Humboldt Personal Injury Attorneys

Sudden accidents and injuries can significantly disrupt lives. During these challenging periods, personal injury lawyers are crucial allies. They advocate for individuals affected by negligence, ensuring they receive rightful compensation. This article delves into the essential role personal injury lawyers play in guiding individuals through their claims and aiding in recovery.

In Iowa, bicycle accidents are a significant concern. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were five pedalcyclist fatalities in 2011 alone. Polk County had the most bicycle-car accidents in the state from 2009-2014. The goal is to reduce these accidents to zero. As a bicyclist, it’s crucial to be aware of common accident types and how to prevent them.

Common Bicycle Accidents and Prevention Tips

A Right Hook Accident

A right hook accident occurs when a car making a right-hand turn cuts into the path of a cyclist. These crashes often happen at intersections or when a car is pulling out of a driveway or parking lot. Since some drivers fail to use their turn signals, anticipating their actions can be difficult.

Prevention Tips:
- When stopped at a red light or stop sign, position yourself slightly in front of vehicles in the right-hand lane to ensure the motorist sees you.
- Never pass a vehicle on the right, as drivers might not expect you. Always pass on the left.

A "Dooring" Accident

"Dooring" happens when a cyclist rides between traffic lanes and parked cars, and a motorist unexpectedly opens a door in the cyclist's path. This can cause the cyclist to collide with the door or swerve into traffic.

Prevention Tips:
- Use bike lanes whenever possible.
- Stay alert and slow down when passing parked cars to anticipate any doors opening.

A Vehicle Turning Left

Left-turning vehicles at intersections must yield to oncoming traffic, including cyclists. However, cyclists can be harder to see, especially in poor lighting, leading to potential collisions.

Prevention Tips:
- Equip your bike with lights and wear bright colors to increase visibility.
- Make eye contact with left-turning drivers before proceeding through an intersection.
- Avoid riding on sidewalks, as motorists may not check for fast-moving vehicles there.

Failure to Yield

Cyclists can misjudge the speed and distance of oncoming cars, leading to accidents when they fail to yield at intersections.

Prevention Tips:
- Always exercise caution and double-check for oncoming traffic before entering an intersection, even if you have the right of way.

Preventing Alcohol-Related Bike Accidents

Just like drinking and driving, drinking and biking is dangerous. Alcohol impairs cognitive and motor skills, increasing the risk of accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3.2 percent of Iowans admit to driving after drinking too much, higher than the national average of 1.9 percent.

Statistics:
- In 34 percent of fatal bicycle accidents, either the cyclist or the driver was 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 a quarter had a BAC of 0.01 g/dL.

Legal Implications:
- Biking under the influence can result in criminal charges, including jail time, fines, and lost driving privileges.
- If you cause an accident while intoxicated, you will be responsible for the damages, as Iowa is an at-fault car insurance state.

Filing a Claim for a Head Injury from a Bike Accident

Bicyclists, especially those who don’t wear helmets, are at serious risk of sustaining head injuries in accidents with motor vehicles. Here’s a guide to understanding the claims process in Iowa:

Determining Liability
- The person at fault for the accident is liable for the damages.
- In bike accidents, the motor vehicle driver is often at fault, meaning their insurance should cover the damages.

Proving Liability
- Gather evidence such as police reports, physical evidence from the scene, and witness testimony.
- Prove that your head injury directly resulted from the accident.

Determining Compensation
- The insurance adjuster evaluates your claim based on the extent of your injuries, medical bills, lost work time, and damage to your bike.
- If you were partially at fault, your compensation might be reduced.

When a Settlement Isn’t Enough
- You can negotiate for a higher settlement or file a claim against the at-fault driver in civil court.
- File your claim within two years, per Iowa Code section 614.1.

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.