Keokuk Personal Injury Attorneys

When accidents and injuries disrupt lives, personal injury lawyers become indispensable. They specialize in advocating for those harmed by others' negligence, ensuring they obtain fair compensation. This article explores the significant role personal injury lawyers play in guiding individuals through their claims and aiding in recovery.

Whether you’re an avid cyclist or primarily a motorist, understanding Iowa’s bicycle laws is crucial for ensuring safety on the roads. These laws apply to both cyclists and motorists, promoting safe and orderly travel. This article reviews key bicycle laws in Iowa, emphasizing the responsibilities of both cyclists and drivers.

Pass on the Left

Bicyclists in Iowa are required to pass vehicles on the left, just like motor vehicles. To do so, a cyclist must move into the left lane, ensuring it is safe to pass, and then return to the right lane after passing. This rule helps prevent accidents and ensures smoother traffic flow.

Ride With Traffic, Not Against It

Cyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic. Riding against traffic is illegal and increases the risk of head-on collisions, which can be deadly. This rule does not apply to pedestrians on sidewalks, but it is critical for cyclists to follow.

Always Use a Light When It’s Dark Out

When riding a bicycle after sunset or before sunrise, cyclists must use bike lights. Iowa law requires a front lamp emitting a white light and a rear red light or reflector, both visible from at least 300 feet. These lights help cyclists see and be seen by other motorists, reducing the risk of accidents.

Stop for School Buses

Cyclists must stop for school buses when the bus displays a stop sign or flashing lights. Failing to stop can result in a traffic citation. This rule ensures the safety of children boarding or leaving the bus.

Use Proper Hand and Arm Signals

Cyclists must use hand and arm signals to indicate turns and stops. Proper signaling includes:

- Left turn: Left arm extended horizontally
- Right turn: Left arm bent at the elbow, hand facing upwards
- Slow down/stop: Left arm bent at the elbow, hand facing downwards

These signals help motorists understand cyclists’ intentions, promoting safer interactions on the road.

Always Report Traffic Crashes

Iowa law requires cyclists to report all traffic crashes and exchange information with the other party involved. This ensures that accidents are documented and that involved parties can be held accountable.

Never Ride in Non-Bicycle Areas

Cyclists are prohibited from riding on interstates and certain highways for safety reasons. Additionally, many Iowa cities ban cycling on sidewalks. Cyclists should familiarize themselves with local restrictions to avoid fines and ensure safety.

Learn Iowa’s Bicycle Laws and What to Do if You’re in a Cycling Accident

Understanding and following Iowa’s bicycle laws are vital for safety. However, accidents can still happen due to negligent motorists. If you’re involved in a cycling accident, legal action may be necessary.

Iowa Pedestrian Law as It Applies to Pedestrians

Pedestrian safety is a significant concern, with more than 4,000 pedestrians killed and tens of thousands injured annually in the U.S., according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Understanding Iowa's pedestrian laws is essential for compliance and accident prevention.

The Pedestrian Laws in Iowa

In Iowa, pedestrians must follow traffic laws and signals. Pedestrians have the right of way at intersections without traffic lights and at marked or unmarked crosswalks. Motorists must yield to pedestrians when entering or leaving driveways, parking lots, or alleys. However, pedestrians should exercise caution and not assume vehicles will stop, even if required by law.

Pedestrians must also yield to motorists and cyclists when crossing roads at locations other than intersections or where pedestrian tunnels or overhead crossings are available. When walking along roads or highways without sidewalks, pedestrians should stay on the left side, facing oncoming traffic. This positioning allows pedestrians to see and react to oncoming vehicles.

Hitchhiking Laws

Iowa prohibits pedestrians from standing on the roadway to solicit rides. However, pedestrians may stand on parts of the roadway not used by vehicles to solicit rides from motorists.

Law-Abiding Pedestrians Who End Up as Accident Victims

Despite following the laws, pedestrians can still be victims of accidents caused by negligent motorists. Injured pedestrians can seek compensation for physical and emotional trauma. Proving a motorist's fault and documenting damages are crucial steps in this process.

Victims should present:

- Medical bills
- Evidence of lost wages
- Documentation of other damages

An experienced personal injury attorney can help gather evidence and build a strong case.

Iowa Dramshop Law: Proving Liability in Alcohol-Related Incidents

Iowa's Dramshop Law holds bars and establishments liable for damages caused by intoxicated patrons. This law aims to prevent excessive alcohol service and ensure public safety.

Proving an Iowa Dramshop Claim

Two common scenarios for dramshop claims include:

1. Serving an intoxicated person: A person is served too much alcohol, becomes intoxicated, and causes an accident.
2. Assault by an intoxicated patron: An intoxicated person assaults someone at the establishment.

To file a dramshop claim, it must be shown that the establishment served alcohol to an already intoxicated person or continued serving alcohol when it was reasonably foreseeable the person would become intoxicated. Iowa Code § 123.92 outlines these responsibilities.

Compensation in Dramshop Cases

Victims can seek compensation for:

- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Damaged property
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death

Only those injured by the intoxicated patron (second parties) can sue the establishment. Intoxicated persons themselves (first parties) cannot file dramshop claims. The law also does not apply to social hosts who serve alcohol at private events.

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.