Farley Car Accident Injury Attorneys

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

Car accidents can be complex events with serious consequences, especially when determining fault. Whether it's a left turn accident, a rear-end collision, or a case involving multiple parties, understanding liability is crucial. This article will cover the nuances of fault in left turn and rear-end accidents, as well as provide an overview of Iowa’s comparative fault laws. We will also discuss the importance of securing legal assistance to navigate these situations effectively.

Left Turn Car Accidents: Who is at Fault?

The Complexity of Left Turn Accidents

Left turn car accidents are among the most severe due to the force of impact typically being on the passenger side. Determining fault in these accidents, also known as liability determination, involves several factors, including traffic controls, yielding rules, and the concept of comparative fault.

Traffic Controls and Fault

Traffic controls play a significant role in determining fault. If you have a green arrow while turning left, it is likely that the other driver is at fault. Conversely, if you turn left under a blinking yellow or red light, you may be at fault. A common challenge arises when a driver starts a left turn as the light changes from green to yellow to red, and the oncoming driver either runs the red light or does not stop in time. In such cases, both drivers might share fault depending on the specific circumstances and available evidence, such as traffic camera footage.

Failing to Yield

When making a left turn, you must yield to oncoming traffic. If you pull out in front of a vehicle and cause a collision, you are likely at fault. However, if the other vehicle is speeding, they may also share liability. Iowa law allows you to assume that other drivers are following traffic laws, so if a driver is significantly exceeding the speed limit, they may be found entirely at fault.

Uncontrolled Intersections

At uncontrolled intersections, the general rule is to yield to the vehicle on your right. If you turn left in front of a vehicle approaching from the right, you may be at fault. Speed and other factors, such as driver distraction, can also influence the determination of fault.

Comparative Fault in Iowa

Iowa operates under a comparative fault system, meaning the fault of each party is compared. To recover damages, you must prove the other driver was 50% or more at fault. Your recovery amount will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if you are found 30% at fault in an accident and awarded $100,000 in damages, you will only receive $70,000.

Rear-End Collisions: Determining Liability

It is often assumed that the rear driver is always at fault in a rear-end collision. However, liability can be more complicated. The driver in front may also share fault if they were driving negligently, such as having non-functional brake lights or stopping suddenly without cause.

Proving Negligence

To prove negligence, evidence such as police reports, witness testimony, breathalyzer/drug tests, cell phone records, and physical damage can be crucial. Both drivers may be partially at fault, and Iowa's comparative fault laws will apply, reducing recoverable damages in proportion to each party's percentage of fault.

Understanding Iowa Bicycle Laws

Iowa has specific laws to ensure cyclists' and motorists' safety. Cyclists must pass vehicles on the left, ride with traffic, use lights at night, stop for school buses, use hand signals, report traffic crashes, and avoid riding in non-bicycle areas. 

Safe Distance Requirement

Iowa law requires drivers to pass cyclists at a "safe distance," although this distance is not explicitly defined. When drivers fail to maintain a safe distance, they may be held liable for resulting accidents. Evidence such as witness testimony, video footage, police reports, and physical evidence is crucial in these cases.

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.