Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Des Moines
We’re By Your Side Des Moines Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Motorcycle riders injured in Des Moines need clear answers about their rights, insurance claims, and what to do next. Law Tigers’ member Des Moines motorcycle accident lawyers help injured riders navigate Iowa law and pursue compensation after crashes caused by negligent drivers.
Whether your accident happened on I-35, I-80, I-235, or a busy Des Moines street, our local member attorneys understand motorcycle injury claims and the challenges riders face after a serious wreck. Contact Law Tigers 24/7 for a free case review.
Meet Our Des Moines Law Tigers – RSH Legal
Call us to set up an appointment at
515-717-1732
Free Case Evaluation
How Can The Law Tigers Help You?
After a motorcycle accident in Des Moines, you may be dealing with serious injuries, medical bills, time away from work, motorcycle damage, and pressure from insurance companies. You don’t have to navigate the claims process alone. Law Tigers’ member Des Moines motorcycle accident attorneys can review your crash, investigate who was responsible, handle communication with insurers, and explain your options under Iowa law.
Depending on your case, you may be able to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, motorcycle and gear damage, pain and suffering, and other accident-related losses. Our Des Moines member attorneys are supported by the nationwide Law Tigers network, whose member firms have represented tens of thousands of injured riders and recovered more than $1 billion for clients across the country.
There is no charge to have your case reviewed. If a member attorney takes your motorcycle accident case, there are no upfront attorney fees, and attorney fees are collected only if compensation is recovered.
Tell us what happened. Your case review is free, confidential, and available 24/7.
What Makes Motorcycle Accidents in Des Moines Different?
Des Moines riders navigate a mix of interstate traffic, busy city streets, construction zones, and rural roads just outside the metro. Major routes such as I-235, I-35, and I-80 bring together commuters, commercial vehicles, and drivers traveling through central Iowa, creating situations where motorcycles can be difficult for other motorists to see.
Left turns, sudden lane changes, merging traffic, distracted driving, and failure to yield can all lead to serious motorcycle crashes. When an accident happens, understanding where and how the collision occurred can be an important part of determining fault and building an Iowa motorcycle injury claim.
Why You Should Call the Law Tigers?
Here's the harsh truth: Many people and companies will not have your best interest in mind and will fight to make a profit from the worst day of your life. Without experienced, proven, and aggressive motorcycle lawyers fighting for you, you will be the one who loses in that fight. Since 2001, our member lawyers have fought for the rights of injured riders and their families. Contact us to get moving on your case (there’s no charge or obligation for our Case Review).
How Do Iowa Weather and Seasonal Road Conditions Affect Motorcycle Riders?
Iowa’s changing seasons can create challenging conditions for Des Moines motorcyclists. Rain, strong winds, severe storms, temperature changes, and reduced visibility can affect traction and give riders less time to respond to sudden hazards.
Seasonal road conditions can create additional risks. Potholes, loose gravel, construction debris, uneven pavement, and materials left on the roadway can be more difficult to navigate safely on two wheels.
When weather or a dangerous road condition contributes to a motorcycle accident, photographs, weather information, roadway evidence, and witness statements may help establish what happened and whether another party contributed to the crash.
Des Moines Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Motorcycle riders in Des Moines face serious risks every time they head out on the road. Local traffic patterns were largely designed with standard vehicles in mind, and drivers on Des Moines roads like I-235, I-80, and University Avenue often fail to look out for riders until it’s too late. If a careless driver causes a crash that injures you or someone close to you, you need a legal team that understands how motorcycles work and fights for the full compensation you are due.
The Des Moines motorcycle accident lawyers at Law Tigers focus exclusively on riders, and we know how insurance companies try to undervalue these claims. We built our practice around the motorcycle community, and many of us ride the same roads our clients do. From your first phone call with us through the final resolution of your case, we stay by your side and treat your recovery as our priority.
Motorcycle Accidents on Des Moines Roads and Highways
Des Moines riders travel some of the busiest corridors in central Iowa every day. Interstate 235 cuts straight through downtown and carries heavy commuter traffic during morning and evening rush hours. Interstate 35 and Interstate 80 merge near the metro and create bottlenecks that catch many drivers off guard, especially during holiday travel. Grand Avenue, Fleur Drive, and Merle Hay Road all see frequent rider traffic, too, particularly once warmer weather draws more motorcyclists onto central Iowa streets.
Distracted drivers, sudden lane changes, and blind-spot collisions are all too common along these routes. Construction zones near Army Post Road and along I-80 introduce extra hazards for riders, forcing them to navigate uneven pavement and shifting lane patterns. Seasonal riders must also share the road with drivers who often haven’t adjusted their habits for the weather—a gap in awareness that raises crash risk significantly during the early weeks of spring.
