Auto Accident Injury in Des Moines, IA
Have you suffered an injury due to a car accident in Des Moines? 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 Des Moines, IA that will fight for your legal rights and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.
Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Des Moines, 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. In 2019, the Iowa Department of Transportation reported a total of 336 deaths as a result of traffic accidents. This was an increase of 5.33% over 2018. In 2018, Iowa DOT reported that the total number of auto accidents was 56,670, with 319 fatalities and 18,178 injuries. The highest level of deaths due to car accidents from 2014 to 2019 was in 2016, when 402 people lost their lives.
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 report. Also ask when and where you can get a copy of it, including how much it will cost you.
The Iowa Department of Transportation states that drivers must report all accidents that result in death or injury to law enforcement. Accidents with property damage of $1,500 or more also require reporting. If an accident does not require law enforcement on the scene to create a report, then a driver must fill out the four-page Iowa Accident Report. They must return it within 72 hours or face a license suspension.
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
Fatal car accidents will have the highest costs associated with them. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that in 2018 the combined costs for medical care and lost wages for fatal accidents was $463 million in Iowa. Young adults accounted for the largest cost percentage.
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 Des Moines
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.
In Iowa, fault lies with whoever caused the accident. According to the Iowa Insurance Division, drivers must have a minimum liability insurance policy of $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 for property damage. This coverage provides payments for damages to the other driver in an accident for which the covered driver is responsible.
Statute of Limitations in Des Moines
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. The statute of limitations in Iowa, according to the Iowa Legislature, is two years for a personal injury claim. The timer starts running on the two years on the date of the accident.
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 Des Moines, 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!
