Williamsburg Car Accident Injury Attorneys

Accidents and injuries can abruptly disrupt lives. During these tough times, car accident injury lawyers become crucial allies. They fight for those hurt by others' negligence, ensuring just compensation. This article highlights the essential role these lawyers play in helping people manage their claims and recovery.

Understanding Lumbar Strain Injuries and Fault in Car Accidents in Iowa

Car accidents often result in various injuries, with back injuries being particularly common. Among these, lumbar strain injuries are frequently observed. Typically caused by sudden stopping or impact, lumbar strain can lead to severe lower back pain and significant impairment in daily activities and work performance.

What is a Lumbar Strain Injury?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, a lumbar strain injury involves damage to the muscles or tendons in the lower back. The most notable symptom is intense localized pain, which can be debilitating. In some cases, muscle tearing may also lead to inflammation, back spasms, and heightened pain.

Causes of a Lumbar Strain Injury

Direct trauma to the back, such as in a car accident, often triggers these injuries. They occur when the muscles or tendons in the lower back experience twisting, pulling, or tearing due to trauma.

Treatment Options

Lumbar strain injuries cause significant pain and restrict the range of motion. Depending on the duration, these injuries can be classified as acute or chronic. Treating these injuries may require weeks or months of therapy, including pain medications, massage therapy, and physical therapy. During the healing period, individuals may face difficulties returning to work or performing their regular activities.

What to Do After a Car Accident Causing a Back Injury

If you experience lower back pain or muscle spasms following a car accident in Iowa, it's crucial to understand that Iowa follows an "at-fault" system for car insurance liability. This means that if another driver caused the accident, their insurance should cover your damages. If the insurance settlement does not provide adequate compensation, you can file a personal injury lawsuit in civil court. 

To hold the other driver responsible, you need to prove their negligence. According to Iowa Code 614.1, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury case is two years from the date of the injury. Seeking the guidance of an attorney can assist you in navigating the process of filing a lawsuit and pursuing the damages you deserve.

Who is at Fault in a Left Turn Car Accident?

Left turn car accidents can be some of the most serious car crashes. Often, the force of the impact is localized to the passenger side of the car, potentially leading to significant damage and injuries. Determining fault in these accidents involves various factors and is referred to as a liability determination.

Traffic Controls

The presence and status of traffic controls are critical in determining fault. If you have a green arrow while turning left, the other driver is likely at fault. However, if you have a blinking yellow or red light, you may be found at fault. Situations where the light changes while you are in the intersection can be complex. Traffic cameras can help, but most intersections lack them.

Common Left Turn Accidents

A common scenario involves a driver turning left from a stop sign, mistakenly believing no traffic is approaching. It’s crucial to look in both directions twice before turning. Distractions like using a cell phone increase the risk of accidents.

Failing to Yield

When making a left-hand turn, you must yield to oncoming traffic. If you pull out in front of an oncoming vehicle and are struck, you are likely to be found at fault. However, if the other vehicle was speeding, they might also share fault. Under Iowa law, you can assume other drivers are following traffic laws, which impacts fault determinations.

Comparative Fault

Iowa uses a comparative fault system. This means the fault of the parties involved is compared. To recover any damages, you must prove the other driver was 50% or more at fault. The amount you can recover is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 30% at fault and awarded $100,000 in damages, you would receive $70,000.

Where to Go from Here

If you or a loved one has been injured in a left-turn car accident, consider speaking with an Iowa car accident attorney. Even if the police have found you at fault, they might be wrong. Our office handles cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning there’s no upfront cost, and you only pay if we recover damages for you. 

Systems That Prove Fault in Iowa Car Accidents

Iowa follows "rules of the road" detailed in Iowa Code Chapter 321, covering various traffic regulations. These rules help determine fault in car accidents.

Comparative Fault

Iowa is a comparative fault state. The fault of drivers involved in an accident is compared. If a driver is found 51% or more at fault, they cannot recover damages. If found 50% or less at fault, the amount they can recover is reduced by their percentage of fault.

Common Ways to Prove Fault

1. Failure to Stop within an Assured Distance, Failure to Maintain Control, and Following Too Closely
   - These violations are common in rear-end collisions. Specific laws include:
     - Assured Clear Distance Ahead: Driving at a speed allowing stopping within a clear distance ahead.
     - Failure to Maintain Control: Reducing speed at intersections and maintaining vehicle control.
     - Following Too Closely: Maintaining a reasonable distance considering speed, traffic, and road conditions.

2. Failing to Yield
   - This includes various scenarios such as uncontrolled intersections and oncoming traffic. Specific rules include:
     - Yielding to vehicles on the right at intersections.
     - Yielding when backing onto a highway.
     - Yielding to faster traffic when driving slowly.

3. Failing to Obey Traffic Control Devices
   - This involves violations like running red lights or stop signs. Rules include:
     - Stopping for red lights and yielding to pedestrians and other vehicles.
     - Turning left only when it’s safe and yielding to oncoming traffic.

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.