Case Study: U-Turn Driver Broadsides Veteran Rider
Click Below For Your Free Consult With A Licensed Injury Attorney. Call NowFree ConsultationCase Review: Life-Changing Result After Severe Leg Injury
Result: A life-changing resolution at mediation after no offers before mediation.
Our client, Bob (name changed for privacy), is a veteran rider. He moved into a left-turn lane on a busy road when a driver tried a fast U-turn instead of waiting. The car hit the right side of Bob’s motorcycle. He was thrown to the pavement and suffered severe injuries.
The Challenge: Show the Human Reality, Not Just the Bills
As Attorney Pete Leehey explains, fault was clear. The real risk was that decision-makers would focus only on medical bills and miss what Bob would need to live his life after the crash.
“He went to whip a U-turn and hit the right-hand side of my client’s motorcycle. He had a double compound, open, comminuted tib-fib fracture to his right leg. He had a near amputation of his foot at the ankle.” — Pete Leehey
There were no settlement offers before mediation. The case needed more than paperwork to explain Bob’s future.
Our Approach: Make the Injuries and Needs Easy to See
“Adjusters and defense lawyers often look at a case by the amount of medical bills. That wasn’t enough here. We had to display what this rider would need to return to something close to normal.” — Pete LeeheyTo help tell Bob’s story clearly, The Biker Lawyers partnered with DK Global, whose medical animations and illustrations made the full extent of his injuries visible to everyone involved. Once liability was admitted and the visuals and reports were in hand, the defense agreed to mediate.
The Result
At mediation, Bob reached a very strong result. Pete called it “life changing” and said it addresses Bob’s needs.
Why It Matters for Riders
On a motorcycle, one quick move by another driver can change everything. Clear visuals and expert planning help decision-makers understand not just how the crash happened, but what the rider will face in the years ahead.
If you’re injured in a crash, make sure you work with an attorney who understands the power of properly telling your full story.
Related article: Learn how police reports fit into Iowa cases in our article Are Iowa accident police reports admissible?
About Attorney Pete Leehey 
Pete is a lifelong rider and a founding attorney at The Biker Lawyers. He’s tried and resolved motorcycle cases across Iowa for over four decades. When a case turns on what people think they saw, Pete focuses on what can be shown—and understood—by a jury.
Iowa Motorcycle Safety: By the Numbers
Small share of traffic, outsized harm. In Iowa, motorcycles make up about 4% of registered vehicles and just 0.33% of vehicle miles traveled, yet they accounted for 16% of all traffic fatalities in 2023. Source: Iowa Department of Public Safety.
- No universal helmet law: Iowa is one of only three states without a universal motorcycle helmet requirement. IIHS; NHTSA.
- National trend: 6,335 motorcyclists were killed in 2023 nationwide. IIHS.
- Risk per mile: Motorcyclist fatality rate (per 100M VMT) was nearly 22× that of passenger car occupants in 2022. NHTSA.
Note: Iowa DOT also publishes monthly tables tracking motorcycle fatalities and helmet usage for 2023—useful for ongoing safety updates. Iowa DOT.
Motorcycle Crash Case Review FAQ
Click the (+) on any of the questions below.
What caused this crash?
A driver tried a U-turn through traffic and struck the right side of our client’s motorcycle while he was in the left-turn lane.
How did visuals change the case?
Medical illustrations and expert reports showed the damage and the future care plan in a simple way. After liability was admitted, the defense agreed to mediate.
What was the outcome?
A very strong result at mediation that Pete called life changing. We are not sharing the dollar amount.
How do I know if The Biker Lawyers can help with my case?
Start with a free, no-pressure consult. We will review what happened, explain your options, and outline next steps. Contact us here: Get a Free Consultation.
Where can I learn more about motorcycle cases in Iowa?
Visit our Motorcycle Accident Representation page to learn about your rights and how we build strong cases for riders.
Injured in a Motorcycle Crash? Let’s Talk.
You deserve a clear plan. We will listen, explain your options, and outline next steps. No pressure. Just straight answers.Get a Free, No-Pressure Consultation
Every case is different. Past results, including strong mediation outcomes, do not guarantee future results. Outcomes depend on the facts, injuries, and insurance available.