Audubon Personal Injury Attorneys

Accidents and injuries can swiftly change lives. In such challenging periods, personal injury lawyers are invaluable. They advocate for individuals affected by others' negligence, ensuring they receive rightful compensation. This article delves into the crucial role personal injury lawyers play in navigating claims and helping people reclaim their lives.

Iowa Bicycle Laws: Cars and Cyclists Must Abide!

Knowing the laws regarding cyclists in Iowa is essential for safety. Whether you are an avid biker or prefer to use streets via vehicle, knowing the rules of the road is critical. Here is a review of the bicycle laws in Iowa, which both cars and cyclists must abide by:

Pass on the Left

Just like vehicles, bicyclists are required to pass cars on the left if passing is necessary. According to Iowa bicycle law, to pass a motor vehicle, a bicycle must first move into the left lane. After ensuring it is safe to pass, the bicycle may pass but then must move back into the right lane.

Ride With Traffic, Not Against It

Cyclists must always ride in the same direction that traffic is traveling. Riding on the wrong side of the road increases the chances of a deadly head-on collision.

Always Use a Light When It’s Dark Out

Any rider cycling after sunset or before sunrise must use bike lights. Iowa law stipulates that a bike must be equipped with “a lamp on the front exhibiting a white light and a red light or reflector on the rear.” Both lights must be visible for at least 300 feet.

Stop for School Buses

Iowa law requires all modes of transportation, including bicycles, to stop for school buses when a bus has its stop sign displayed or its lights flashing. Failing to stop is against the law and can result in a traffic citation.

Use Proper Hand and Arm Signals

Cyclists should use the proper hand and arm signals to indicate their intentions to other road users. These signals include:

- Left turn: left arm extended horizontally.
- Right turn: left arm bent at the elbow, hand facing upwards.
- Slow down/stop: left arm bent at the elbow, hand facing downwards.

Always Report Traffic Crashes

Iowa law requires cyclists to report all traffic crashes and exchange information with the other party involved.

Never Ride in Non-Bicycle Areas

Not all areas open to motor vehicles are open to bicyclists. Interstates and some highways are off-limits for safety reasons. Many cities within Iowa also prohibit riding on sidewalks.

What is a Degree of Accident Fault in a Personal Injury Claim?

The degree of accident fault in a personal injury claim refers to an individual’s percentage of responsibility for an accident and the resulting damages. If the injured person is partially at fault, that degree of fault will reduce the amount of compensation that can be recovered. Iowa lawyers can help accident victims prove the other party’s liability to pursue fair compensation.

How is Degree of Accident Fault Impacted by Negligence Laws?

Negligence laws vary by state. In Iowa, they are based on modified comparative fault. Under this standard, a jury or judge assigns a percentage of fault to each party involved in the accident. If the injured person’s degree of fault is more than half (51 percent or higher), they cannot recover any damages. If the degree of fault is 50 percent or less, damages can still be recovered but will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned.

What Types of Evidence Can Reduce Someone’s Degree of Accident Fault in a Personal Injury Claim?

Proof is key to establishing the other party’s responsibility for a crash. Some of the evidence that may help include:

- The accident report.
- Photographs of the accident scene.
- Eyewitness statements.
- Observations from a responding police officer.

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.