Ankeny Personal Injury Attorneys

Accidents and injuries can abruptly disrupt lives. In such challenging times, Ankeny personal injury lawyers are crucial allies. These professionals specialize in advocating for individuals who have suffered harm due to others' negligence, ensuring they secure rightful compensation. This article delves into the pivotal role Ankeny personal injury lawyers fulfill, guiding individuals through the complexities of their claims and aiding them in reclaiming their lives.

Proving Liability for a Car in a Right Turn Bicycle Accident

When a car turning right strikes a bicyclist, it is commonly referred to as a "right hook" accident. These incidents typically occur when a cyclist is riding on the right shoulder of the road or in a designated bike lane alongside a car. Proving liability in these cases often points to the driver's fault, but establishing negligence requires presenting proper evidence.

Common Scenarios of Right Turn Bicycle Accidents

Right-turn bicycle accidents frequently occur in the following situations:

- Approaching an Intersection: Both the bicyclist and the car approach an intersection, and the car turns right, failing to see the bicyclist until it is too late.
- Overtaking a Car: A bicyclist overtakes a slower-moving car on the right, unintentionally positioning themselves in the car’s blind spot when it turns right.
- Starting from a Stoplight: Both the bicyclist and the car are waiting at a light. When the signal changes, the car turns right, cutting off or hitting the cyclist.

Establishing Liability in Right-Turn Bicycle Accidents

To prove that the driver was at fault for causing the right turn accident, it is crucial to gather several types of evidence:

- Police Report: This document details the accident scene and the events as described by the responding officer. It includes notes of any citations issued to the driver or the cyclist.
- Eyewitness Accounts: Witnesses can provide critical information about the actions of both the bicyclist and the car before the collision.
- Video or Photo Evidence: Traffic cameras or surveillance cameras from nearby businesses may have captured the incident, providing visual evidence of the accident.

Proving Driver Negligence

A driver can be proven negligent and thus liable if they were:

- Speeding
- Failing to use a turn signal
- Abruptly changing lanes

Conversely, if witnesses indicate the bicyclist was negligent, such as by:

- Swerving between lanes
- Riding too close to vehicles
- Ignoring traffic control devices

These factors may be used by the driver in their defense.

Avoiding Right Turn Bicycle Accidents

To minimize the risk of right-turn accidents, cyclists should:

- Keep a Safe Distance: Maintain a safe distance behind vehicles to anticipate turns or lane changes.
- Avoid Passing on the Right: Do not pass cars on the right unless necessary, ensuring enough space to swerve if needed.
- Use Mirrors: Check mirrors for nearby vehicles when approaching intersections.

Understanding Comparative Negligence in Iowa

When seriously injured in a car accident, proving negligence is essential for pursuing compensation. Iowa follows the modified comparative fault – 51% rule. To file a claim against another driver, your fault must be 50% or less. If you are found 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover damages.

Impact of Comparative Negligence

Even if your fault is less than 51%, your damages may be reduced. For example, if you were speeding during an accident where the other driver made an unsafe lane change, your speeding could reduce your compensation.

Iowa Bicycle Laws: Safety and Compliance

Knowing Iowa’s bicycle laws is vital for safety. Both cars and cyclists must abide by these rules to prevent accidents. Key laws include:

- Passing on the Left: Bicyclists must pass cars on the left and move back to the right lane safely.
- Riding with Traffic: Cyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic to avoid head-on collisions.
- Using Lights in the Dark: Bikes must have a front white light and a rear red light or reflector visible from at least 300 feet.
- Stopping for School Buses: Cyclists must stop for school buses with flashing lights or a displayed stop sign.
- Using Hand Signals: Proper hand and arm signals are required for turning and stopping.
- Reporting Traffic Crashes: Cyclists must report accidents and exchange information with other involved parties.
- Avoiding Non-Bicycle Areas: Bicycles are not allowed on interstates and some highways for safety reasons.

We Are Here To Help

Remember, you are not alone in recovering from your injuries. We have helped thousands of Iowans through their physical, emotional, and financial recoveries. If you have questions about what you are going through, feel free to call our office for your confidential injury conference. We will take the time to listen to you and give you our advice concerning your injury matter at no cost or risk to you.

Free Book at No Cost 

If you are not ready to speak with an attorney yet but would like to learn more about Iowa injury cases including tips about how you can avoid making common costly mistakes request a copy of our Iowa Personal Injury book which includes 14 myths about Iowa injury cases and 5 things to know before hiring an attorney.

If you have specific questions about your injury matter feel free to call our office to speak with our Injury team at 641-792-3595 or use our Chat feature by clicking here 24 hours a day/7 days per week. Your information will remain confidential and there is no cost or obligation.