What Iowa Motorcyclists Should Know About Gravel Roads and Crash Risks

Most motorcyclists who are primarily street riders would prefer to avoid gravel roads. Unfortunately, sometimes they have no choice in the matter. Gravel roads reduce traction, make bikes harder to control, and increase the likelihood of crashes. When other vehicles are around, motorcycle crash risks increase even more. It’s important to understand the hazards of gravel roads, what to do if you’ve had an accident on one, and when to contact an Iowa lawyer.

Why Gravel Roads Can Be Dangerous for Motorcyclists

There are several ways that gravel roads can present a danger for motorcyclists. One is that the gravel could hide potholes and uneven surfaces that might cause a motorcycle accident.

A more common issue is that it’s easy to lose traction on gravel. It can be particularly challenging if you come upon it unexpectedly.

Common Crash Risks on Rural Iowa Roads

In addition to gravel, edge breaks are a common hazard for motorcyclists. These are places at the edge of the road that are unevenly worn.

Other common rural risk factors for Iowa motorcyclists are poor lighting, wildlife, strong crosswinds across flat fields, and access roads or driveways that are hard to see. Farm machinery can also create hazards, including leaving grass clippings or other debris on the road.

How Loose Gravel Affects Motorcycle Control

When you hit a patch of loose gravel, the friction between your wheels and the road plummets. This means it’s more difficult to slow, stop or turn.

Another issue is that the handlebars can feel more unstable when you hit gravel. While your instinct might be to grip them more tightly to regain control, this is actually the opposite of what you should do. Instead, you need to loosen your grip so that the front tire can glide across the gravel.

Weather, Visibility, and Road Surface Conditions

Like gravel, rain reduces traction on the road, especially when it creates a slick of oil and water. Rain also affects visibility as does fog and mist. Wind can buffet your motorcycle and make it difficult to control.

Sunny days can present their own set of hazards. Your ability to handle your motorcycle, including braking, may be hindered if it’s very hot because heat can affect tire pressure. In addition, if your tires have too much air in them, they may lose traction on a hot road.

There are additional hazardous road surface conditions besides gravel. Uneven roads, edge breaks, potholes and road debris can all be dangerous. With only two wheels that make very little contact with the road surface, motorcycles are more vulnerable than cars and trucks to any surface irregularities.

Driver Negligence and Motorcycle Crashes on Gravel Roads

In addition to all the hazards discussed above, the negligence of other drivers can create additional dangers. Vehicles traveling at high speeds may cause visibility issues when they kick up debris and dust. Drivers might also fail to yield to motorcyclists or notice them in their blind spot.

Motorcyclists are already at a disadvantage when it comes to controlling the bike on a gravel road, and the behavior of other drivers can increase those dangers. Driver negligence may also be an issue if you are a passenger on a motorcycle and its driver behaves in ways that are potentially dangerous.

Iowa has a modified comparative fault system. This means that the responsibility for an accident may be divided among parties, including you as the plaintiff. If you have been injured, you can still receive compensation if you are 50% at fault or less.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash on a Gravel Road

Your first step after a motorcycle crash should be to call 911. Even if you do not think you are injured, it’s important to have a police report as documentation. You should also seek medical care right away because you may have injuries you are not immediately aware of.

Next, you should document the accident as much as possible. This includes taking pictures and getting contact information from witnesses. And while you may want to get your motorcycle up and running quickly, you should wait to repair it. Its condition may be an important piece of evidence.

How Evidence Can Help Support a Crash Claim

With evidence, you are seeking to establish two things after a motorcycle crash. One is the party that is at fault, and the other is the extent of your damages.

Photos, the police report and witness statements are all examples of evidence that can help to determine who is at fault. Medical records and damage estimates for your motorcycle can help establish the extent of damage. If you were unable to work as a result of your injuries, documenting the loss of income is also relevant.

When to Speak With a Motorcycle Accident Attorney

If you’ve been involved in a gravel road motorcycle crash, the stakes can be high. You should speak to an attorney who has experience in motorcycle laws in order to protect your rights and ensure that you get the necessary compensation.

You may want to contact an attorney if you are having trouble establishing who is at fault or are facing serious injuries and high medical bills. If your insurance company is not helping, you should also consider contacting a lawyer.

Protecting Your Rights After a Gravel Road Motorcycle Crash

A gravel road motorcycle crash can be a distressing experience, and the process for seeking compensation can be complicated. With more than 100 years of experience helping clients in the local area, Peters Law Firm may be able to assist you throughout this process. Contact Peters Law Firm in Council Bluffs, IA today for help with a personal injury case involving a motorcycle crash.

FAQs About Motorcycle Crashes on Gravel Roads in Iowa

We encourage you to reach out to us with any questions you have about motorcycle crashes that we don’t answer below. An Iowa lawyer at our firm can help you navigate the process of seeking compensation.

Are gravel roads more dangerous for motorcycles?

Yes, gravel roads can be more dangerous because there is less traction. In addition, inexperienced motorcyclists might tend to hold the handlebars more tightly. This actually makes a loss of control more likely.

Who may be responsible for a motorcycle crash on a gravel road?

The motorcyclist or another driver might be at fault. The county could also be responsible if there was negligence in maintaining the road. In the event that there was a problem with the motorcycle itself, the manufacturer might be liable. Responsibility for a crash is sometimes shared by more than one party.

What should I do after crashing on loose gravel?

After a crash, you should call 911 and seek immediate medical attention. In addition, you should take photos and videos for evidence, and get contact information from any witnesses. You should hold off on getting your motorcycle fixed since any damage may be relevant to seeking compensation.

Can I recover compensation after a motorcycle accident on a rural road?

In Iowa, you may be able to seek compensation. However, it will depend on several factors, including the extent of your injuries and damage to your motorcycle. In addition, you must be no more than 50% at fault for the accident.