Prairie City Car Accident Injury Attorneys

Unexpected accidents and injuries can alter lives. During these difficult times, car accident injury lawyers are essential allies. They support those harmed by others' negligence, ensuring fair compensation. This piece highlights the crucial role these lawyers play in guiding individuals through their claims and rebuilding their lives.

Dram Shop Liability and Social Host Liability for DUI Accidents in Iowa

Dram shop liability laws play a critical role in protecting individuals who suffer injuries due to intoxicated drivers. These laws permit an injured person to bring a personal injury claim against the intoxicated driver and potentially against the establishment that served the alcohol. Each state has its own approach to dram shop liability, and Iowa is no exception. If you’re injured by an intoxicated person in Iowa, you may hold the alcohol vendor accountable for your injuries and resulting damages under specific conditions.

Iowa’s Dram Shop Liability Laws

Under Iowa Code section 123.92, any bar, restaurant, or vendor with a license to serve alcohol can be held liable for damages caused by an intoxicated driver if the establishment served the person while visibly intoxicated. 

Example Scenario:
John spends an afternoon drinking at a Prairie City bar. Despite being visibly intoxicated, the bartender continues to serve him. After leaving the bar, John causes a car accident, injuring Jody. Jody's family can file a personal injury claim against John and a lawsuit against the bar under the Iowa Dram Shop Act because the bartender served John after he was visibly intoxicated.

Complicity in Dram Shop Liability Cases:
An injured party may be barred from suing the bar or establishment if they were complicit in the intoxication. If Jody was with John at the bar and participated in the drinking, it would be challenging to convince the court she wasn’t involved in the activities leading to her injuries.

Social Host Liability in a Drunk Driving Accident

In Iowa, social host liability differs from dram shop liability. While some states allow injured parties to pursue compensation from social hosts who serve alcohol, Iowa does not. The law only applies to licensed establishments, so if John had been drinking at a friend’s house, Jody's family could not hold the friend liable for the accident.

Epidural Injections for Pain After a Car Accident

Car accidents often result in spinal injuries, leading to significant pain and lifestyle changes. One treatment for such pain is epidural injections, which involve injecting anti-inflammatory steroid medication into the spinal column's epidural space. Consult with your doctor to determine if you are a candidate for this treatment.

Procedure:
1. Preparation: You lie on an X-ray table, and the doctor uses a fluoroscope to locate the injection site.
2. Injection: The needle injects steroids and pain-relieving substances into the epidural space.
3. Post-Procedure: You stay in the office briefly to ensure you are okay before going home.

Side Effects and Complications:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Infection
- Allergic reactions
- Bleeding

Limitations on the frequency of these injections are due to potential negative effects on bones and muscles.

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Car Accident Claim in Iowa?

The timeframe for settling a car accident claim in Iowa varies widely based on several factors. A straightforward case may settle in under a month, while complex cases can take a year or more.

Factors Affecting Settlement Time

- Seriousness of Injuries: Severe injuries require longer medical evaluations.
- Disputed Fault: If fault is contested, reaching a settlement takes more time.
- High Damages: Insurers may resist paying large settlements, prolonging the process.
- Complexity: Multiple parties or third-party claims add to the duration.

Speeding Up Your Claim

- Diligence: Provide requested information promptly.
- Footwork: Collect and share necessary documents with your attorney.

Interim Financial Solutions

- Personal Loans: From family or friends.
- Resources: Use savings, disability insurance, or public assistance.
- Lawsuit Funding: As a last resort, discuss with your lawyer.

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.