Des Moines Motorcycle Accident
Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyer, Attorney & Law Firm in Des Moines for You
Choosing the best motorcycle accident lawyer for you isn’t just important—it’s critical. You deserve a legal team with proven results. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash in Des Moines, your life can go from normal to overwhelming in seconds. With its miles of scenic roadways and months of warm weather, it’s no surprise that Iowa sees an increasing number of motorcycles each year. However, this rise also leads to more motorcycle accidents. Often, motorcyclists face dangerous situations due to a lack of respect from other drivers
Why Motorcycle Accident Cases Are So Complex in Des Moines
With major commuter routes like I-35 and I-235, riders face dangerous situations every day. Insurance companies know these cases are expensive — and they try to minimize what they pay. They often deny or vigorously defend against motorcycle accident claims, arguing that motorcyclists are inherently riskier drivers or at fault. It’s crucial to have an experienced motorcycle accident attorney advocating for your rights. At VanDerGinst Law, we understand the full spectrum of losses associated with motorcycle accidents and will fight tirelessly for the compensation you deserve.
You need a law firm prepared to fight back.
Local Recognition for Excellence
- Best Law Firm – CityView Best of Des Moines Awards
- Best Personal Injury Lawyers – Peoples Choice Awards (Des Moines Media Group)
- Avvo Clients’ Choice Award
- Martindale-Hubbell Client Champion Gold Award
- Hundreds of 5-star reviews from Des Moines-area clients
National Recognition for Excellence
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent® – The highest possible peer rating for ethics and legal skill.
- Best Lawyers in America® – Prestigious, peer-reviewed national recognition.
- Super Lawyers® – Awarded to the top 5% of attorneys in the U.S.
- National Trial Lawyers Top 100 – Invitation-only group of elite civil trial lawyers.
- National Association of Distinguished Counsel (NADC) – Honors the top 1% of U.S. lawyers.
- Best Attorneys of America® – Membership limited to fewer than 1% of attorneys.
- Million Dollar Advocates Forum – Requires million-dollar verdicts or settlements.
- Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum – Reserved for multi-million-dollar results.
- American Society of Legal Advocates (ASLA) – Membership limited to fewer than 1.5% of attorneys.
- Distinguished Justice Advocates – Fewer than 100 per state; Dennis VanDerGinst is a Lifetime Charter Member.
Why Choose VanDerGinst Law in Des Moines
- No fee unless we win
- Millions recovered for injured motorcyclists
- Local roots, national reputation
- Aggressive, client-focused representation
Why You Need a Skilled Motorcycle Accident Attorney
- Expertise in Motorcycle Accident Laws: Motorcycle accident cases have unique aspects. An experienced attorney understands these nuances and can navigate the legal system effectively.
- Thorough Investigation: Our team conducts comprehensive investigations to gather all necessary evidence, including police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and expert testimony.
- Accurate Damage Assessment: We ensure that all your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering, are accurately assessed and included in your claim.
- Negotiation with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often offer low settlements. We negotiate aggressively to ensure you receive the full compensation to which you are entitled.
- Trial Experience: If your case goes to court, you need an attorney with trial experience who can effectively present your case to a judge and jury.
At VanDerGinst Law, we provide personalized attention to each client. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a motorcycle accident can take on you and your family. Our goal is to alleviate some of that burden by handling all aspects of your legal claim. Discover why VanDerGinst Law is trusted by many and how our proven track record can help secure the justice you deserve.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Des Moines
Many motorcycle accidents in Iowa are caused by the negligence of car drivers. Understanding these common causes can help build a strong case. Here are some prevalent reasons why motorcycle accidents occur:
- Speeding: Drivers who exceed speed limits or drive too fast for road conditions often fail to notice motorcyclists, leading to severe collisions.
- Changing Lanes Without Signaling: Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than cars. When drivers change lanes without signaling, they may not see a motorcyclist in their blind spot, causing a dangerous crash.
- Dooring Accidents: These occur when a parked car door is suddenly opened in the path of an oncoming motorcycle, giving the rider no time to avoid a collision.
- Sudden Stops: Vehicles that stop abruptly can cause motorcyclists to rear-end them, especially if the rider is following too closely.
- Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, reaction time, and motor skills, making it more likely for drivers to cause accidents with motorcyclists.
