Bloomfield Personal Injury Attorneys

Life can be abruptly altered by accidents and injuries. During these tough moments, personal injury lawyers are crucial allies. They advocate for those harmed by negligence, ensuring they receive rightful compensation. This article explores the significant role personal injury lawyers play in navigating claims and aiding in recovery.

Available Damages in a Dram Shop Claim

The damages obtainable in an Iowa personal injury claim are similar to those in a dram shop claim. These damages include medical bills, pain and suffering, lost income, damaged property, wrongful death, and possibly punitive damages.

Medical Bills

A dram shop claim can cover all medical expenses associated with the accident. This includes emergency care, hospital stays, surgery, medications, and any necessary physical or occupational rehabilitation.

Pain and Suffering

Compensation for pain and suffering includes both physical and emotional distress. This can cover conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), emotional trauma from permanent injuries, and severe disfigurement.

Lost Income

Victims can claim lost wages, whether from employment or self-employment. This also includes work-related benefits such as paid medical insurance, and retirement contributions lost due to the accident.

Damaged Property

Compensation can be sought for the repair or replacement of the victim’s vehicle and any personal items damaged during the accident.

Wrongful Death

In cases where the accident results in death, family survivors can demand compensation for medical and funeral expenses, lost future income, loss of consortium, and other related costs.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages may be awarded if the defendant displayed willful disregard for the victim’s safety. These are additional to the actual damages requested.

Basics of Dram Shop Law

A dram shop claim is against an individual or business with a liquor license for serving too much alcohol to someone who then causes an accident, often resulting in injury or death to another person. Legal requirements for these claims involve several liability variables outlined in Iowa Code § 123.92.

Liability in Dram Shop Claims

Iowa has a Dram Shop Law, unlike some states like Nebraska. In Iowa, injured victims must provide written notice of their intent to file a claim within six months of the accident, with a statute of limitations of two years for filing the injury claim. The burden of proof lies with the victim or the survivors of a deceased victim.

Suing the Bar and the Drunk Driver

Victims of accidents caused by intoxicated drivers can sue both the bar and the driver. Each defendant may pay a portion of the damages, excluding any punitive damages.

Filing a Dram Shop Claim

The notice of intent to file a claim against the establishment’s licensee or permittee must be precise, often requiring the assistance of an experienced dram shop law attorney. The statute of limitations to file the injury claim is two years from the date of the accident.

Road Bike Safety Tips for New Cyclists

With over 46 million people riding bicycles each year in America, it’s crucial to understand road safety, especially for new cyclists. Bicycling is beneficial for health and the environment but can be dangerous, particularly in high-traffic areas.

Road Safety Tips for Cyclists

Before hitting the road, familiarize yourself with bike safety information, as it can save your life. Here are some safety tips:

- Learn the bicycling rules of the road for your area, as laws can vary by city and state.
- Practice in safe areas without cars before riding in congested areas. Learn how to safely maneuver your bike, including using pedals and brakes.
- Take a bicycle safety course in your area
- Ride with traffic, not against it, and stay as far to the right as possible if no bike path is available.
- Always wear a helmet.
- Make yourself visible by wearing reflective clothing and using lights at night. Rear lights are mandatory in Iowa.
- Do not wear earbuds to stay alert to traffic sounds.
- Pay attention to what cars around you are doing and try to make eye contact with drivers.
- Avoid riding in drivers’ blind spots and leave room between yourself and parked cars to avoid being hit by opening doors.
- Do not speed and ensure your bike is in good repair before riding.

Options for Compensation after a Bicycle Accident Hit and Run

Hit-and-run bicycle accidents are unfortunately common, with over 800 pedalcyclists dying in accidents in 2015 alone. These incidents are often complicated by the driver fleeing the scene, making it difficult for cyclists to recover damages.

Finding the Driver Responsible

If hurt by a hit-and-run driver, there are still ways to seek justice. Drivers sometimes turn themselves in, and law enforcement may use evidence like traffic camera footage and eyewitness testimonies to identify the driver. You can also seek media coverage to find the responsible driver.

Obtaining Compensation

If the driver is found, you can file a claim with their insurance company. If the driver is not found, your damages may be covered under your auto insurance policy’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). This coverage is optional in Iowa, with minimum coverage of $20,000 per person/$40,000 per accident.

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.