Who Is At Fault in a Motorcycle Accident in Iowa?

Motorcycle accidents can be devastating, often leaving victims with daily pain, limited mobility, and massive medical bills. With their injuries keeping them out of work, options for paying off those medical bills become limited, and a financial crisis becomes inevitable. 

If this sounds like you, you’re not alone, and there is hope. You may have a valid personal injury claim against the person who caused the accident. But who is that person? 

The team at Law Tigers Iowa can determine who might be liable for your motorcycle accident injuries and how state laws might impact your claim.

 

Establishing Liability in Iowa Motorcycle Accidents

Liability in motorcycle accidents can be complicated. There are several potentially liable parties, and more than one may bear some responsibility. Parties who could potentially be liable include:

• Another Driver: If another driver caused the accident by driving drunk, distracted, fatigued, or recklessly, they may be liable.
• A Vehicle or Parts Manufacturer: If a defective or malfunctioning part caused the accident or worsened your injuries, the manufacturer may bear some responsibility.
• A Government Entity: If poor road conditions caused or contributed to the accident, you may have a valid claim against the municipality or government agency responsible for maintaining the roads.

What Evidence Is Used to Determine Fault?

Determining who bears responsibility for injuries requires careful investigation and holding them accountable requires ample evidence. Evidence your attorney will likely seek includes:

• Police reports
• Witness statements
• Accident scene photos and videos
• Surveillance or dashcam footage
• Medical and financial records 
• Expert testimony

How Motorcycle Laws Can Affect Your Personal Injury Claim

Iowa has some of the most relaxed motorcycle laws in the country. For example, riders 18 and over are not required to wear helmets. However, while the lack of a helmet law allows for freedom of choice, it can also complicate your injury claim. 

Insurance companies may argue that the lack of protective gear worsened your injuries, even though state law doesn’t require it. That’s why working with a skilled Iowa motorcycle accident attorney on your case is critical.

Other laws that may impact your case include:

• Eye Protection: Iowa is the only state that doesn’t require eye protection while riding. However, this freedom can complicate a claim, just like the lack of a helmet law might. Insurers may argue that riding without eye protection worsened the injuries.
• Lane Usage: Lane splitting is illegal in Iowa. If the accident occurred while the motorcyclist was not observing proper lane usage, insurers may argue they bear some blame.
• Statute of Limitations: Under Iowa law, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit. Missing this deadline can mean losing your right to pursue compensation entirely.

What Is the Role of Comparative Fault in Iowa?

Iowa follows a modified comparative fault system. That means you can still recover compensation if you were less than 51% to blame for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. 

For example, if your award was $100,000, but you were 10% at fault, your recovery would be reduced by 10% and you would receive $90,000. This is why working with an attorney who can build a case to hold the at-fault party fully responsible is critical. 

Contact Law Tigers Iowa Today

Determining who is at fault in a motorcycle accident in Iowa is complicated and challenging. The team at Law Tigers Iowa can investigate the accident, determine who might have caused it, and build a compelling case for holding them responsible. Contact us today for your free consultation.