Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Des Moines, IA

Motorcycle riders are at increased risk for injury than other drivers. In fact, motorcyclists are 25 times more likely to be killed on U.S. roadways in an auto crash than the passengers of other types of vehicles. In 2018, 42 motorcyclists lost their lives in motorcycle crashes and thousands more were injured. Even though all other motorists are obligated to drive safely, to be aware of other vehicles on the roads—including motorcycles—errors happen as statistics show. The fact is, motorcycle riders aren’t protected by steel frames or air bags as other drivers are. When a collision occurs, they’re at greater risk for catastrophic—even life-threatening injuries.

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident on Iowa roadways, an accident that was cause by the fault of another, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. While winning a monetary award can’t undo the pain and suffering you experienced as a result of your injuries, it can help to alleviate the financial burden that these types of accidents often cause.

Rouse Law P.C. is a Des Moines-based law firm founded by principal Attorney Ward A. (Sam) Rouse. He’s been practicing personal injury law for nearly a quarter of a century. He has helped many motorcycle crash victims achieve lucrative settlement sums as well as by-verdict compensation awards. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash, contact Mr. Rouse for a free initial consultation.

No Fees Until We Win!

Motorcycle crashes often involve serious injuries. Motorcyclists may be left with injuries that prevent them from working. They can face staggering medical bills. We understand that the recovery process from a motorcycle crash can be harrowing. Our goal is to help accident victims. We believe in withholding our legal fees until we’re able to achieve a settlement agreement or win a compensation award at trial. We understand the financial difficulties that accidents cause for victims and their families. That’s why we won’t send you a bill unless we’re successful at winning your claim.

Rouse Law Represents Motorcycle Accident Victims

Mr. Rouse focuses on various types of personal injury cases including motorcycle accidents. He has helped hundreds of motorcycle accident victims achieve compensation either through negotiation measures or litigation. He excels in both the negotiation or courtroom setting. His firm is small, but it has achieved big results over the years. When you retain the services of Mr. Rouse, you can count on him to provide you with personalized care. He will get to know each detail of your case in order to provide you with the most effective representation and legal counsel.

Motorcycle Collisions in Iowa

Most motorcycle collisions on Iowa’s highways and byways include a motorcycle and another vehicle. Often, it’s the driver of the other vehicle is at fault. Too often we hear the driver proclaim: “I didn’t see the motorcycle.” Yet, they have a responsibility to be aware of other vehicles in their proximity. In our experience, most motorcycle crashes occur because the other driver engages in the following careless or reckless behaviors:

Tailgating
Speeding
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Driving drowsy or fatigued
Failing to yield
Improper lane changes
Failing to check mirrors
Running a stop sign or red light
Eating or talking on their cellphone
Texting
Failing to note the motorcycle’s turn signal
Failing to follow other rules of the road

Regardless of what caused the crash, we work to help victims if that crash involved careless or reckless driving. If another driver caused you injury, you are entitled to fair compensation in accordance with Iowa law. Even the simplest mistakes—failing to see your turn signal can result in life-changing injuries for a motorcycle rider. We take your claim seriously. If you’ve been injured because of someone’s careless, reckless, or negligent driving, we want to help.

Common Types of Motorcycle Crash Injuries

Motorcyclists are at increased risk for serious injuries if involved in a collision. Some of these injuries can include:

Traumatic brain injury
Concussion
Road Rash
Cuts / Lacerations
Amputation
Organ Damage
Internal Bleeding
Spinal Damage
Fractures and broken bones
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

A motorcycle crash can involve life-changing injuries. Some riders may recover in a matter of weeks or months from their injuries, but others may be left permanently disabled or disfigured. These situations can be catastrophic for motorcycle riders and their families. It’s not uncommon for accident victims to require multiple surgeries and months of rehabilitation. Some victims may never fully recover. Some are left unable to work. Each case is different, and that’s why Attorney Rouse tailors his services to your particular situation. He will fight for your right for fair compensation at the negotiation table or in the courtroom. And you can always count on him to provide you with his honest legal advice.

Monetary Compensation

Motorcycle accident victims can sue for damages that include economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages can include:

Medical expenses related to the injuries (emergency room treatment, doctor visits, medication, medical equipment or devices, surgery, rehabilitation stays, physical therapy, tests and scans, etc…)
Future medical costs (many motorcycle accident victims will require on-going or long-lasting medical treatment that goes on long after their claim is settled
Lost work wages
Future lost work wages
Property damage

Victims of motorcycle crashes can also seek damages for the pain and suffering they endured as a result of their injuries. Attorney Rouse takes great care in helping accident victims arrive at a fair compensation amount. It’s important to have a sum in mind before heading into negotiation sessions. Insurers will try to offer less than what is likely a fair amount. It’s our job to hold them and their careless driver accountable for damages.

Time Limits for Filing a Motorcycle Accident Claim

In Iowa, victims of motorcycle accidents have two years from the date of the accident to file their claim. Mr. Rouse can file the court documents on your behalf.

Helping Motorcycle Accident Victims Achieve Justice

Mr. Rouse and his associates are passionate about helping accident victims achieve the compensation they deserve. He will be a strong legal advocate throughout the entire legal process. He and his firm provide professional legal services that include:

Carefully evaluate your case: Mr. Rouse will assess your claim detail by detail to understand its merits and challenges.
File court documents: Mr. Rouse can handle all court filings and case-related paperwork. He will make sure forms are filled out with accuracy.
Investigate: Mr. Rouse and his associates will try to procure evidence that supports your claim. This may include procuring video footage, photos, or witness accounts.
Communicate with at-fault party: Mr. Rouse will communicate with the insurer companies as well as the at-fault party’s attorneys on your behalf.
Negotiate or litigate your claim: Mr. Rouse is an experienced negotiator and litigator. He will aggressively pursue your right to fair monetary compensation.

In some cases, it’s necessary to consult with medical experts about the accident victim’s condition and likely future medical needs. Sometimes we will also procure the services of an actuary to help us arrive at a fair compensation amount. When injuries are catastrophic and the client is unable to return to work, we need to carefully calculate what those lost wages will amount to.

Call Attorney Rouse Right Away

It’s always best to contact Mr. Rouse as soon as possible after you’ve been involved in a motorcycle crash. If you wait to long to contact your motorcycle crash attorney, you could lose vital evidence that could have supported your claim. As soon as you contact Mr. Rouse, he and his associates can get to work gathering evidence. He can obtain witness accounts before they forget important details or become impossible to track down. He can obtain photos of the damaged vehicles before they’re repaired or destroyed.

Naturally, you should first seek out medical care. Then, make sure that police generate an accident report. After this, contact Mr. Rouse. He can even deal with insurance companies on your behalf, and that’s important as you could say or do something to harm your case.

Remember, Rouse Law will not charge you our fees unless we win your case and all initial consultations at our firm are free. Call to schedule your consultation appointment so that Mr. Rouse can review your claim and provide you with some helpful preliminary advice. If you choose to allow Mr. Rouse to represent you, you can rely on his unwavering support and aggressive representation of your claim.