Holstein Personal Injury Attorneys

Accidents and injuries can unexpectedly change lives. During these challenging times, personal injury lawyers are essential. They represent individuals harmed by others' negligence, ensuring they receive fair compensation. This article discusses the crucial role personal injury lawyers play in navigating claims and helping people reclaim their lives.

Every year, more than 4,000 pedestrians and hundreds of bicyclists are killed in traffic accidents across the United States, with tens of thousands more injured. To reduce these numbers, it is essential for pedestrians and bicyclists to understand the laws designed to protect them. This article will provide an overview of pedestrian and bicycle laws in Iowa, the steps to take after an accident, and how to seek compensation if you are injured.

Pedestrian Laws in Iowa

Right of Way and Traffic Control:

Pedestrians in Iowa must obey traffic control signals and understand who has the right of way at intersections and on the road. Here are key points:

1. Intersections and Crosswalks:
   - Pedestrians have the right of way at intersections without traffic lights and on both marked and unmarked crosswalks.
   - Motorists must yield to pedestrians when entering or leaving driveways, parking lots, or alleys.

2. Crossing Roads:
   - Pedestrians must yield to motorists and cyclists when crossing roads at any point other than intersections with crosswalks.
   - When pedestrian tunnels or overhead crossings are available, pedestrians should use them instead of crossing the road.

3. Walking Along Roads:
   - Pedestrians must walk on the left side of the road, facing oncoming traffic, when there is no sidewalk. This position allows them to see and react to oncoming vehicles.

Hitchhiking:

- Pedestrians are prohibited from standing on the roadway to solicit rides (hitchhike). However, they can stand on portions of the road not used by vehicles to request a ride.

Legal Help for Pedestrian Accident Victims

Despite these laws, pedestrians often become accident victims due to motorists' negligence. Injured pedestrians in Iowa can seek compensation for physical and emotional trauma by proving the motorist's fault and the extent of their damages.

Steps to Seek Compensation:

1. Medical Documentation:
   - Collect all medical bills and records related to the injury.
2. Proof of Lost Wages:
   - Provide evidence of lost income due to the accident.
3. Other Damages:
   - Gather documentation, testimony, or other evidence of additional damages, such as pain and suffering.

Bicycle Accidents and Hit-and-Run Incidents

Bicycle accidents, including hit-and-runs, are also common and can leave victims struggling to recover damages. Here’s what cyclists need to know:

Finding the Driver:

- Law enforcement can use traffic or surveillance camera footage and eyewitness testimony to identify hit-and-run drivers. Publicizing the incident through local news can also lead to tips from viewers.

Compensation Options:

- If the driver is identified, cyclists can file a claim with the driver’s insurance or sue them directly.
- If the driver is not found, cyclists can rely on their own auto insurance policy’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM), if available.

Dramshop Claims and Damages in Iowa

Dramshop Law Overview:

In Iowa, dramshop claims involve suing an establishment that served alcohol to an individual who later caused an accident. These claims have specific legal requirements and time limits.

Damages in Dramshop Claims:

- Damages can include medical bills, pain and suffering, lost income, property damage, wrongful death, and punitive damages. The notice of intent to file a dramshop claim must be given within six months, and the injury claim must be filed within two years.

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.