Wapello Personal Injury Attorneys

Accidents and injuries can unexpectedly change lives. During these challenging times, personal injury lawyers are invaluable allies. They advocate for individuals affected by others' negligence, ensuring they receive rightful compensation. This article explores the crucial role personal injury lawyers play in navigating claims and helping people reclaim their lives.

 How Much Space Must Drivers Give Cyclists Under Iowa Law?

Iowa law mandates that drivers must pass cyclists at a “safe distance,” though it does not specify an exact measurement. This term can be somewhat arbitrary, but many other states use a standard of three feet as a safe passing distance, which is a good rule of thumb for Iowa drivers to follow.

The Importance of Following Safe Distance Laws

Bicycle and traffic laws in Iowa are designed to maintain safety between motorists and cyclists. However, when drivers fail to adhere to these laws, the consequences can be severe. Violating the safe distance law can lead to:

- Cyclists being struck by a vehicle
- Forcing cyclists into traffic
- Running cyclists off the road

Consequences and Liability for Violating Safe Distance Laws

When a driver passes too closely to a cyclist and causes an accident, the driver is violating the law and can be held accountable for the damages incurred by the cyclist. Proving that a driver was driving at an unsafe distance can involve several types of evidence, including:

- Witness testimony
- Video footage
- Police reports
- Testimony from the involved parties
- Physical evidence

This evidence is critical in filing a claim for a bike accident. If the driver’s fault can be proven, the cyclist may recover damages for monetary losses and potentially non-economic damages.

Degrees of Fault in Personal Injury Claims

The degree of accident fault refers to an individual's percentage of responsibility for an accident and the resulting damages. In Iowa, if an injured party is partially at fault, their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault. If their fault exceeds 50 percent, they cannot recover any damages.

Impact of Negligence Laws

Iowa follows a modified comparative fault standard, meaning the jury or judge assigns a percentage of fault to each party involved in an accident. If the injured party’s fault is 51 percent or higher, they are barred from receiving compensation. If their fault is 50 percent or less, the damages awarded will be reduced accordingly.

Proving Fault

To reduce one’s degree of fault and establish the other party's responsibility, evidence such as accident reports, photographs of the scene, eyewitness statements, and police observations are crucial. At Walker, Billingsley & Bair, our attorneys can assist in collecting and presenting this evidence.

Common Types of Bicycle Accidents

Right Hook Accidents

These occur when a vehicle makes a right turn into the path of a cyclist, often at intersections or driveways. To avoid these accidents:

- Position yourself slightly in front of vehicles at red lights or stop signs.
- Never pass a vehicle on the right. Always pass on the left.

Dooring Accidents

These happen when a parked car door is suddenly opened into a cyclist’s path. To avoid dooring accidents:

- Use bike lanes separate from the road when available.
- Stay alert and slow down near parked cars.

Left-Turn Accidents

These occur when a vehicle turns left into an oncoming cyclist. To avoid left-turn accidents:

- Ensure your bike is well-lit and wear bright colors for visibility.
- Make eye contact with drivers before proceeding through intersections.

Failure to Yield

These accidents happen when cyclists or drivers fail to yield at intersections. Always:

- Exercise caution and double-check before entering intersections.
- Ensure other drivers see you.

Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident

If involved in a bicycle accident in Iowa, follow these steps:

1. Seek medical attention immediately.
2. Report the accident to local authorities.
3. Collect information from the driver and witnesses.
4. Contact a bicycle accident attorney.

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.