Rock Rapids Personal Injury Attorneys

Accidents and injuries can unexpectedly alter lives. During these challenging periods, personal injury lawyers are crucial. They represent those harmed by others' negligence, ensuring they receive proper compensation. This article explores the significant role personal injury lawyers play in helping people navigate their claims and rebuild their lives.

Bicycle Accidents in Iowa: How to Avoid Them and What to Do When It Happens to You

In Iowa, bicycle accidents pose a significant safety concern for cyclists. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were five pedalcyclist fatalities in 2011. Between 2009 and 2014, Polk County experienced the highest number of bicycle-car accidents in the state. The ultimate goal is to reduce these incidents to zero. Understanding common types of bicycle accidents and knowing how to prevent them can significantly contribute to cyclist safety.

Common Types of Bicycle Accidents and Prevention Tips

Right Hook Accidents

A right hook accident occurs when a car turning right collides with a cyclist. These accidents typically happen at intersections or when a vehicle exits a driveway or parking lot. One of the main challenges is that drivers may not use turn signals, making it difficult for cyclists to anticipate their movements.

Prevention Tips:
- Positioning at Stops: When stopped at a red light or stop sign, position yourself slightly in front of the vehicles in the right-hand lane to stay within the driver’s line of sight.
- Passing Safely: Avoid passing vehicles on the right. Instead, pass on the left where drivers are more likely to see you.

Dooring Accidents

A dooring accident occurs when a parked car’s door is suddenly opened into the path of an oncoming cyclist. This can lead to severe injuries if the cyclist crashes into the door or swerves into traffic.

Prevention Tips:
- Use Bike Lanes: Prefer bike lanes separated from the road whenever available.
- Stay Alert: Be vigilant and slow down when approaching parked cars to anticipate possible door openings.

Vehicle Turning Left

Left-turn accidents happen when a vehicle turning left at an intersection fails to notice an oncoming cyclist, often due to poor lighting or the cyclist’s low visibility.

Prevention Tips:
- Enhance Visibility: Use bike lights and wear bright, reflective clothing to increase visibility.
- Eye Contact: Make eye contact with drivers before proceeding through intersections.
- Avoid Sidewalk Riding: Do not ride on sidewalks as drivers are less likely to expect fast-moving traffic there.

Failure to Yield

Cyclists failing to yield at intersections can lead to collisions. Misjudging a vehicle’s speed and distance is a common cause of such accidents.

Prevention Tips:
- Exercise Caution: Always double-check before entering intersections, even if you have the right of way, to ensure you are visible to drivers.

Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident

Determining Liability

In Iowa, the party at fault for an accident is liable for the damages. Typically, the motor vehicle driver is at fault in bicycle accidents, meaning their insurance should cover your damages.

Proving Liability

To establish liability, you need evidence such as:
- Police Reports: Official documentation of the accident.
- Physical Evidence: Items like broken bicycle parts.
- Witness Testimony: Accounts from people who saw the accident.

Additionally, you must prove that your injuries are directly related to the accident.

Filing a Claim for Damages

When filing a claim, several factors influence the compensation amount:
- Injury Severity: The extent and impact of your injuries.
- Medical Expenses: The total cost of your medical bills.
- Loss of Income: If you missed work or can no longer work.
- Bike Damage: The cost to repair or replace your bike.

If you were partially at fault, such as not having required lights, your compensation might be reduced.

Dealing with Insufficient Settlements

If the insurance settlement offered is inadequate, you have the right to negotiate for a higher amount. You can also file a lawsuit within two years as per Iowa Code section 614.1. Severe injuries, like brain injuries, often require significant compensation, making a civil suit necessary.

Hit and Run Bicycle Accidents

Challenges in Hit and Run Cases

Hit and run accidents complicate the process of obtaining compensation as the responsible driver often flees the scene. However, law enforcement can sometimes identify the driver through traffic cameras or eyewitness accounts. Public appeals through local news can also help locate the driver.

Compensation Options

If the driver is found, you can file a claim with their insurance. If not, your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) may cover the damages. This optional coverage in Iowa provides compensation if the at-fault driver is unidentified or lacks sufficient insurance.

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.