Auto Accident Injury in Cedar Rapids, IA
Have you suffered an injury due to a car accident in Cedar Rapids? If so, your life may never be the same again. Injuries from a car accident can interfere with your ability both to work and to enjoy everyday activities. They can also be incredibly painful. As such, you need an auto accident attorney who understands the laws in and around Cedar Rapids, IA that will fight for your legal rights and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.
Auto Accident Injury Statistics In Cedar Rapids, Iowa
According to the National Safety Council, in 2019 about 4.4 million people suffered serious injuries in motor vehicle accidents and an estimated 38,000 were killed. Cedar Rapids has a population of over 132,000, according to the National Census. With a population this size, the frequency and severity of auto accidents increases.
What to Do After an Auto Accident
It’s important to be prepared in the event you are a victim of a car accident. Below are the steps to remember immediately after your crash.
Receive Immediate Medical Attention
What is the most important step that you need to take after an auto accident? You need to receive immediate and proper medical treatment. You may believe that the injuries sustained after an auto accident are minor. Proper medical treatment helps ensure that you have not sustained any internal injuries that you may not be aware of.
File a Police Report
Even if no one sustained injuries, you still need to call 911 and request law enforcement assistance. When officers arrive, jot down each one’s name and badge number. Answer their questions honestly, but don’t volunteer any unasked-for information, especially your thoughts on exactly what happened or who caused the car accident. Be sure to ask the officers for the number of their police reports. Also ask when and where you can get a copy of it, including how much it will cost you.
According to the Iowa Department of Transportation, any crash that results in death, injury, or damage greater than $1,500 is required to be reported. However, Iowa Law stipulates that this is not necessary from a civilian if law enforcement is already on the scene of the accident.
Gather the Appropriate Documentation
While waiting for officers to arrive after a car accident, collect information from all other drivers involved in the accident, including the following:
- Full name, address, phone number, and email address
- Driver’s license state and number
- Auto insurance company name, policy number, and phone number
Use your cell phone to take pictures of each driver’s license, auto insurance card, your vehicle, and each additional vehicle involved in the car accident. Don’t rely on verbal communication. Having as much information as possible will only help you and your case later on. Try to keep this exchange as civil and friendly as possible. However, do not apologize for causing the accident or indicate in any way that you think you may have caused it.
Recovering Damages After an Auto Accident Injury
After surviving a car accident, the emotional and economic toll it takes can be staggering. You are not only dealing with the mental anguish that comes with being involved in a crash, but you may also be experiencing severe physical harm as well.
Common injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents include:
- Burn injuries
- Back and neck injuries, such as whiplash
- Brain and head injuries
- Broken bones
- Spinal injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
The Center for Disease Control states that traffic accident costs exceed $400 million in the state of Iowa each year. This is largely attributed to young adults aged between 20-34, who are more prone to distracted driving or taking unnecessary risks on the road. These risks are especially prevalent in larger communities such as Cedar Rapids.
Hiring a car accident lawyer ensures you have the financial ability to cover any losses that have occurred as a result of a crash. An auto accident attorney will also help you handle the paperwork that you will have to complete from insurance companies. This boosts your odds of receiving the insurance compensation you deserve.
Auto Accident Laws In Iowa
Liability Laws for Cedar Rapids
When car accidents happen, it is essential to determine who bears responsibility for the resulting damage and medical bills. Determining fault impacts everything from your insurance claim and level of liability to the amount of confusion you may endure during the claims process.
Iowa is an “at-fault” state. Therefore, established law allows the injured party to file a claim with the insurance company of the drivers who caused the accident or with their own insurance company. They can also pursue a route through the courts to seek damages for the accident.
Statute of Limitations In Cedar Rapids
Each state has its own tort laws that determine the statute of limitations on a claim. In some states, this gives you just one year to file a claim in court, while some others may give you up to six years.
Iowa has a strict 2-year statute of limitations surrounding auto accidents. If an injured party allows this timeframe to lapse in Cedar Rapids, there is a significant chance the claim will be rejected by the court.
This is why it is important to consult with an attorney immediately after your car crash. Don’t wait and risk losing out on any compensation they can recover.
Work With an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer Near Cedar Rapids, IA
After a car accident, you have enough to worry about. We can help you find an auto accident attorney for your unique case. Get the financial restitution that you deserve if you’re the victim of someone else’s conduct.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in Iowa!
