Sergeant Bluff Car Accident Injury Attorneys

Injuries and accidents can suddenly disrupt lives. In such challenging moments, car accident injury lawyers become indispensable allies. They champion the cause of those hurt by others' carelessness, ensuring just compensation. This piece emphasizes the important function these lawyers serve in helping people navigate their claims and recovery.

Underage DUI Accidents in Iowa & Liability for Damages

Underage drinking is a widespread issue in the United States, often leading to severe consequences. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 11 percent of all alcohol consumption is attributed to underage drinkers. Teenagers and young adults frequently underestimate the repercussions of drinking, especially when it leads to driving under the influence (DUI). An underage DUI accident can leave a young driver liable for damages, and in some cases, others may also be held responsible.

Laws Affecting Underage Drinking and Driving in Iowa

In Iowa, as in all states, the legal drinking age is 21. Anyone under this age is prohibited from purchasing, possessing, or consuming alcohol. While driving under the influence is illegal for all age groups with a legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of .08, Iowa has stricter rules for underage drivers. An underage driver with a BAC of .02 or higher may face DUI charges.

Determining Liability for an Underage DUI Accident

Liability in underage DUI accidents can extend beyond the underage driver. If the driver acquired alcohol illegally, those who provided it might also be held responsible. Consider the following scenarios:

- A 20-year-old college student leaves a restaurant after consuming alcohol and causes an accident, injuring a driver and two passengers. The injured parties might sue the restaurant under dram shop liability for serving alcohol to a minor.
- An 18-year-old buys alcohol at a liquor store, consumes it, and causes a fatal accident. The victim's family could potentially sue the liquor store for selling alcohol to a minor.

Dram Shop and Social Host Liability

Iowa's dram shop laws allow victims to seek damages from establishments that serve alcohol to underage or visibly intoxicated individuals. However, social host liability, which applies to non-commercial providers of alcohol, is more limited and typically does not cover private parties.

Most Common Car Accident Injuries & How We Can Help

Thousands of Iowans are injured in car accidents each year, suffering from a range of injuries, including fractures, herniated discs, and traumatic brain injuries. Here's an overview of common injuries and their treatments, along with steps to take if you are injured.

Common Injuries and Treatments

Fractures and Broken Bones

Severe fractures may require surgery, while less severe cases might be treated with traction and casting. Follow-up x-rays ensure proper healing.

Spinal Injuries: Herniated Discs, Fractured Vertebrae, and Paralysis

These severe injuries often require spinal surgeries like laminectomy or fusion. If you face such a serious situation, seek legal help in addition to medical care.

Shoulder Injuries, Strains, and Sprains

Car accidents can cause tears and strains in shoulder muscles and tendons. Even if initial tests like MRIs are normal, persistent pain should prompt further medical evaluation.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Head injuries from car accidents, even those with minor impacts, can be severe. Immediate medical attention is crucial to prevent permanent brain damage.

Whiplash

Common in rear-end collisions, whiplash causes severe neck and back pain. Symptoms might not appear immediately, so prompt medical assessment is important.

Steps to Take After an Accident

1. Seek Medical Care: Document your injuries by visiting a doctor immediately.
2. Follow Up with Medical Care: Continue medical consultations if symptoms persist.
3. Seek a Second Opinion: If you’re not improving, consult another doctor. Be wary of doctors closely tied to insurance companies.

Overview of a Cervical Strain from a Car Accident

Cervical strain, commonly known as whiplash, occurs when the neck muscles or tendons are overstretched or torn due to a sudden force. This injury can result from the rapid back-and-forth or side-to-side motion of the head during a car accident.

The Anatomy of a Cervical Strain

Cervical strain involves damage to the ligaments, tendons, and muscles in the neck. This can cause blood to pool in muscle tissue, leading to pain and spasms. An MRI can help detect changes in muscle tissue due to cervical strain.

Symptoms of Cervical Strain

- Pain, tenderness, and tightness in the neck
- Knotted or hard muscles in the neck
- Headaches
- Inflammation
- Pain in the shoulders or arms
- Reduced range of motion
- Numbness or weakness in the arms or hands
- Muscle spasms

Classifications of Cervical Strain Injuries

- Grade 0: No physical signs or complaints.
- Grade 1: Stiffness and tenderness.
- Grade 2: Decreased range of motion and point tenderness.
- Grade 3: Includes neurologic signs such as weakness and sensory changes.
- Grade 4: Fracture and/or dislocation.

Treating a Cervical Strain Injury

Early treatment is crucial. Treatments may include:
- Heat and ice applications
- Electrical stimulation
- Neck braces
- Massage
- Cervical traction
- Stretching and strengthening exercises
- Medications such as pain relievers and muscle relaxants

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.