Logan Truck Accident Injury Attorneys

In the broad expanse of highway systems, trucking accidents can lead to substantial interruptions, often resulting in severe injuries. In these tough situations, trucking injury lawyers act as trustworthy allies, providing support and advice to those impacted. They specialize in the detailed aspects of trucking laws and regulations.

If you or someone you care about has been injured in a car crash, you have probably asked yourself, "Why should I hire a car accident attorney?" Here are the key reasons and situations when consulting an attorney is beneficial.

When You Might Not Need an Attorney

Not every car accident case requires an attorney. For example, you might not need legal representation if:
1. Your vehicle sustained only property damage, and the other driver’s insurance has covered the repairs.
2. Your injuries were minor, requiring minimal medical treatment.
3. You reached a fair settlement with the insurance company, with all details documented in writing.

When Consulting an Attorney is Crucial

There are situations where you should at least consult an attorney before signing any forms or speaking to insurance adjusters. These include:
1. Severe Injuries: If you were hospitalized or required surgery.
2. Permanent Injuries: If the accident resulted in long-term or permanent injuries.
3. DUI Involvement: If the other driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Common Mistakes by Self-Represented Individuals

Many people who represent themselves make costly mistakes, such as:
1. Accepting Low Offers: Settling for an offer without considering all expenses, like paying back health insurance from the settlement money.
2. Ignoring Additional Coverage: Accepting the policy limits without checking for additional coverage, such as an umbrella policy.
3. Failing to Claim Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage: Not following the specific steps required to claim UIM coverage from their own insurance.

How a Qualified Iowa Car Accident Attorney Can Help

An experienced attorney can:
1. Protect Your Rights: Ensure you receive fair compensation under Iowa law.
2. Handle Insurance Companies: Manage all communications and negotiations.
3. Identify All Coverage: Discover all applicable insurance policies to maximize your recovery.
4. Manage Medical Expenses: Deal with subrogation companies and medical providers to increase your net settlement.
5. Provide Expert Advice: Assess your case’s worth and represent you in court if needed.

Proving Fault in Iowa Car Accidents

Iowa follows a comparative fault system, meaning the fault of each driver is compared. If a driver is found 51% or more at fault, they cannot recover damages. Fault can be proven through various ways:

1. Failure to Stop or Maintain Control: Rear-end collisions often result from not stopping within an assured distance or following too closely.
   - Assured Clear Distance Ahead: Drivers must stop within a distance where noticeable objects can be seen.
   - Failure to Maintain Control: Drivers must control their vehicle’s speed when approaching intersections.
   - Following Too Closely: Drivers should maintain a safe distance considering speed, traffic, and road conditions.

2. Failing to Yield: This includes accidents at intersections, pulling in front of traffic, and more.
   - Approaching Intersections: Yield to vehicles on the right if arriving simultaneously.
   - Backing onto Highways: Yield to approaching vehicles when reversing.
   - Slow-Moving Vehicles: Stay in the right lane or close to the right-hand curb.

3. Obeying Traffic Control Devices: Failing to stop at stop signs or red lights.
   - Green Light: Proceed but yield to traffic already in the intersection.
   - Yellow Light: Prepare to stop if safe.
   - Red Light: Stop and remain stopped until the light changes. Right turns are allowed unless prohibited, provided it’s safe.
   - Green Arrow: Proceed cautiously in the direction indicated, yielding to others in the intersection.
   - Left Turns: Yield to oncoming traffic before making a left turn.

Should You Get a Car Accident Lawyer?

If considering hiring a car accident lawyer, understand the typical arrangements:
1. No Up-Front Fees: No need to pay a retainer.
2. Contingency Fee: Attorneys are paid a percentage of the settlement or court award.
3. Selective Cases: Lawyers take cases where they believe they can make a significant impact.
4. Full Representation: Handling all insurance communications, obtaining medical records, and providing updates.

Finding the Right Attorney

Be cautious of law firms that take every case or ask you to handle obtaining medical records yourself. At our office, we:
- Operate on a contingency fee basis.
- Only take cases where we can make a difference.
- Handle all necessary communications and paperwork.

Contacting Walker, Billingsley & Bair

At Walker, Billingsley & Bair, our team is committed to ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. We handle all injury cases on a contingency fee basis and manage all necessary documentation and communications.

Walker, Billingsley & Bair is prepared to act fast to defend your rights after a truck accident in Iowa. Contact our office at 641-792-3595 to speak with an attorney.