Montezuma Personal Injury Attorneys

Sudden accidents and injuries can drastically disrupt lives. In such difficult moments, personal injury lawyers are indispensable. They specialize in representing those affected by others' negligence, ensuring they get fair compensation. This article delves into the vital role personal injury lawyers play in navigating claims and helping people recover.

Helmet Use and Your Bicycle Accident Claim: It Matters

When filing a claim for injuries sustained during a bicycle accident, you may have questions about fault and how your actions impact your settlement. Notably, if you didn't wear a helmet, this choice can affect your claim.

Iowa Helmet Laws

In Iowa, there is no legal obligation to wear a helmet, as it is one of 13 states without a bicycle helmet law. Riders of any age are not required to wear helmets. Thus, not wearing a helmet doesn’t automatically label you as negligent.

Comparative Negligence Laws

However, the absence of a helmet law doesn't prevent the defendant from arguing that you acted negligently. Negligence is generally defined as irresponsible and unreasonable behavior. The defense might argue that, despite the lack of legal requirement, the importance of a helmet is common knowledge, and not wearing one is unreasonable and unsafe, especially if you sustained head injuries. Comparative negligence laws in Iowa reduce your recovery amount by your proportion of blame if you're found to be less than 50 percent at fault.

Proving the Negligence of the Other Party

To hold the other party completely liable, you must demonstrate that, helmet or not, the other party acted negligently and that your injuries were a direct result of their actions.

Road Bike Safety Tips for New Cyclists

Bicycling is popular for recreation, fitness, and commuting, but it can be dangerous, especially for new cyclists. Here are essential safety tips:

1. Learn Local Traffic Laws: Each city and state can have distinct traffic laws for cyclists.
2. Practice in Safe Areas: Familiarize yourself with bike handling before riding in high-traffic areas.
3. Take a Bicycle Safety Course
4. Ride with Traffic: Always go in the same direction as traffic.
5. Stay to the Right: If no bike path is available, stay as far right as practicable.
6. Wear a Helmet: Always wear a helmet, even if not legally required.
7. Stay Visible: Use reflectors and lights at night and wear bright clothing during the day.
8. Do Not Wear Earbuds: Stay alert to traffic sounds.
9. Be Aware of Drivers: Make eye contact with drivers and avoid their blind spots.
10. Avoid Speeding: Maintain a manageable speed to react quickly.
11. Check Your Bike: Ensure your bike is in good repair before each ride.

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.