Dike Personal Injury Attorneys

Sudden accidents and injuries can drastically alter lives. During these difficult moments, personal injury lawyers are invaluable. They specialize in representing those harmed by others' negligence, ensuring they get rightful compensation. This article highlights the crucial role personal injury lawyers play in navigating claims and helping people rebuild their lives.

How to Prevent Alcohol-Related Bike Accidents

Just like drinking and driving, drinking and biking do not mix. Alcohol impairs cognitive and motor skills and slows reaction time, making it dangerous to operate a motor vehicle or bicycle while under the influence. Despite the risks, millions of people still engage in this behavior. In Iowa, roughly 3.2 percent of residents admit to getting behind the wheel after drinking too much in the past 30 days, significantly higher than the national average of 1.9 percent, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Statistical Snapshot of Alcohol-Related Bike Accidents

Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) highlight the dangers of combining alcohol with driving or biking:

- In 34 percent of fatal bicycle accidents, either the cyclist or the driver was under the influence of alcohol.
- In 2013, 20 percent of bicyclists who died in traffic accidents 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.

Intoxication Affects Bike Accident Liability

Biking or driving under the influence not only endangers lives but also has legal repercussions. If you're responsible for an accident with a BAC exceeding legal limits, you could face criminal charges, including jail time, fines, and loss of driving privileges. Additionally, intoxication is considered negligence in an accident claim or lawsuit. In Iowa, an at-fault car insurance state, the injured party can pursue recovery from the intoxicated individual.

Involved in an Alcohol-Related Bike Accident?

If you were recently in a bicycle accident and sustained damages, consult an attorney to explore your options and seek restitution. For legal assistance, contact the bicycle accident lawyers at Walker, Billingsley & Bair in Dike at (641) 792-3595 or use the online contact form.

Options for Compensation After a Bicycle Accident Hit and Run

Hit-and-run bicycle accidents are all too common. National statistics reveal that over 800 pedalcyclists died in accidents in 2015. Irresponsible drivers, possibly under the influence or without a license, often flee the scene out of fear. This makes it difficult for bicyclists to recover financial damages.

Finding the Driver Responsible for Your Accident

If you were hurt by a hit-and-run driver, there are still ways to seek justice. Drivers with a conscience may turn themselves in, and law enforcement can often identify the driver using traffic or surveillance camera footage and eyewitness testimonies. You might also request local news stations to cover your story, increasing the chances of finding the driver through public tips. Once identified, the driver will face criminal charges, and you can file a claim with their insurer or sue them directly.

Obtaining Compensation After a Hit and Run Bike Accident

If the driver remains unidentified, your damages may be covered under your auto insurance policy’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). This coverage applies if the driver has no insurance, insufficient insurance, or flees the scene. UM/UIM is optional in Iowa, with minimum coverage of $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident. Check with your insurance agent to understand your coverage.

What Has to Be Proven in an Iowa Dramshop Claim?

There are two typical scenarios in an Iowa dramshop claim: a person is served too much alcohol at a bar or restaurant, becomes intoxicated, and then either causes a car accident or assaults someone. Iowa’s Dramshop Law holds the bar owner or staff liable if they serve alcohol to someone who is visibly intoxicated or serve someone to the point of intoxication.

Legal Responsibilities Under Iowa’s Dramshop Law

Bars and other licensed establishments must exercise reasonable care to detect signs of intoxication in patrons. If they identify someone as having had too much to drink, they must stop serving them. This law is intended to prevent excess alcohol consumption and subsequent harm.

Available Damages in a Dramshop Case

Victims of intoxicated patrons can seek compensation for:

- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death

However, the intoxicated person cannot sue the bar or restaurant for serving them alcohol. The law applies only to licensed vendors, not to private citizens hosting parties.

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.