- Distracted Driving: Activities such as texting, eating, or using in-car technologies can divert a driver’s attention from the road, leading to accidents.
- Left Turn Accidents: One of the most common types of motorcycle accidents occurs when a car makes a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle. The driver often misjudges the motorcycle’s speed or doesn’t see it at all.
Additionally, external factors such as bad weather, road debris, animals, and other hazards can contribute to motorcycle accidents. Even the most cautious riders can fall victim to these unpredictable elements.
Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accidents often result in more severe injuries than car accidents due to the lack of protection motorcycles offer. These injuries can be life-altering, requiring extensive medical treatment and long-term care. Common injuries include:
- Head and Facial Trauma: Even with a helmet, motorcyclists can suffer from severe head and facial injuries, including concussions, skull fractures, and facial disfigurement.
- Traumatic Brain Injury: These injuries can lead to long-term cognitive impairments, emotional instability, and physical disabilities.
- Neck Injuries: Whiplash and other neck injuries are common in motorcycle accidents and can lead to chronic pain and limited mobility.
- Bulging or Herniated Discs: These spinal injuries can cause severe back pain and may require surgery.
- Broken Bones: Fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, and other bones are frequent in motorcycle accidents.
- Nerve Damage: Injuries to the spinal cord or peripheral nerves can result in paralysis or loss of sensation.
- Burns and Lacerations: Road rash, burns, and deep cuts are common, often requiring extensive skin grafts and long recovery periods.
- Internal Organ Damage: The impact of a motorcycle accident can cause internal bleeding and damage to organs such as the liver, kidneys, and spleen.
- Soft Tissue Damage: Injuries to muscles, tendons, and ligaments can lead to chronic pain and disability.
- Amputation of Limbs: Severe accidents may result in the loss of limbs, profoundly affecting the victim’s quality of life.
- Paralysis: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis.
- Death: Tragically, many motorcycle accidents result in fatalities, leaving families devastated.
These injuries can lead to significant medical expenses, extended rehabilitation, property loss, lost wages, and more. The pain, suffering, disability, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life following a motorcycle accident cannot be overstated. Victims and their families often face an uphill battle in the aftermath of a serious crash.
Contact VanDerGinst Law Today
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in Des Moines, the dedicated motorcycle accident attorneys at VanDerGinst Law are here to handle your claim. Our experience and commitment make us the top choice for anyone seeking justice and financial recovery after a motorcycle accident.
Our compassionate and knowledgeable team is ready to assist you every step of the way. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no upfront fees, and we only get paid if we win your case. This allows you to focus on your recovery without the stress of legal fees.
Get a FREE CONSULTATION today!
At VanDerGinst Law We are Honored to Help! Call 800-797-5391 or click here.
Nationally Respected- Locally Connected
FREQUENTLY ASKED MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT DES MOINES, IA QUESTIONS
1. What Should I Do Immediately After a Motorcycle Accident in Des Moines?
- Ensure Your Safety: Your priority should be to move to a safe location to avoid further injury, if possible.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not be immediately apparent. It’s crucial to get a medical evaluation as soon as possible.
- Report the Accident to the Police: A police report will be a vital piece of evidence for your claim. Make sure to provide an accurate account of the incident.
- Gather Evidence: If you are able, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage. Collect contact information from witnesses and note the details of the other involved parties.
- Contact an Experienced Des Moines Motorcycle Accident Attorney: An attorney can help you navigate the legal process, protect your rights, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
2. How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Des Moines?
In Iowa, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including motorcycle accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means you have two years to file a lawsuit. However, it’s advisable to consult with a Des Moines attorney as soon as possible to ensure all necessary evidence is preserved and deadlines are met.
3. What Compensation Can I Receive From a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Des Moines?
- Medical Expenses: This includes costs for hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical needs.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for the income you lost due to your inability to work during your recovery period.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for the repair or replacement of your motorcycle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
- Pain and Suffering: Monetary compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress you endured because of the accident.
- Rehabilitation Costs: Coverage for ongoing rehabilitation or therapy needed to recover from your injuries.
- Punitive Damages: In some cases, if the at-fault party’s behavior was particularly egregious, you may be awarded punitive damages intended to punish the wrongdoer.
