Hawarden Personal Injury Attorneys

Life can be abruptly disrupted by accidents and injuries. In such difficult times, personal injury lawyers are indispensable. They advocate for individuals affected by others' negligence, ensuring they receive proper compensation. This article discusses the essential role personal injury lawyers play in navigating claims and helping people reclaim their lives.

Bicycle Accidents in Iowa: How to Avoid Them and What to Do When It Happens to You

Bicycle accidents are a significant concern in Iowa. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were five pedalcyclist fatalities in the state in 2011. Polk County, in particular, had the most bicycle-car accidents from 2009 to 2014. The goal is to reduce the number of bicyclist accidents in the state to zero. Here are some of the most common types of bicycle accidents, how to prevent them, and what to do if you are involved in one.

Common Bicycle Accidents and Prevention Tips

A Right Hook Accident

A right hook accident occurs when a car making a right-hand turn turns into the path of a cyclist. This type of accident can happen at intersections or when pulling out of a driveway or parking lot. Since some drivers fail to use their turn signals, predicting a turn can be challenging.

Prevention Tips:
- When stopped at a red light or stop sign, position yourself slightly in front of vehicles in the right-hand lane so the motorist can see you.
- Never pass a vehicle on the right. Always pass on the left, as drivers are less likely to expect a cyclist on their right side when making a turn.

A "Dooring" Accident

A "dooring" accident happens when a cyclist rides between traffic lanes and parked cars. If a motorist opens a car door unexpectedly, it can block the cyclist’s path or cause a collision.

Prevention Tips:
- Use bike lanes separate from the road whenever possible.
- Stay alert for parked cars and slow down when approaching them.

A Vehicle Turning Left

At intersections, vehicles turning left must yield to oncoming traffic, including cyclists. However, cyclists are often harder to see, especially in poor lighting.

Prevention Tips:
- Ensure your bike has a light and wear bright colors to improve visibility.
- Make eye contact with left-turning drivers before proceeding through an intersection.
- Avoid riding on sidewalks where motorists do not expect fast-moving vehicles.

Failure to Yield

Cyclists must exercise caution when entering intersections, even if they have the right of way. Misjudging an oncoming car’s speed and distance can lead to accidents.

Prevention Tips:
- Double-check before entering an intersection to ensure it is clear and that drivers see you.

Options for Compensation After a Bicycle Accident Hit and Run

Hit-and-run bicycle accidents are alarmingly common. In 2015, over 800 pedalcyclists died in accidents nationwide. Irresponsible drivers, often driving under the influence or without a license, may flee the scene out of fear. This makes it challenging for bicyclists to recover financial damages.

Finding the Driver Responsible:
- Drivers sometimes turn themselves in or are found through law enforcement efforts using traffic camera footage and eyewitness testimonies.
- Publicizing your hit-and-run accident story may help identify the driver through tips from viewers.

Obtaining Compensation:
- If the driver is found, you can file a claim with their insurance company.
- If the driver flees, your damages may be covered under your auto insurance policy’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). This coverage is optional in Iowa, so check with your insurance agent about your policy details.

Common Tactics and Defenses Insurance Adjusters Use in Personal Injury Cases

Insurance adjusters often use tactics to deny, discredit, or delay your personal injury claim. Understanding these tactics and knowing how to protect yourself is crucial.

Common Insurance Adjuster Tactics:

1. Accessing Your Medical Records:
   - Adjusters seek access to your entire medical history, not just records related to the accident, to find ways to minimize your claim.

2. Offering a Quick, Low-Ball Settlement:
   - Adjusters may offer a small settlement quickly after the accident, hoping you’ll accept it before realizing the full extent of your injuries.

3. Placing You Under Surveillance:
   - They may observe you performing daily tasks to use as evidence against your claim.

4. Discouraging You from Hiring a Lawyer:
   - Adjusters may promise fairness to deter you from seeking legal counsel, knowing an attorney will challenge their tactics.

Ways to Protect Yourself:

- Evaluate your insurance policy carefully if your claim is denied or misrepresented.
- Refuse to authorize the release of your entire medical history; only provide records relevant to the accident.
- Assume you are under surveillance and follow your doctor’s advice strictly.
- Do not accept a low settlement offer without consulting a lawyer.

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.