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Sudden accidents and injuries can disrupt lives. During these challenging moments, car accident injury lawyers are crucial allies. They advocate for those injured due to others' carelessness, ensuring fair compensation. This piece emphasizes the essential role these lawyers play in helping people navigate their claims and restore normalcy.

Car accidents can result in significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens. Navigating the complexities of insurance claims and understanding your rights can be challenging. This article addresses various aspects of car accident insurance and legal options in Iowa, including medical bill payments, types of car insurance coverage, and specific injury considerations like calcaneus fractures.

Do My Medical Bills Have to Exceed a Certain Amount Before the Insurance Company Pays?

In Iowa, there is no specific threshold that your medical bills must exceed before the insurance company starts paying for car accident-related expenses. When filing your insurance claim, you should submit all your medical expenses and demand reimbursement. If negotiating with insurance companies is not your forte, a qualified Iowa personal injury lawyer can act on your behalf to help recover compensation for your injuries.

Categories of Medical Expenses

Insurance adjusters may categorize your medical expenses into diagnostics and treatment:

- Diagnostics: Includes emergency care, diagnostic tests, and specialist visits.
- Treatment: Covers medication, surgery, physical therapy, and routine doctor visits.

Insurance adjusters may try to reject parts of your claim by arguing that only treatment expenses relate to injury severity. However, diagnostics are equally important because you need a proper diagnosis to receive the appropriate treatment.

Four Types of Car Insurance Every Iowa Motorist Should Have

Carrying adequate car insurance is crucial for protecting yourself financially after an accident. The Iowa Department of Transportation reports thousands of car crashes annually, resulting in serious injuries and property damage. Beyond the mandatory liability insurance, there are four optional coverages that every Iowa motorist should consider:

1. Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage protects you if you're in an accident with an uninsured driver or a hit-and-run driver. This insurance covers medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and other expenses up to the policy limits. Given that approximately 9.7% of Iowa drivers were uninsured in 2012, this coverage is essential.

2. Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Underinsured motorist coverage comes into play when the at-fault driver's liability insurance doesn't cover the full costs of the accident. The minimum liability insurance required in Iowa may not suffice in serious accidents, making this coverage vital.

3. Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)

MedPay covers medical expenses for everyone in the car, regardless of fault. This coverage can pay for costs not covered by health insurance, such as deductibles and co-pays.

4. GAP Insurance

GAP insurance covers the difference between the market value of your car and the amount you owe on your car loan if your car is totaled. This is particularly useful for people who drive a lot, lack a down payment, or own a highly depreciating vehicle.

Iowa Insurance Requirements

Iowa law requires insurance companies to offer uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, though drivers can opt out by signing a waiver. While not required, MedPay and GAP insurance can provide significant financial protection.

Calcaneus Fracture from Car Accident

A calcaneus fracture, or heel bone fracture, is a severe injury often resulting from car accidents. These fractures can cause long-term complications and require immediate and appropriate medical treatment.

Symptoms of a Calcaneus Fracture

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, symptoms include:

- Heel deformity
- Pain
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Inability to bear weight on the heel

Fractures can vary from stable to comminuted, with comminuted fractures being the most severe.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the fracture type and severity:

- Nonsurgical: Casting, immobilization, physical therapy, and pain medications.
- Surgical: Procedures like open reduction and internal fixation or percutaneous screw fixation surgery, followed by rehabilitation therapy.

Complications

Complications from a calcaneus fracture can include:

- Infection
- Nerve and blood vessel damage
- Blood clots
- Chronic pain
- Joint stiffness
- Tendon and nerve irritation

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.