Walford Personal Injury Attorneys

Sudden accidents and injuries can drastically disrupt lives. In such difficult moments, personal injury lawyers are invaluable. They specialize in representing those affected by others' negligence, ensuring they get fair compensation. This article explores the crucial role personal injury lawyers play in navigating claims and helping people recover.

Iowa Bicycle and Pedestrian Laws: A Guide for Safety

If you live in Iowa, it's crucial to understand the state's bicycle laws to ensure safety for both cyclists and motorists. Knowing these rules is essential whether you are an avid cyclist or a frequent driver.

Passing on the Left

Like vehicles, cyclists must pass cars on the left if necessary. To pass a motor vehicle, a bicycle must move into the left lane, ensuring it is safe before doing so, and then return to the right lane after passing.

Ride With Traffic

Cyclists must always ride in the same direction as traffic. Riding against traffic is not only illegal but also increases the risk of head-on collisions.

Use Lights When It's Dark

Cyclists riding after sunset or before sunrise must use bike lights. Iowa law requires a white light on the front and a red light or reflector on the rear, both visible from at least 300 feet. These lights help cyclists see and be seen by motorists.

Stop for School Buses

Cyclists must stop for school buses when the bus displays its stop sign or flashing lights. Ignoring this law can result in a traffic citation.

Hand and Arm Signals

Cyclists must use proper hand and arm signals to communicate their intentions to motorists:
- Left turn: left arm extended horizontally
- Right turn: left arm bent at the elbow, hand facing upwards
- Slow down/stop: left arm bent at the elbow, hand facing downwards

All signals should be made with the left arm to ensure visibility to motorists.

Report Traffic Crashes

Cyclists must report all traffic crashes and exchange information with the other party involved.

Avoid Non-Bicycle Areas

Not all roads are open to cyclists. Interstates and some highways are off-limits, and many cities prohibit riding on sidewalks.

Pedestrian Laws in Iowa: Stay Safe and Informed

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 4,000 pedestrians are killed annually in traffic accidents in the U.S., with tens of thousands more injured. Understanding Iowa's pedestrian laws can help prevent accidents.

Right of Way

Pedestrians have the right of way at intersections without traffic lights and on marked and unmarked crosswalks. Motorists must yield to pedestrians when entering or leaving driveways, parking lots, or alleys. However, pedestrians should remain cautious and never assume vehicles will stop.

Pedestrians must yield to motorists and cyclists when crossing roads at points other than intersections or where pedestrian tunnels or overhead crossings are available. When walking on roads without sidewalks, pedestrians should stay on the left side, facing traffic.

Hitchhiking Regulations

Pedestrians cannot stand on the roadway to solicit rides. However, they can stand on parts of the road not used by vehicles to hitchhike.

Accidents and Legal Assistance

Despite following laws, pedestrians can still be involved in accidents. Victims can seek compensation for injuries caused by motorists' negligence. They must prove the motorist's fault and demonstrate the damages suffered, such as medical bills and lost wages.

Dealing with Insurance Adjusters: Protect Your Rights

Personal injury lawyers know the tactics insurance adjusters use to undermine claims. Here's how to protect yourself:

Common Adjuster Tactics

- Access to Medical Records: Adjusters may seek full access to your medical history to find ways to minimize your claim.
- Low-ball Offers: Adjusters may offer quick, low settlements to close the case before you know the full extent of your injuries.
- Surveillance: Adjusters may place you under surveillance to gather evidence against your claim.
- Discouraging Legal Counsel: Adjusters may advise against hiring a lawyer, knowing that legal representation can thwart their tactics.

Protecting Yourself

- Medical Records: Only provide medical documents related to the accident.
- Surveillance: Assume you are being observed and follow your doctor's advice.
- Settlement Offers: Don't accept low offers. Consult a lawyer before signing any agreements.

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.