Our motorcycle accident lawyers in Des Moines see the same patterns repeat year after year. Drivers who merge onto I-235 without checking their mirrors. Motorists who turn left across oncoming traffic near busy intersections like Ingersoll Avenue. Truckers who drift across lanes near the Mixmaster interchange during supposedly routine commutes. Each of these situations can have devastating consequences for the riders caught in the middle. Our attorneys know the specific dangers that Des Moines riders face on these roads, and we use that knowledge to build strong, well-documented cases against negligent drivers.
Why Motorcycle Accident Claims Are Different
Motorcycle accident claims rarely follow the same trajectory as typical car accident cases. Factors like injury severity, property valuation procedures, and insurer assumptions about riders can all shape how your claim moves forward.
Bias Against Riders
Many adjusters view motorcyclists as reckless by default, and this stereotype often shapes how they evaluate claims from the start. That assumption can lead to lowball offers or flat denials, regardless of who actually caused the collision. A skilled motorcycle lawyer in Des Moines can push back against this unfair bias with solid evidence and clear documentation that places fault where it belongs.
Severity of Injuries
Riders lack the seatbelts, airbags, and steel frames that protect occupants inside passenger vehicles. As such, motorcycle crashes often produce injuries far more severe than those from a typical car accident. This reality increases the value of many motorcycle accident claims, but it also draws closer scrutiny from insurers looking for any reason to limit payouts.
Motorcycle Property Damage
Claims involving motorcycle property damage call for specific knowledge that general adjusters frequently lack. Insurers routinely undervalue bikes, especially those fitted with custom motorcycle parts such as aftermarket exhausts, custom paint, or upgraded suspension components. Our team fights to secure fair value for your motorcycle, including every upgrade you’ve invested in over time.
Iowa Motorcycle Accident Laws Riders Should Know
Iowa motorcycle law includes several provisions that directly shape injured riders’ claims. Here’s an overview of the rules that could come into play in your motorcycle accident case.
Iowa Motorcycle Helmet Laws
Riders aren’t required to wear helmets under current Iowa motorcycle helmet laws, so a rider’s choice to go without one generally won’t reduce their compensation claim. However, insurers sometimes raise the issue anyway during negotiations, hoping riders won’t push back. An experienced attorney will know how to counter this type of argument and keep the focus on the at-fault driver’s conduct.
Iowa Comparative Fault
Iowa follows a comparative fault system in cases involving multiple at-fault parties. Under this system, you can still recover compensation as long as you are less than 51 percent at fault for the crash. However, the greater your fault percentage, the lower your final payout will be, so it’s best to work with a seasoned motorcycle accident lawyer from day one if the other party tries to pin any blame on you.
Iowa Motorcycle Accident Statute of Limitations
You generally have two years from the date of the crash to file suit under Iowa’s motorcycle accident statute of limitations. If you miss this deadline, you could lose your right to recover any compensation at all, regardless of how strong your underlying case may be, so it’s best to act quickly. Prompt action is also important for preserving useful evidence and witness memories before they fade.
Iowa Motorcycle Insurance Requirements
Iowa requires drivers to carry liability insurance, though coverage limits vary widely between policies. Riders should ensure their Iowa motorcycle insurance policies contain sufficient coverage for themselves and their bikes, including by purchasing uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This coverage can prove critical if an at-fault driver carries inadequate insurance or none at all.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Des Moines
Certain patterns appear again and again in the motorcycle crash evidence our attorneys review across the metro. Some of the most common causes we see in the motorcycle crash cases we handle include:
- Left-Turn Collisions: Drivers turning left at intersections often misjudge the speed and distance of oncoming motorcyclists, which can result in direct collisions.
- Distracted Driving: Phone use, eating, and other distractions cause many drivers to miss riders entirely, even in clear daylight conditions.
- Lane Changes Without Signaling: Drivers merging without checking their mirrors or blind spots frequently strike motorcycles riding alongside them.
- Following Too Closely: Preventable rear-end collisions can happen when drivers tailgate riders at stoplights or in slow-moving traffic near downtown.
- Poor Road Conditions: Road defects like potholes, loose gravel, and construction debris can create hazards that affect two-wheeled vehicles differently than passenger cars.
- Impaired Driving: Alcohol and drug use cause preventable motorcycle crashes every day, particularly on weekend nights.
- Speeding: Excess speed shortens reaction time for drivers and increases the severity of any resulting collisions.
Common Injuries After a Motorcycle Crash
Motorcycle accidents frequently cause severe, life-altering injuries. Riders lack the physical protection that surrounds drivers inside passenger vehicles, so even a moderate-speed collision can cause harm with consequences that linger for months or years. Injuries our clients commonly experience include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries: Head trauma can produce long-term cognitive and physical impairments that sometimes last a lifetime.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spine can result in partial or complete paralysis that may demand lifelong medical care.
