Glenwood Personal Injury Attorneys

Accidents and injuries can unexpectedly change lives. In such trying times, personal injury lawyers are essential allies. They specialize in representing those harmed by others' negligence, helping them secure fair compensation. This article delves into the crucial role personal injury lawyers play in helping individuals navigate their claims and rebuild their lives.

How to Prevent Alcohol-Related Bike Accidents

Like drinking and driving, drinking and biking do not mix. Alcohol impairs cognitive and motor skills, and slows reaction time. Despite the dangers, millions still engage in this risky behavior. In Iowa, 3.2 percent of residents admit to driving after drinking too much in the past 30 days, higher than the national average of 1.9 percent, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Statistical Snapshot of Alcohol-Related Bike Accidents

Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveal the deadly mix of alcohol and driving/biking:

- 34 percent of fatal bicycle accidents involved either the cyclist or the driver being under the influence of alcohol.
- 20 percent of bicyclists who died in traffic accidents in 2013 had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 g/dL, 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 incurs legal risks. If responsible for an accident while intoxicated, you face criminal charges, including jail time, fines, and loss of driving privileges. Legally, intoxication is considered negligence, making you liable for damages in an accident.

Should I Hire an Attorney for a Bicycle Accident?

Without legal representation, you may struggle to get full compensation or prove you weren’t at fault in a bicycle accident. Here are three reasons to consult an attorney after a bike accident in Iowa.

Iowa’s Comparative Negligence Laws

Iowa’s comparative negligence law allows for your damages to be reduced by your proportion of fault. If you were 10 percent at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 10 percent. Defendants and insurance companies will likely highlight any errors you made to reduce their payout.

Negotiating a Settlement Amount

An attorney can help demonstrate that your injuries were due to the other party’s fault and guide you through settlement negotiations. Insurance companies often aim to pay less than deserved, so having a legal advocate ensures you get the full payout amount.

Filing a Lawsuit

Sometimes, settlements aren’t sufficient, or injuries are so severe that an insurance claim alone isn’t enough. Filing a lawsuit requires:

- Knowledge of State and Federal Law
- Adherence to Statute of Limitations
- Time and Perseverance

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.