Nashua Personal Injury Attorneys

When accidents and injuries disrupt lives, personal injury lawyers become invaluable allies. They advocate for those harmed by negligence, helping them secure proper compensation. This article explores the vital role personal injury lawyers play in guiding individuals through their claims and aiding in recovery.

Iowa Bicycle Laws: Cars and Cyclists Must Abide!

If you live in Iowa, it's crucial to understand the state's bicycle laws to ensure safety on the road. Whether you're an avid cyclist or a driver, knowing these laws is essential. Here's a comprehensive review of Iowa's bicycle laws that both cars and cyclists must follow.

Pass on the Left

Bicyclists, like motor vehicles, must pass other vehicles on the left. To pass a motor vehicle, a cyclist must move into the left lane and ensure it's safe before passing. After passing, the cyclist must return to the right lane.

Ride With Traffic, Not Against It

Cyclists must always ride in the same direction as traffic. Riding against traffic is illegal and increases the risk of a head-on collision, which can be deadly.

Use a Light When It’s Dark

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

Stop for School Buses

All modes of transportation, including bicycles, must stop for school buses when their stop sign is displayed or lights are flashing. Ignoring this rule is illegal and can result in a traffic citation.

Use Proper Hand and Arm Signals

Cyclists must use hand and arm signals to communicate their intentions to motorists. Signals include:
- 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 should always be made with the left arm for visibility.

Report Traffic Crashes

Cyclists must report all traffic crashes and exchange information with the other party involved. This is a legal requirement in Iowa.

Avoid Non-Bicycle Areas

Not all roads are open to cyclists. Interstates and some highways are off-limits for safety reasons. Many cities in Iowa also prohibit riding on sidewalks.

Filing a Claim for a Head Injury from a Bike Accident

Bicyclists, especially those not wearing helmets, are at serious risk of head injuries in accidents with motor vehicles. Here’s a guide to help understand the claims process for a bicycle accident in Iowa, the potential damages, and the next steps.

Who’s Liable for Injuries?

In Iowa, the party at fault for an accident is liable for the damages. Typically, the motor vehicle driver involved in a bike accident is to blame, and their insurance is responsible for paying for damages.

How to Prove Liability

Proving liability involves gathering evidence such as:
- Police Reports
- Physical Evidence (e.g., broken bicycle parts)
- Witness Testimony

You'll also need to prove that your head injury was a direct result of the accident.

Compensation Amount

The compensation amount depends on various factors, including:
- Extent of Injuries
- Medical Bills
- Lost Wages
- Bicycle Replacement Costs

If you were partially at fault, such as riding without mandatory rear lights, your compensation might be reduced.

When a Settlement Isn’t Enough

If the settlement offered is insufficient, you can negotiate for a higher amount or file a claim against the at-fault driver in civil court. Remember to file your claim within two years, as per Iowa Code section 614.1.

Helmet Use and Your Bicycle Accident Claim: It Matters

While Iowa has no bicycle helmet law, not wearing a helmet can still impact your claim, especially if you sustained a head injury.

Iowa Helmet Laws

Iowa doesn’t legally require cyclists to wear helmets. However, the absence of a helmet can be argued as negligence in a claim.

Comparative Negligence Laws

If the defense argues that not wearing a helmet was negligent, your compensation might be reduced under Iowa’s comparative negligence laws. You can still recover damages if you’re less than 50% at fault, but the amount will be diminished by your proportion of the blame.

Proving Negligence of the Other Party

To hold the other party liable, you must demonstrate their negligence and show that your injuries resulted from their actions, helmet or not.

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.