Avoca Personal Injury Attorneys

Accidents and injuries can abruptly change lives. In these tough times, personal injury lawyers are crucial allies. They specialize in representing those harmed by negligence, ensuring they get the compensation they deserve. This article examines the important role personal injury lawyers play in guiding individuals through their claims and helping them rebuild their lives.

How to Prevent Alcohol-Related Bike Accidents and Navigate Legal Complexities

Operating any vehicle under the influence of alcohol is dangerous, and this includes bicycles. Alcohol impairs cognitive and motor skills, and slows reaction time, making accidents more likely. Despite the risks, many people still ride or drive under the influence. This article delves into the impact of alcohol on biking, how to handle legal matters after an accident, and the importance of hiring an attorney.

Alcohol and Biking: A Dangerous Mix

Just as with driving, drinking and biking is hazardous. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 3.2 percent of Iowans admit to driving after drinking too much in the past 30 days, higher than the national average of 1.9 percent.

Statistical Snapshot of Alcohol-Related Bike Accidents

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides compelling statistics on alcohol-related bike accidents:

- In 34 percent of fatal bicycle accidents, either the cyclist or the driver was under the influence of alcohol.
- Of all bicyclists who died in traffic accidents in 2013, 20 percent had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 g/dL, the legal limit, and nearly one-quarter had a BAC of 0.01 g/dL.

Legal Implications of Alcohol-Related Bike Accidents

Cycling while intoxicated not only endangers lives but also has significant legal repercussions. If you cause an accident while your BAC exceeds legal limits, you can face criminal charges, including jail time, fines, and loss of driving privileges. 

In civil terms, operating a vehicle or bicycle under the influence is considered negligence. Iowa, being an at-fault insurance state, holds you responsible for damages if you were intoxicated during an accident. Victims can legally pursue recovery from you.

Determining Fault in Bike and Motorcycle Accidents

Fault determination in vehicle and bike accidents can be complex, especially when alcohol is involved. One common scenario is when a vehicle turns left in front of a motorcycle, often leading to severe accidents. Generally, the turning driver is liable as they must yield to oncoming traffic. However, if the motorcyclist was speeding or ran a red light, this could reduce or eliminate the driver's liability.

Importance of Hiring an Attorney After a Bike Accident

After a bike accident, especially involving alcohol, hiring an attorney is crucial. Here are three reasons why:

Iowa’s Comparative Negligence Laws

Iowa's comparative negligence law reduces your compensation by your proportion of fault. For instance, if you are 10 percent at fault, your payout is reduced by 10 percent. An attorney can help minimize your fault percentage and maximize your compensation.

Negotiating a Settlement

Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts. An attorney can negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation. They have the expertise to counter insurance companies' tactics and advocate for your rights.

Filing a Lawsuit

Severe injuries or unsatisfactory settlements may necessitate a lawsuit. This process requires legal knowledge, adherence to state and federal laws, and persistence. An experienced attorney can navigate these complexities and represent you effectively in court.

Taking Action After an Accident

If you’ve been in an alcohol-related bike accident, consulting with an attorney can help you understand your options and seek restitution.

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.