Earlham Personal Injury Attorneys

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

Comprehensive Guide to Road Safety: Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Alcohol-Related Accident Prevention

Understanding the rules and guidelines for road safety is essential for preventing accidents involving pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. This comprehensive guide covers the crucial aspects of driving rules around pedestrians, preventing alcohol-related bicycle accidents, and filing accident claims to recover damages.

Rules of Driving on the Road When a Pedestrian is Present

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 70,000 pedestrians are injured in motor vehicle accidents annually in the United States. Despite established laws for pedestrians and motorists, many accidents occur due to ignorance of these rules.

Iowa Rules of the Road Around Pedestrians

The Iowa Department of Transportation has specific laws for motorists in situations where a pedestrian is present. Motorists must take on significant responsibility due to the potential for serious injury to pedestrians if vehicles are not operated correctly. According to these laws, motorists must yield the right of way to pedestrians when:

- Entering or leaving a driveway, parking lot, or alley
- Pedestrians are crossing at an intersection, whether on a marked or unmarked crosswalk, in the absence of traffic signals

Motorists must also exercise special caution when driving through:

- Residential areas
- School vicinities
- Near shopping centers
- Parking lots
- Congested areas (e.g., downtown)

How to Prevent Alcohol-Related Bike Accidents

Just as with drinking and driving, drinking and biking is hazardous. Alcohol impairs cognitive and motor skills and slows reaction time. Despite the dangers, millions still bike or drive under the influence. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3.2 percent of Iowans admit to drinking and driving 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 highlights the risks associated with alcohol and 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 cyclists who died in traffic accidents had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 g/dL (the legal limit for alcohol), and nearly one-quarter had a BAC of 0.01 g/dL.

Intoxication Affects Bike Accident Liability

Operating a bicycle or vehicle while intoxicated poses legal risks. If responsible for an accident with a BAC over the legal limit, you face criminal charges, including jail time, fines, and lost driving privileges. In addition, driving or cycling while intoxicated is considered negligence in an accident claim. In an at-fault state like Iowa, the inebriated party is responsible for the damages.

Filing a Bike Accident Claim to Recover Damages for Your Injuries

Filing a bicycle accident claim with an insurance company can help recover damages following a crash. Whether it's a right hook accident, a dooring accident, or another common type of bicycle accident, the claims process involves several steps.

Determining Fault in a Bike Accident Claim

Determining fault significantly impacts how you file your claim. If you caused the accident, file with your car insurance company. If the other driver was at fault, file with their insurance company. Your car insurance policy might cover you even if you were on your bike. Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage and medical payments coverage can help you receive compensation. Knowing the specifics of your policy is crucial.

Seeking Medical Help and Filing a Claim for Bodily Injury Damage

The first step after a bicycle accident is seeking medical attention. Not only is it crucial for your well-being, but it also determines the compensation amount needed for your claim. Assuming the other driver was partially at fault, file your bodily injury claim with their insurance company.

Documenting All Medical Treatment

Keep detailed notes on all treatments:

- Initial injury date
- Date of first treatment
- How the injury occurred
- Doctor's prognosis
- Estimated treatment length
- Medications or surgeries
- Dates of all related appointments

Filing Your Claim

File your claim as early as possible. Your insurance agent will guide you through the process. Always be truthful and consult an attorney before signing anything.

Proving the Fault of the Other Driver

Proving the other driver's fault can be challenging. Insurance companies may try to deny coverage or reduce compensation if they believe you were partially at fault. Gather and document all accident-related evidence. Witness testimonies can be crucial.

Negotiating a Settlement Amount

Insurance companies often offer lower initial settlement amounts. Through negotiations, you can recover a more appropriate compensation amount.

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.