Pocahontas Car Accident Injury Attorneys

Injuries and accidents can suddenly change lives. During these difficult times, car accident injury lawyers become indispensable allies. They advocate for those harmed by others' negligence, ensuring fair compensation. This article underscores the crucial role these lawyers play in assisting individuals with their claims and recovery.

What to Do if You Were Involved in a Hit-and-Run Accident

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, approximately 11 percent of all motor vehicle crashes involve one driver who flees the scene of the accident. About 1,500 people are killed each year in hit-and-run accidents, 60 percent of whom are pedestrians. If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a hit-and-run accident, you may be able to file a claim with your insurance carrier to cover your damages.

Iowa’s Laws Regarding Hit-and-Run Accidents

Fleeing the scene of an accident is illegal in Iowa. According to Iowa §321.261, if a driver is involved in an accident that causes physical harm to someone and flees the scene, they are guilty of a misdemeanor. If the victim was killed in the accident, the fleeing driver could be punished with a class "D" felony. Hit-and-run victims have another form of legal recourse if the suspect is caught and apprehended; they or their families are legally entitled to file an injury or wrongful death lawsuit against the driver.

What to Do (and Not to Do) if You’re in a Hit-and-Run Accident

If you are in an accident and the other driver flees the scene, follow these steps:

1. Call 911: Report the accident immediately.
2. Provide Information: Give the police as much information as possible and obtain a copy of the report.
3. Identify the Other Driver: Try to jot down any identifying information about the other driver, such as the make, model, and color of the car, and anything you recall about the driver.
4. Collect Witness Information: Gather contact information from any witnesses of the accident.
5. Report to Insurance: Call your insurance company to report the accident, review your coverage, and determine if you can file a claim.

What Not to Do

Do not attempt to track down the fleeing driver. Drivers often flee because they are intoxicated, have a criminal record, have recently committed a crime, or do not have insurance. Chasing a suspect could put you at risk. Let the police handle it.

Filing a Car Accident Claim for a Hit-and-Run Accident

Some drivers carry uninsured motorist coverage (UM), which is optional in Iowa. This type of insurance covers your damages if you are in a crash involving a driver who either fled the scene or has no insurance. If you have UM insurance, you can file a claim with your insurance company. If you do not have UM, you will be responsible for your own damages unless the law can track down the other driver. Health insurance may cover some medical costs after meeting your deductible.

Broken Neck in a Car Accident

Neck injuries are one of the most common types of injuries in a car accident, often resulting from rear-end collisions. Whiplash, a sprain and strain to the soft tissues in the neck, is common. However, some accident victims suffer more serious injuries such as a broken neck, which can be lasting and debilitating.

What is a Broken Neck?

A broken neck refers to a fracture of a cervical vertebra. The severity of the injury varies and is related to the damage to the spinal cord. If the spinal cord is not damaged, the individual has a good chance of a full recovery. However, if the spinal cord is damaged, the individual could face lasting effects, including quadriplegia in severe cases.

In serious cases involving quadriplegia or partial paralysis, the injured person may never be able to work again or live a normal life. In less severe cases, the individual may still face significant medical bills and a long recovery process, causing them to miss significant work and undergo extensive therapies.

Determining the Value of Damages after a Broken Neck

The seriousness of your neck injury and resulting costs will play a large role in the monetary value of your case. The court and/or insurance company will consider your medical bills to date, lost wages, and future ability to earn wages.

Liability is another important consideration. If you were partially at fault for the accident, it could reduce your damages proportionate to your percentage of fault. If you are deemed 51 percent or more liable for the accident, Iowa’s modified comparative negligence law bars you from recovering damages.

Shoulder Decompression after Iowa Car Accident

Shoulder decompression surgery, often called subacromial decompression, treats nerve impingement syndrome resulting from a shoulder injury. Many of these procedures are performed arthroscopically, minimizing recovery time.

How Arthroscopic Shoulder Decompression Surgery Works

The surgery requires two small incisions in the shoulder, one at the deltoid joint and one directly above the rotator cuff. The surgeon uses an arthroscope to inspect the tissues and injury, then removes and smooths bone and soft tissue causing the impingement and inflammation.

Recovery Time for Arthroscopic Shoulder Decompression

After surgery, the arm will be placed in a sling. Rehabilitation exercises begin as soon as possible to regain full mobility and function. Full pain relief may be achieved in two to four months, although some patients may require up to a year.

Seeking Legal Assistance

Seeking legal counsel from experienced Iowa car accident attorneys such as those at Walker, Billingsley & Bair can provide invaluable support in filing insurance claims or pursuing personal injury lawsuits. With a comprehensive understanding of Iowa law, their team can help gather evidence, establish liability, and secure the compensation deserved by accident victims.

Suffering from the aftermath of a car accident shouldn't impede your pursuit of justice and fair compensation. The Iowa injury lawyers at Walker, Billingsley & Bair work hard to level the field between injured Iowans and insurance companies.

That's why we provide this FREE book; The Legal Insider's Guide to Iowa Car Accidents: 7 Secrets to Not Wreck Your Case. To learn more about what our legal team will do to help you protect your Iowa injury claim, contact Walker, Billingsley & Bair to schedule a no-cost consultation. Call 641-792-3595 to order your free accident book today.