Laurens Personal Injury Attorneys

Accidents and injuries can unexpectedly change lives. In such challenging times, personal injury lawyers are crucial. They represent individuals affected by others' negligence, ensuring they receive proper compensation. This article discusses the vital 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

Common Bicycle Accidents and Prevention Tips

Bicycling is a popular mode of transportation and recreation in Iowa, but it comes with its risks. In 2011, there were five pedalcyclist fatalities in Iowa, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Polk County, in particular, had the most bicycle-car accidents in the state from 2009-2014. The goal is to reduce these numbers to zero. Understanding the common types of bicycle accidents and how to avoid them is crucial for safety.

Right Hook Accidents

A right hook accident occurs when a car making a right-hand turn crosses the path of a cyclist. These accidents can happen at intersections or when a vehicle is exiting a driveway or parking lot. Drivers may fail to use their turn signals, making it challenging for cyclists to anticipate the turn.

Prevention Tips:

- Positioning: When stopped at a red light or stop sign, position yourself slightly in front of the right-hand lane vehicles so that drivers can see you.
- Passing: Never pass a vehicle on the right. Instead, always pass on the left where drivers are more likely to see you.

Dooring Accidents

Dooring accidents happen when a cyclist rides between lanes of traffic and parked cars, and a car door suddenly opens into the cyclist's path. This can cause the cyclist to collide with the door or swerve into oncoming traffic.

Prevention Tips:

- Bike Lanes: Use bike lanes that are separated from the road when available.
- Awareness: Stay alert for parked cars and reduce your speed when riding close to them.

Vehicle Turning Left

At intersections, left-turning vehicles must yield to oncoming traffic. Cyclists are often less visible to drivers, especially in low-light conditions, leading to accidents.

Prevention Tips:

- Visibility: Equip your bike with lights and wear bright clothing to increase visibility.
- Eye Contact: Make eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you before you proceed through an intersection.
- Sidewalk Riding: Avoid riding on sidewalks as drivers do not expect fast-moving vehicles there.

Failure to Yield

Cyclists sometimes fail to yield to vehicles at intersections, misjudging the speed and distance of oncoming traffic.

Prevention Tips:

- Caution: Always exercise caution when entering an intersection, even if you have the right of way. Ensure that other drivers see you and that it is safe to proceed.

What to Do if You're in a Bicycle Accident

If you're involved in a bicycle accident in Iowa, knowing the proper steps to take can help you protect your rights and secure compensation for your injuries.

Steps to Take Immediately After an Accident:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the priority. Get medical help immediately, even if you don't think you're seriously injured.
2. Report the Accident: Contact the police and file an accident report. This documentation can be crucial for your claim.
3. Gather Information: Collect contact and insurance information from the involved driver, as well as contact details of any witnesses.
4. Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damages to your bicycle.

Common Insurance Adjuster Tactics in Personal Injury Cases

When dealing with insurance companies after an accident, be aware of common tactics they use to undermine your claim.

Tactics Used by Insurance Adjusters:

1. Accessing Medical Records: Adjusters may request access to your entire medical history to find anything that could minimize your claim.
2. Low-Ball Offers: They may offer a quick, low settlement to close the case before the full extent of your injuries is known.
3. Surveillance: Adjusters may place you under surveillance to catch you performing daily tasks, which can be used against your claim.
4. Discouraging Legal Counsel: They may try to persuade you not to hire a lawyer, knowing that legal representation can prevent them from using these tactics.

Protecting Yourself:

- Know Your Rights: Be aware of your rights and the details of your insurance policy.
- Medical Records: Only provide medical records related to the accident.
- Surveillance Awareness: Assume you might be under surveillance and follow your doctor's advice.
- Settlement Offers: Don’t accept a settlement without consulting a lawyer.

Iowa Dramshop Law and Bicycle Accidents

Iowa's Dramshop Law can apply if a drunk driver hits a cyclist. This law holds establishments liable for serving alcohol to intoxicated individuals who then cause harm.

Proving a Dramshop Claim

To prove a dramshop claim, you must show that:

1. Over-Serving: The establishment served alcohol to an intoxicated person or to a point where they should have known the person would become intoxicated.
2. Resulting Harm: The intoxicated person caused injury or damage.

Available Damages

You can claim damages for:

- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death

Who Can Sue

Only those injured by the intoxicated person can sue under Iowa’s dramshop laws. The intoxicated person cannot file a claim.

Social Host Liability

Iowa's dramshop laws do not apply to private individuals who serve alcohol at parties or 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.