Motorcycle accident
Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Des Moines, Iowa
The firms in this guide
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
Comparative Fault, Family Damages and City Claim Deadlines for Des Moines Motorcycle Crashes
A Des Moines motorcycle crash claim in Iowa compares the rider’s fault with the combined fault of the defendants, and loss-of-consortium claims follow the same rule. Iowa also lets a spouse or parent recover the value of lost services and support, and requires a suit against the city within two years.
Comparative Fault for the Rider and Family
Under Iowa Code 668.3(1)(a) and (b), contributory fault does not bar the rider’s claim, or a claim for loss of services, companionship, society or consortium, unless the rider’s fault is greater than the combined fault of the defendants, third-party defendants and released persons, and damages are diminished in proportion.
Lost Services and Support of a Spouse or Parent
Under Iowa Code 613.15, in an action for the wrongful or negligent injury or death of a woman or man, the person or the administrator may recover the value of services and support as spouse or parent, along with physician, nursing and hospital expenses, but the spouse and children cannot separately recover those same elements when the injured person or administrator is entitled to them.
Joint and Several Liability Limits
Under Iowa Code 668.4, a defendant under 50 percent of the total fault is not jointly and severally liable, and a defendant at 50 percent or more is jointly and severally liable only for economic damages.
A City Vehicle
Under Iowa Code 670.5, except as provided in section 614.8, a person claiming damages from a municipality or its officer, employee or agent for wrongful death, loss or injury must commence the action within two years after the death, loss or injury.
Des Moines Motorcycle Accident Questions
How long do I have to sue after a Des Moines motorcycle crash?
Two years under Iowa Code 614.1(2), and two years under 670.5 for a claim against the city or its employees.
What if two drivers share the fault for my crash?
Your fault is compared with their combined fault under Iowa Code 668.3. For example, imagine $120,000 in damages, 40 percent of the fault on the rider and 30 percent on each of two drivers: the combined 60 percent exceeds your 40 percent, so the recovery would be $72,000, and under 668.4 neither driver, being under 50 percent, is jointly and severally liable.
Is leaving an injury crash a crime in Iowa?
Yes. Under Iowa Code 321.261(2) through (4), failing to stop or comply after a crash causing injury is a serious misdemeanor, an aggravated misdemeanor when the injury is serious, and a class D felony under (3)(b) for a driver who knows the vehicle caused a serious injury and under (4) when the crash causes a death.