Saylorville Car Accident Injury Attorneys

Accidents and injuries can abruptly disrupt lives. During these difficult moments, car accident injury lawyers are vital allies. They fight for those hurt by others' negligence, ensuring just compensation. This piece highlights the significant role these lawyers play in helping people manage their claims and rebuilding their lives.

Are Your Driving Mistakes Deadly?

It's easy to make mistakes while driving, but sometimes those mistakes can lead to accidents causing property damage, injuries, or even fatalities. Walker, Billingsley & Bair promotes safe driving and wants to help Iowans become better drivers by educating people on common driving errors and how to prevent them.

Distracted Driving: Swerving and Crossing the Center Line

Swerving is the number one fatal mistake made by drivers. In 2007, around 15,574 people died in car accidents because drivers did not stay in their proper lanes. Many of these deaths could have been prevented if drivers stayed alert and avoided distractions. To prevent this danger, focus on the road ahead and be aware of what is happening behind and beside you to identify and avoid potential hazards.

Driving While Fatigued

Research shows that driving while fatigued is a common issue. Many people admit to driving while feeling overtired, which can be as dangerous as driving under the influence. To prevent accidents caused by drowsy driving, ensure you get plenty of rest before long trips and avoid driving between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m., when most fatigue-related accidents occur.

The Dangers of Drinking and Driving

Every 40 minutes, someone dies in a drunk driving accident. Despite the obvious dangers, many people still drink and drive. To avoid this, arrange for a sober ride, stay at your location, or use a ride service if available. Drinking and driving not only endangers lives but also has severe legal consequences.

Speeding: A Major Cause of Fatal Crashes

Speeding is a major cause of fatal crashes. If you are traveling at high speeds and lose control, the impact of a crash can be devastating. Speeding accounts for 30% of traffic fatalities, particularly at speeds of 55 mph or more. To avoid speeding-related accidents, slow down and give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination.

Establishing Fault to File a Liability Claim

In Iowa, the legally at-fault driver is liable for covering costs of property damage and injuries. Iowa follows a system of modified comparative negligence, meaning you can recover damages if the other party was more than 50 percent responsible.

If the other driver was drunk, a DUI citation can help establish their negligence. You must also prove that the driver caused the accident. For example, if you were speeding and crashed into a drunk driver, you may be at fault. But if the impaired driver caused the crash by running a stop sign or drifting into your lane, you may recover compensation.

Using Test Results as Evidence

Iowa Code Chapter 321J.2 defines DUI laws, with a BAC of .08 or higher as a violation. Chapter 321J.6 mandates implied consent to blood, breath, or urine tests to determine BAC levels. These test results are admissible in civil cases. Refusal to submit to tests can result in fines, license revocation, and other penalties, and is also admissible in civil proceedings.

Additional evidence to establish fault may include:
- Eyewitness testimony
- Photographs of the scene
- Expert witness testimony

Discuss evidence with an attorney who can address defenses the impaired driver might use in a criminal case.

Adhesive capsulitis, or frozen shoulder syndrome, is characterized by pain and stiffness in the shoulder. It can result from car accident trauma, leading to shoulder injury and inflammation.

Understanding Frozen Shoulder Syndrome

The hallmark sign is the inability to move the shoulder, starting with limited mobility and progressing to severe stiffness and pain. Immobilization from surgery or treatment for a shoulder injury can cause frozen shoulder syndrome.

Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment

The primary symptom is shoulder immobility, often accompanied by pain. Diagnosis involves physical examination and imaging tests. Treatment includes NSAIDs, steroid injections, and physical therapy. Severe cases may require surgery. Recovery can take up to a year or more.

Compensation for a Frozen Shoulder Injury

If you sustained frozen shoulder syndrome from a car accident, you might file a personal injury claim if another party is at fault. Iowa is an at-fault insurance state. File a lawsuit within two years to recover damages. Compensation may cover medical expenses, lost wages, and more. Work with your doctor and attorney to evaluate long-term effects and understand the damages you may pursue.

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.