Remsen Personal Injury Attorneys

Sudden accidents and injuries can significantly disrupt lives. During these challenging moments, personal injury lawyers are essential. They advocate for those affected by others' negligence, helping them secure fair compensation. This article discusses the critical role personal injury lawyers play in navigating claims and aiding in recovery.

Iowa Pedestrian Law as It Applies to Pedestrians

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 4,000 pedestrians are killed and tens of thousands are injured in traffic accidents annually across the United States. In Iowa, as in other states, understanding pedestrian laws is crucial for safety and compliance.

Pedestrian Laws in Iowa

In Iowa, pedestrians must adhere to traffic control signals and road rules. Key aspects of Iowa pedestrian laws include:

- Right of Way at Intersections: Pedestrians have the right of way at intersections without traffic lights and when using marked or unmarked crosswalks. 
- Yielding to Pedestrians: Motorists must yield to pedestrians when entering or leaving driveways, parking lots, or alleys. However, pedestrians should always exercise caution and not assume vehicles will stop.
- Crossing Roads: Pedestrians must yield to motorists and cyclists when crossing a road at any point other than an intersection or when using a pedestrian tunnel or overhead crossing.
- Walking Along Roads: When walking on or along a road without a sidewalk, pedestrians should stay on the left side facing oncoming traffic.
- Hitchhiking: Pedestrians are prohibited from standing on the roadway to solicit vehicles for hitchhiking but may stand on parts of the road not used by vehicles.

Pedestrian Accident Victims

Despite following laws, pedestrians can still be involved in accidents due to motorists’ negligence. Injured pedestrians can seek compensation for their physical and emotional trauma. To do this, they must:

- Prove the motorist's fault
- Demonstrate damages with medical bills, evidence of lost wages, and other documentation

A personal injury attorney can assist in collecting evidence and building a case to establish the motorist’s negligence.

Common Tactics and Defenses Insurance Adjusters Use in Personal Injury Cases

Insurance adjusters often employ various tactics to deny, discredit, or delay personal injury claims. Some common tactics include:

- Accessing Medical Records: Adjusters may request access to your medical records, not just those related to the accident, to find any pre-existing conditions that could minimize your claim.
- Low-Ball Offers: Adjusters may offer a quick, low settlement shortly after the accident, asking you to sign a full release. This prevents you from seeking additional compensation if your medical condition worsens.
- Surveillance: Adjusters might place you under surveillance to catch you performing daily tasks, potentially damaging your claim by suggesting you are not as injured as claimed.
- Discouraging Legal Representation: Adjusters may advise against hiring a lawyer, knowing that legal representation can prevent them from using unfair tactics.

Protecting Yourself from Insurance Adjuster Tactics

To protect yourself, consider the following:

- Evaluate Your Insurance Policy: Understand your policy coverage and insist on receiving it in writing if your adjuster denies your claim or misinforms you.
- Refuse Unnecessary Medical Record Releases: Only authorize the release of medical documents relevant to the accident.
- Assume You Are Under Surveillance: Follow your doctor’s advice and avoid strenuous activities.
- Avoid Quick Settlements: Be cautious of low offers and do not sign any agreements without consulting a lawyer.

Road Bike Safety Tips for New Cyclists

Over 46 million people in America ride bicycles annually for various reasons, including recreation, fitness, and commuting. While cycling has many benefits, it also poses risks, especially for new cyclists who may not be familiar with road safety rules.

Road Safety Tips for Cyclists

To ensure safety while cycling, consider the following tips:

- Learn Local Traffic Laws: Understand the bicycling rules of the road for your town and state.
- Practice in Safe Areas: Before riding in high-traffic areas, practice in safe zones to master bike handling skills.
- Take a Bicycle Safety Course: Enroll in local safety courses
- Ride with Traffic: Always ride in the same direction as traffic.
- Stay to the Right: If no bike path is available, ride as far to the right as practicable and avoid riding on sidewalks.
- Wear a Helmet: Always wear a helmet for every trip.
- Stay Visible: Use reflective clothing and lights, especially at night. Iowa law mandates rear lights.
- Avoid Earbuds: Stay alert to traffic sounds and avoid wearing earbuds.
- Be Aware of Surroundings: Pay attention to cars and try to make eye contact with drivers.
- Avoid Blind Spots: Do not ride in drivers’ blind spots.
- Leave Space from Parked Cars: Avoid riding too close to parked cars to prevent "dooring" accidents.
- Avoid Speeding: Maintain a safe speed to allow for reaction time.
- Check Your Bike: Ensure your bike is in good repair before riding, checking tire pressure and brakes.

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.