Auto Accident Injury in Iowa
Have you suffered an injury due to a car accident in Iowa? 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 IA that will fight for your legal rights and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.
Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Iowa
Auto accidents and injuries are still a big concern in Iowa. Just in 2023, the state experienced many crashes: 304 were fatal crashes, resulting in 337 deaths. That’s more than many other states in terms of fatal crashes per capita. Also, the Iowa Department of Transportation indicated that over the years it has seen a number of consistent trends in the causes of these accidents, which are, in their majority, those such as distracted driving, speeding, and impaired driving.
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.
All accidents in the state of Iowa that cause $1,500 in property damage or any personal injury or death require you to fill out and return an Iowa Accident Report within 72 hours of the accident. Filling out an accident report isn’t necessary if the accident is investigated by local law enforcement.
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, 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 across all 50 states 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
Like nationwide, the common injuries in auto accidents in Iowa are whiplash, head injuries, spinal injuries, and scrapes and cuts. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the total cost of all motor vehicle crash deaths in Iowa recently was $463 million. 73% of this cost was the result of motor vehicle occupant injuries, although injuries also occurred to motorcyclists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Approximately 43% of the cost of traffic deaths was the result of young adult drivers.
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 IA
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. The claims process in Iowa follows a modified version of the comparative negligence rule. This means that your claim is modified by the percentage of your liability in the accident.
Statute of Limitations in IA
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 others may give you up to six years.
The statute of limitations in Iowa for claims is two years. After that point, you may not be able to file a claim regarding an incident. 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 In Iowa
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 IA!
There are plenty of other chapters of Iowa law that could apply to your situation!
