Perry Personal Injury Attorneys

Accidents and injuries can unexpectedly change lives. In these difficult times, personal injury lawyers are crucial. They advocate for those harmed by others' negligence, ensuring they get proper compensation. This article delves into the vital role personal injury lawyers play in navigating claims and helping people reclaim their lives.

Should I Hire an Attorney for a Bicycle Accident?

After a bicycle accident in Iowa, you might wonder if hiring an attorney is necessary. Here are three critical reasons why speaking to an attorney could be beneficial:

Iowa’s Comparative Negligence Laws

One of the main reasons to hire an attorney after a bicycle accident is due to Iowa's comparative negligence law. This law allows your damages to be reduced by your proportion of fault. For example, if you are found to be 10 percent at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by 10 percent. 

When filing a claim, the defendant or insurance company will likely focus on any errors you made to reduce their payout. An attorney can help you demonstrate that your injuries were primarily caused by the other party, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

Negotiating a Settlement Amount

An attorney can guide you through settlement negotiations. Insurance companies often aim to pay you less than you are entitled to, as they are not on your side. To ensure you get your full payout, a legal advocate is essential. 

An experienced attorney will fight for your rights, ensuring that the settlement covers all your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages related to the accident.

Filing a Lawsuit

Sometimes settlements do not work out, or injuries are so severe that filing a claim with the insurance company is not enough. In such cases, you may need to file a lawsuit. This process requires:

- Knowledge of state and federal laws
- Filing within the state's statute of limitations
- Time and perseverance in the face of adversity

Take Action to Find Representation Today

At Walker, Billingsley & Bair, our attorneys are ready to work on your claim. We help you through every necessary step:

- Negotiations: Ensure you receive a fair settlement.
- Proving Fault: Demonstrate the other party's liability.
- Filing a Lawsuit: If necessary, pursue legal action.
- Support System: Provide guidance and support throughout the process.

Bicycle Accidents in Iowa: How to Avoid Them and What to Do When They Happen

In Iowa, bicycle-car accidents are not uncommon. For instance, Polk County had the most bicycle-car accidents from 2009-2014. Here are some common types of bicycle accidents and tips to avoid them:

A Right Hook Accident

A right hook accident occurs when a car makes a right-hand turn into the path of a cyclist. These accidents can happen at intersections or when pulling out of a driveway or parking lot. To avoid this, cyclists should:

- Position themselves slightly in front of vehicles at red lights or stop signs.
- Never pass a vehicle on the right.
- Always pass on the left to stay in the driver's line of sight.

A "Dooring" Accident

"Dooring" accidents happen when a cyclist rides close to parked cars, and a car door suddenly opens in their path. To prevent this:

- Use separate bike lanes if available.
- Stay alert for parked cars and slow down when approaching them.

A Vehicle Turning Left

Left-turning vehicles at intersections can be dangerous for cyclists, especially in poor lighting. To avoid collisions:

- Ensure your bike has lights.
- Wear bright colors for visibility.
- Make eye contact with left-turning drivers before proceeding.

Failure to Yield

Sometimes cyclists misjudge the speed and distance of oncoming cars. Always exercise caution and double-check before entering an intersection.

Talk to a Lawyer if You’re in a Bicycle Accident

If you are in a bicycle accident in Iowa, the attorneys at Walker, Billingsley & Bair can help with:

- Determining Fault: Establishing liability for the accident.
- Filing Your Claim: Submitting your claim for damages against the insurance company.
- Filing a Lawsuit: Pursuing legal action if your injuries are severe or your claim is denied.

Proving Liability for a Car in a Right Turn Bicycle Accident

Right turn bicycle accidents, often called "right hook" accidents, typically occur when a car turns right into the path of a cyclist. Proving liability in these cases requires proper evidence of the driver's negligence.

How Right Turn Bicycle Accidents Occur

Common scenarios include:

- A car turning right at an intersection, failing to see the cyclist.
- A cyclist overtaking a slower-moving car on the right.
- A car and a bike waiting at a light, and the car turns right, cutting off the cyclist.

Liability for a Right Turn Bicycle Accident

To prove the driver’s fault, evidence such as police reports, eyewitness accounts, and possibly video footage from traffic or surveillance cameras is crucial. A driver can be proven negligent if they were:

- Speeding
- Failing to use a turn signal
- Abruptly changing lanes

Eyewitnesses may also testify about the cyclist’s behavior, which can be used in defense by the driver if the cyclist was acting negligently.

Avoiding Right Turn Bicycle Accidents

To avoid these accidents:

- Keep a safe distance behind vehicles to anticipate their movements.
- Avoid passing cars on the right unless necessary.
- Check mirrors for nearby vehicles when approaching intersections.

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.