Atkins Car Accident Injury Attorneys

Unexpected accidents and injuries can alter lives. During these difficult times, car accident injury lawyers are critical allies. They support those harmed by others' negligence, ensuring fair compensation. This piece highlights the vital role these lawyers play in guiding individuals through their claims and rebuilding their lives.

How Does Medical Payments Coverage Help in the Event of a Serious Injury?

Medical payments coverage is an essential component of auto insurance that every motorist in Iowa should consider including in their policy. This coverage can significantly assist in covering expenses associated with a serious injury, regardless of who caused the accident. Moreover, it can help manage medical costs while awaiting settlement with an at-fault driver and cover co-pays and deductibles on health insurance.

Understanding Medical Payments Coverage

In Iowa, the only mandatory auto insurance is liability insurance, which covers property damage and injury-related expenses when the policyholder is at fault. However, liability insurance does not cover the policyholder’s own expenses if another driver is responsible for the accident. Medical payments coverage fills this gap by covering medical expenses irrespective of fault, ensuring timely payment of medical bills after an accident.

Benefits of Medical Payments Coverage in Serious Accidents

A severe collision can lead to substantial medical expenses. For example, consider a scenario where an individual sustains head and facial injuries and requires emergency room treatment, extensive dental work, and care for a traumatic brain injury. If the at-fault driver’s insurance company delays settling the claim, medical payments coverage can promptly cover these costs up to the policy limits.

Medical Payments Coverage and Health Insurance

Typically, health insurance plans cover medical bills resulting from car accident injuries, but they often require deductibles and co-payments. Medical payments coverage can help pay these out-of-pocket costs, ensuring that the injured party does not face financial strain while waiting for their health insurance to kick in.

Reimbursement Through Subrogation

Insurance companies may seek reimbursement for the costs they cover through a process known as subrogation. This means that if an auto or health insurance company pays for your medical bills, they might recover these costs from the settlement or judgment against the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Consulting with an attorney can provide clarity on how subrogation might impact your final settlement.

Importance of Legal Advice After a Serious Injury

Given the significant medical costs associated with serious injuries, it is crucial to consider both current and future expenses. An attorney can assist in filing a claim against the at-fault driver to recover fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and other expenses. Legal professionals ensure that all financial, physical, and emotional losses are accounted for in the settlement.

Understanding the Iowa Statute of Limitations

If you are injured in an accident in Iowa, it is vital to be aware of the statute of limitations, which sets deadlines for filing different types of personal injury claims. Generally, the time limits for filing claims in Iowa are:

- Negligence/Personal Injury: 2 years from the date of injury.
- Medical Malpractice: 2 years from the date of negligence, with some exceptions under the discovery rule.
- Products Liability: 2 years, with additional limitations based on the product's age.
- Wrongful Death: 2 years from the date of death.

Additionally, for dram shop claims involving alcohol-serving establishments, a notice of intent to file a claim must be served within 180 days of the accident.

When the Clock Begins Ticking

The statute of limitations typically begins at the time of the injury. For example, in a car accident, the 2-year period starts on the accident date. It is crucial to consult an experienced Iowa personal injury lawyer promptly to ensure that your claim is filed within the required time frame.

Preserving Your Vehicle as Evidence

If your vehicle is towed after an accident, preserving it as evidence is crucial for supporting your claim. Here are steps to ensure your vehicle remains intact:

1. Locate the Towed Vehicle: Find out where your vehicle is being towed and inform your lawyer.
2. Send a Preservation Letter: Your lawyer can send a letter to the tow yard requesting that the vehicle remains untouched. If necessary, they can file a motion in court to ensure preservation.
3. Move the Vehicle to Private Storage: Tow yards charge high daily fees and may scrap vehicles quickly. Moving the vehicle to a private, covered storage area can prevent this.
4. Take Pictures: Keep a disposable camera in your car to take photos of the accident scene and vehicle damage. This provides backup evidence if the vehicle is tampered with or destroyed.

Seeking Legal Assistance

Seeking legal counsel from experienced Iowa car accident attorneys such as those at Walker, Billingsley & Bair can provide invaluable support in filing insurance claims or pursuing personal injury lawsuits. With a comprehensive understanding of Iowa law, their team can help gather evidence, establish liability, and secure the compensation deserved by accident victims.

Suffering from the aftermath of a car accident shouldn't impede your pursuit of justice and fair compensation. The Iowa injury lawyers at Walker, Billingsley & Bair work hard to level the field between injured Iowans and insurance companies.

That's why we provide this FREE book; The Legal Insider's Guide to Iowa Car Accidents: 7 Secrets to Not Wreck Your Case. To learn more about what our legal team will do to help you protect your Iowa injury claim, contact Walker, Billingsley & Bair to schedule a no-cost consultation. Call 641-792-3595 to order your free accident book today.