Iowa, working with a knowledgeable attorney is crucial to ensuring that your rights are protected and to help you file a personal injury claim effectively. With Galligan Law, you gain a partner who understands the intricacies of Iowa law and who will fight tirelessly for the compensation you deserve.

Is Lane Splitting Legal In Iowa?

No, lane splitting is not legal in Iowa. Riders may not ride between lanes of slow or stopped traffic, and doing so can lead to citations. Iowa law treats motorcycles as full vehicles that must occupy a single lane. If a crash occurs while a rider is lane splitting, that conduct could affect how fault is assigned in a claim.

Can I File A Motorcycle Accident Claim If I Was Not Wearing A Helmet?

Yes, you can still file a claim even if you were not wearing a helmet. Iowa does not require adult riders to wear helmets, so going without one does not bar your recovery. Iowa follows a comparative fault rule, which means your compensation may be reduced if your own actions contributed to your injuries.

Take The First Step Toward Recovery Today With An Iowa Motorcycle Accident Attorney

If you suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident, we can help you take the first step towards your recovery. Contact Galligan Law at 515-316-6179 or send us a message through our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. Our Des Moines accident attorneys are ready to listen to your story, provide the compassionate support you need, and guide you through the legal process to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.