Lamoni Car Accident Injury Attorneys

Sudden accidents and injuries can disrupt lives unexpectedly. During these challenging moments, car accident injury lawyers become indispensable allies. They fight for those injured due to others' carelessness, ensuring just compensation. This article emphasizes the crucial role these lawyers play in helping people navigate their claims and restoring normalcy.

Many car accidents in Iowa result in serious injuries, with some being fatal. One of the most dangerous types of accidents is a side impact collision, such as a T-bone accident. When such an accident occurs, injuries can be extremely severe and sometimes permanent. Being in a car accident is a harrowing experience, and a T-bone accident can be particularly emotionally distressing.

If you’ve been in a car accident, an attorney can be your most valuable resource in understanding liability, recovering damages, and knowing your rights as a victim.

The Dangers of T-Bone Accidents

T-bone accidents offer less protection than other types of accidents. Despite many vehicles now having side airbags, a high-speed impact can still cause considerable damage to the vehicle and its occupants, especially those on the side where the impact occurs. Death and serious injuries are not uncommon. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that in 2012, angle collisions, which include T-bone accidents, resulted in 5,957 fatalities.

Causes of T-Bone Accidents

T-bone accidents usually occur because one of the drivers acted recklessly or irresponsibly. Common causes include:
- Running stop signs
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Driving aggressively, especially at high speeds
- Failing to yield properly
- Disobeying traffic laws

If you’ve been involved in such an accident due to another driver’s negligence, an attorney can help you prove liability through adequate car accident evidence.

Recovering Damages in a Personal Injury Case

To pursue a personal injury case and recover damages, you must prove the liability of the driver who caused your accident. This involves demonstrating:
1. The driver acted negligently.
2. The negligent behavior caused your accident.
3. Your accident caused your injuries.

If you can prove liability, you may be entitled to damages, including:
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Lost earnings
- Property damage

In Iowa, you have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury action, according to Iowa Code 614.1(2). Act quickly to recover compensation.

Sideswipe car accidents occur when two or more vehicles traveling in the same direction collide. These accidents often happen when one vehicle enters another vehicle's lane or both drivers attempt to merge into the same lane. Sideswipe accidents can range from minor property damage to devastating crashes causing severe injuries or fatalities.

Preventing Sideswipe Car Accidents

To prevent sideswipe accidents:
1. Check your mirrors and blind spots: Always look over your shoulder before changing lanes.
2. Pass on the left: Passing on the right can be unexpected and dangerous. It's safer and often legally required to pass on the left.
3. Use technology: Many newer cars have lane change warning systems that use radar to detect vehicles in your path, providing warnings to prevent collisions.

Determining Fault in a Sideswipe Accident

Fault determination often involves eyewitness testimony and the application of comparative fault under Iowa law. This means that a judge or jury will assign a percentage of fault to each driver involved. To recover any damages, you must prove the other driver was at least 50% at fault. If you are found partially at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

If you were the victim of a hit and run, prioritize your immediate medical needs and alert the proper authorities.

Avoid the Temptation to Chase the Driver

Chasing the driver is highly discouraged. The fleeing driver may be dangerous, uninsured, or intoxicated. Instead, stay calm, collect information, and rely on the authorities.

Collecting Information

If possible, write down:
- The make and model of the car
- The license plate number
- A description of the driver
- Witness names and contact numbers

This information can help the police identify the suspect and support your case when pursuing compensation with the insurance company.

Contact the Police

Provide the police with all pertinent information and obtain a police report, which is essential for supporting your car accident claim. While the police are at the scene, take photos or videos of the accident location and damages.

Consulting a Car Accident Attorney

Obtaining compensation after a hit and run can be challenging. Seek the counsel of an accident attorney to explore your legal options, including filing an uninsured motorist claim if you have the coverage. If the other driver is located, you can file a claim against their insurance.

Seeking Legal Assistance

Seeking legal counsel from experienced Iowa car accident attorneys such as those at Walker, Billingsley & Bair can provide invaluable support in filing insurance claims or pursuing personal injury lawsuits. With a comprehensive understanding of Iowa law, their team can help gather evidence, establish liability, and secure the compensation deserved by accident victims.

Suffering from the aftermath of a car accident shouldn't impede your pursuit of justice and fair compensation. The Iowa injury lawyers at Walker, Billingsley & Bair work hard to level the field between injured Iowans and insurance companies.

That's why we provide this FREE book; The Legal Insider's Guide to Iowa Car Accidents: 7 Secrets to Not Wreck Your Case. To learn more about what our legal team will do to help you protect your Iowa injury claim, contact Walker, Billingsley & Bair to schedule a no-cost consultation. Call 641-792-3595 to order your free accident book today.