Pleasantville Personal Injury Attorneys

Accidents and injuries can suddenly change lives. During such times, personal injury lawyers are indispensable. They specialize in advocating for those harmed by others' negligence, ensuring they receive fair compensation. This article highlights the essential role of personal injury lawyers in navigating claims and helping individuals recover.

Determining Fault in Vehicle-Motorcycle Left Turn Accidents

When a vehicle turns left in front of a motorcycle and causes an accident, determining fault can be complex, but in many cases, the driver of the vehicle making the left turn is found liable. However, there are exceptions and factors to consider.

Common Scenarios of Left Turn Accidents

Motorcycles are often difficult for other drivers to see, making them particularly vulnerable in traffic. This is a common cause of car-motorcycle collisions, but it does not negate the responsibility of the motorist. Legally, drivers making left-hand turns must yield the right of way to oncoming traffic. Failure to do so could lead to them being found at fault for an accident.

Example Scenario

Consider an intersection, such as E. 9th Street and E. University Avenue in Pleasantville. If a car makes a left-hand turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle, the car's driver would likely be found liable for any resulting collision. This is because the driver is required by law to ensure it is safe to turn.

Exceptions and Contributing Factors

There are situations where the fault may not be entirely clear-cut. For instance, if the motorcyclist was speeding or running a red light, the liability may shift or be shared. These factors can complicate the determination of fault and highlight the importance of legal assistance.

Common Defenses Drivers Use in Bicycle Accident Claims

In bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles, drivers often use various defenses to refute liability. Understanding these defenses is crucial for victims seeking compensation.

Common Defenses

1. Helmet Use: Drivers may argue that the cyclist is partly at fault for their injuries due to not wearing a helmet, which can reduce the driver's liability.
2. Traffic Rules Violations: Claims that the cyclist was speeding, not stopping at signals, or riding against traffic can shift some or all of the blame onto the cyclist.
3. Distraction: Drivers might argue that the cyclist was distracted (e.g., using headphones, talking on the phone) at the time of the accident.
4. Visibility Issues: Drivers often claim they could not see the cyclist, especially if the cyclist was not using lights or was wearing dark clothing at night.

Options for Compensation after a Bicycle Accident Hit and Run

Hit and run bicycle accidents are a serious issue, often leaving victims with severe injuries and challenges in recovering damages. There are still ways to seek compensation even when the responsible driver flees the scene.

Identifying the Driver

Law enforcement may use evidence such as traffic or surveillance camera footage and eyewitness testimonies to identify the hit-and-run driver. Publicizing the accident through local news can also help, as viewers may provide tips leading to the driver's identification.

Compensation through Insurance

If the hit-and-run driver is identified, victims can file a claim with the driver's insurance company. If the driver remains unidentified, victims may need to rely on their own auto insurance policy’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM).

UM/UIM coverage compensates for damages when:

- The driver has no insurance.
- The driver’s insurance is insufficient.
- The driver flees the scene.

Not all auto policies include UM/UIM, so it’s important to check your coverage details. In Iowa, the minimum coverage is $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident.

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.