4. How is Fault Determined in a Motorcycle Accident in Des Moines?
- Evidence Collection: Fault is determined based on evidence such as police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and accident reconstruction analysis.
- Comparative Negligence Rule: Iowa follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning that if you are partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 20%.
5. Do I Need a Lawyer if the Insurance Company Offers a Settlement for My Des Moines Motorcycle Accident?
Yes, it’s highly advisable to consult with an attorney before accepting any settlement offer. Insurance companies often offer low initial settlements to minimize their payouts. An experienced Des Moines motorcycle accident attorney can review the offer, negotiate on your behalf, and ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
6. Can I Still Recover Damages if I Wasn't Wearing a Helmet in My Des Moines Motorcycle Accident?
Yes, you can still recover damages. However, not wearing a helmet may impact the amount of compensation you receive, particularly if your injuries are head-related. The concept of comparative negligence may apply, potentially reducing your compensation based on your share of fault for not wearing a helmet.
7. What if the Other Driver Doesn't Have Insurance in My Des Moines Motorcycle Accident?
If the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may still recover compensation through your own insurance policy if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This type of coverage is designed to protect you in situations where the at-fault party lacks sufficient insurance.
8. How Long Will My Des Moines Motorcycle Accident Case Take to Resolve?
The duration of a motorcycle accident case varies based on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the severity of injuries, and whether the case goes to trial. Some cases may settle in a few months, while others can take several years to resolve. An experienced Des Moines attorney will provide a more accurate timeline based on the specifics of your case.
9. What if I Am Partly At-Fault for the Motorcycle Accident in Des Moines?
In Iowa, you can still recover damages even if you are partly at fault, if you are not more than 50% responsible for the accident. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if you are found 30% at fault, your award will be reduced by 30%.
10. How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Des Moines?
Most personal injury attorneys, including those at VanDerGinst Law, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront fees, and the attorney only gets paid if you win your case. The attorney’s fee is typically a percentage of the settlement or court award.
11. What Types of Evidence are Important in a Motorcycle Accident Case in Des Moines?
- Police Reports: Official documentation of the accident scene and initial assessments of fault.
- Medical Records: Detailed accounts of your injuries, treatments, and medical expenses.
- Witness Statements: Testimonies from individuals who saw the accident can provide crucial support for your claim.
- Photos and Videos: Visual evidence of the accident scene, damages, and your injuries.
- Expert Testimony: Specialists such as accident reconstruction experts can provide detailed analysis and opinions on the cause of the accident and the extent of damages.
Des Moines Areas Of Law
Des Moines Personal Injury
Des Moines Wrongful Death Claims
Des Moines Animal Attacks/Dog Bites
Des Moines Car Accidents
Des Moines Commercial Truck Accidents
Des Moines Bus Accident
Des Moines Motorcycle Accidents
Des Moines Bicycle Accidents
Des Moines Rideshare Accidents
Des Moines Pedestrian Accidents
Des Moines Dramshop Actions
Des Moines Slip/Trip and Fall Accidents
Des Moines Premises Liability Accidents
Des Moines Construction Accidents
Des Moines Worker's Compensation Claims
Des Moines Product Liability/Dangerous Products
Des Moines Nursing Home Negligence/Abuse
Des Moines Medical Malpractice
Des Moines Boating Accidents
Des Moines Cruise Ship Accidents
Des Moines Resort Accidents
Des Moines Maritime Accidents
Des Moines Negligent Security
Des Moines Environmental Toxicity
Des Moines Child Sexual Abuse
Des Moines Class Actions/Mass Tort Claims
All Des Moines Negligence Claims
Injury Claims We Handle
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Spinal Cord Injuries
Swimming Pool Injuries
Fractures
Soft Tissue Injuries/Whiplash
Chest Injuries
Shoulder Injuries
Knee Injuries
Hip and Pelvis Injuries
Burn Injuries
Amputation
Crush Injuries
Degloving Injuries
Emotional Distress
Respiratory Illness/Injuries
Pharmaceutical Side Effects
Medical Malpractice Injuries
Prepared for Trial. Ready for Results.
Every case we handle is prepared as if it may go to trial — even if it ultimately settles.
That preparation gives us leverage, and it tells insurance companies one thing clearly:
We’re serious about getting our clients every dollar they deserve.