1. LaMarca Law Group, P.C.
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, personal injury, wrongful death claims, catastrophic injuries arising from motorcycle collisions
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle accidents caused by driver inattention, low visibility accidents, driver distraction accidents, lane change accidents, left-turn accidents, rear-end collisions, intersection accidents, wrongful death motorcycle cases, accidents involving traumatic injuries
Legal Services: Free initial consultation and case investigation, claim eligibility determination, damages assessment, financial needs calculation, medical care coordination, lost wage recovery, insurance claim handling, settlement negotiations, litigation, trial representation
Background: Attorneys at LaMarca Law Group have dedicated their careers to protecting the rights of injured Iowans. The firm has extensive experience dealing with investigations and complexities related to motorcycle accidents. All claims must be brought within a certain time or they are lost forever.
Location: Des Moines, IA
Contact: (515) 705-0233 | https://www.youriowalawyers.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation, case review, and investigation at no charge
2. Law Group of Iowa
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, personal injury, motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle accidents involving driver inattention, low visibility collisions, distracted driving accidents, lane change accidents, intersection accidents, rear-end collisions, accidents ranging from minor injuries to fatalities
Legal Services: Case evaluation, evidence gathering, liability determination, insurance company communications, damages calculation, settlement negotiations, litigation, trial representation
Background: The firm has successfully handled motorcycle accident cases involving relatively minor injuries up to and including fatalities. Attorneys understand not only the law surrounding motorcycle crashes but also the intricacies surrounding motorcycle riding. The firm offers free initial consultations.
Location: Des Moines, IA
Contact: (515) 495-6316 | https://lawgroupofiowa.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation via email or phone
3. Baer Law Office
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, personal injury, wrongful death
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle accidents caused by blind spot errors, unsafe lane changes, tailgating, following too closely, distracted driving, drunk driving, speeding, failure to yield, left-turn accidents
Legal Services: Thorough case investigation, evidence gathering, case building, insurance company communications and negotiations, settlement negotiations, trial preparation and representation
Background: Attorney Kim Baer provides personalized attention to each client. The firm has a track record of securing substantial settlements and verdicts for motorcycle accident victims. Clients work directly with attorney Kim Baer and receive individualized attention.
Location: Des Moines, IA
Contact: (515) 279-2000 | https://www.baerlawoffice.com
Consultation: Free, no-obligation consultation
4. Erbe Law Firm
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, motor vehicle accidents, personal injury, wrongful death
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle accidents caused by driver negligence, failure to check for motorcycles when entering traffic, failure to check during merging or lane changes, reckless driving around motorcycles, excessive speed accidents, left-turn accidents
Legal Services: Case investigation, liability determination, evidence gathering, insurance claim handling, settlement negotiations, litigation, trial representation
Background: Firm founder Harley Erbe is an avid motorcyclist who puts thousands of miles on his bike each year. This gives him a special connection to motorcycle crash victims and ability to see things from their perspective. He understands the biases motorcycle crash victims face and is prepared to explain situations from the injured rider’s standpoint. The firm has served clients throughout Iowa since 2005.
Location: Near downtown Des Moines, IA
Contact: Contact via website | https://www.erbelaw.com
Consultation: Free initial telephone consultation, contingent fee arrangement (no fee unless recovery is obtained)
5. Lombardi Law Firm
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, ATV accidents, personal injury, wrongful death, workers compensation
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, ATV accidents, pedestrian injury cases, drunken driver accidents causing motorcycle injuries, wrongful death cases
Legal Services: Client education, case assessment, claim filing assistance, evidence gathering, insurance negotiations, settlement negotiations, litigation
Background: Attorney Steve Lombardi has been practicing since 1981, providing over 40 years of experience. The firm handles its own work and works with referring attorneys. Mr. Lombardi is dedicated to educating clients about personal injury law and protecting their right to compensation.
Location: 4090 Westown Pkwy, Suite 108 A, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Contact: (515) 222-1110 | [email protected] | https://lombardilaw.com
Consultation: Initial consultation available
Motorcycle Accident Laws and Regulations in Iowa
Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims: Two years from the date of the motorcycle accident
Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims: Two years from the date of death
Fault System: Iowa is a fault-based (tort) state where the at-fault party is responsible for paying damages
Negligence Rules: Iowa follows a modified comparative fault system with a 51% bar. If you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any compensation. If you are 50% or less at fault, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Helmet Law: Iowa has NO motorcycle helmet law. Iowa is one of only three states (along with Illinois and New Hampshire) that does not have any enforced motorcycle helmet requirements. Riders and passengers can choose whether to wear a helmet.
Eye Protection Requirements: Iowa does NOT require motorcycle riders or passengers to wear eye protection
Minimum Motorcycle Insurance Requirements: Iowa requires liability insurance for motorcycles. Minimum coverage requirements apply.
Lane Splitting/Lane Filtering: Not explicitly addressed in Iowa law but generally not practiced and may affect fault determination
Motorcycle Licensing Requirements: Valid motorcycle license or endorsement required to operate a motorcycle on public roads
Accident Reporting Requirements: Motorcycle accidents resulting in injury or significant property damage must be reported to law enforcement
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the deadline for filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Iowa?
A: In Iowa, you have two years from the date of your motorcycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This statute of limitations is strictly enforced, and if you fail to file within this timeframe, you will likely lose your right to pursue compensation. It is advisable to contact an attorney as soon as possible after an accident to ensure deadlines are met and evidence is preserved.
Q: Does Iowa require motorcycle helmets?
A: No. Iowa is one of only three states in the country that does not have any motorcycle helmet law. Riders and passengers in Iowa are not required to wear helmets. However, safety experts strongly recommend wearing DOT-approved helmets to reduce the risk of head injuries in an accident. The lack of a helmet law means that not wearing a helmet generally cannot be used against you in a personal injury claim in Iowa.
Q: How does Iowa’s comparative fault rule affect motorcycle accident claims?
A: Iowa follows a modified comparative fault system with a 51% bar. This means that if you are found to be 51% or more at fault for your motorcycle accident, you cannot recover any compensation. If you are 50% or less at fault, you can still recover damages, but your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 30% at fault and your damages are $100,000, you would receive $70,000. Insurance companies often try to assign more fault to motorcyclists, making legal representation important.
Q: What types of compensation can I recover after a motorcycle accident in Des Moines?
A: Iowa motorcycle accident victims can recover compensation for economic damages including medical bills (past and future), lost wages, reduced earning capacity, motorcycle repair or replacement costs, and other out-of-pocket expenses. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium. In cases involving extreme negligence or reckless conduct, punitive damages may also be available.
Q: Should I talk to the insurance company after my motorcycle accident?
A: It is generally advisable not to provide recorded statements or accept settlement offers from insurance companies without first consulting with a motorcycle accident attorney. Insurance adjusters often try to minimize claims or get you to admit fault. They may offer quick settlements that are far less than what your case is worth. An experienced attorney can handle all communications with insurance companies on your behalf and protect your rights throughout the claims process.