- Road Rash: Skin abrasions from sliding across pavement often require extensive treatment and carry a substantial risk of infection.
- Broken Bones: Riders frequently suffer fractures to the arms, legs, collarbone, and pelvis during traffic collisions.
- Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma can damage the internal organs in ways that aren’t always immediately obvious after an accident.
- Nerve Damage: Crush injuries and joint dislocations can damage nerves, potentially leading to lasting loss of sensation or function.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Des Moines
The steps you take right after a crash can shape the outcome of any future claim you file. Clear, prompt action is key to protecting both your health and your legal rights. Here’s what you should do.
Seek Medical Attention
Get medical care right away, even if your injuries seem minor at first. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or a concussion, don’t produce symptoms immediately and can worsen without prompt treatment. Additionally, a formal medical record of your condition can be key to supporting your injury claim.
Document the Scene
Take photos of the crash site, the vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. This motorcycle crash evidence may prove critical later, especially as memories start to fade with time.
Gather Witness Information
Collect the names and contact information of anyone who saw the crash firsthand. Unbiased witness statements often carry significant weight during settlement negotiations and, if necessary, at trial.
Avoid Discussing Fault
Don’t discuss fault with the other driver or their insurance company at the scene. Any apologies or statements you make can be used against you later, even if you intended them as a simple courtesy.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Reach out to a Des Moines motorcycle accident attorney before you speak with any insurance adjuster. Early legal guidance can help you avoid costly mistakes and protect the full value of your eventual claim.
Who Can Be Responsible for a Des Moines Motorcycle Accident?
The types and amount of compensation you can get for your claim depend heavily on who the law holds responsible for the crash. Some cases involve a single at-fault driver, while others involve additional parties whose actions or inaction played a role.
Negligent Drivers
Most motorcycle accidents involve some form of driver negligence. Proof of negligent behaviors like speeding, driving distracted, or failing to yield can all support a strong claim against an at-fault driver.
Government Entities
Poor road design or maintenance plays a direct role in some motorcycle wrecks. If a pothole, a malfunctioning traffic signal, or debris on a city or county road contributes to an accident, a government entity may bear some share of responsibility.
Motorcycle or Vehicle Manufacturers
Defective parts occasionally cause or worsen crashes beyond what driver error alone would explain. If vehicle or motorcycle equipment failure plays a role in a collision, the manufacturer may share liability for any resulting injuries.
What Compensation May Be Available After an Iowa Motorcycle Accident?
You may qualify for several distinct types of compensation after a motorcycle crash, depending on the severity of the collision and its impact on your life. Our attorneys evaluate every case individually to identify the full scope of what you truly deserve, which may include compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: The costs of hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, medication, and anticipated future treatment
- Lost Wages: Any income you lost during your recovery, along with reductions in your future earning capacity caused by any lasting injuries
- Motorcycle Property Damage: Fair value for your bike, including any custom motorcycle parts, protective gear, or accessories damaged in the crash
- Pain and Suffering: The physical pain and emotional distress you suffer due to the crash
- Wrongful Death: Funeral expenses, lost financial support, and other wrongful death-related losses suffered by families who lose a loved one in a motorcycle wrongful death case
Motorcycle insurance claims rarely account for every one of these losses without a fight from the insurer. Our attorneys build a complete picture of your losses before we ever accept a settlement offer, and we tirelessly push for a figure that reflects your full recovery, not just your immediate medical bills.
Meet Your Des Moines Law Tigers Attorneys
The motorcycle accident attorneys at our Des Moines office bring decades of combined trial experience to every motorcycle accident case they handle for injured riders.
Tim Semelroth
Tim Semelroth is a board-certified trial attorney and a past president of the Iowa Association for Justice. He has taught as an adjunct professor at the University of Iowa College of Law, one of the top-ranked law schools in the country, and he brings that depth of legal knowledge to every case he accepts.
Pressley Henningsen
Pressley Henningsen has likewise served as president of the Iowa Association for Justice and has been inducted into the American Board of Trial Advocates. He has earned an AV-Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, and his published writing on professional negligence reflects a career built on careful, top-tier advocacy for injured clients.
Together, Tim and Pressley lead a team that understands the specific challenges injured riders face after preventable crashes on Des Moines roads. Many attorneys and staff members at our firm are riders themselves, and that firsthand experience shapes how we approach every claim. When you work with our Des Moines motorcycle accident lawyers, you gain a team that treats your case with real attention and fights for the full compensation the law allows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the common questions asked.
Please consult with our Member Iowa motorcycle accident lawyers for full answers and details. Consultations are free!