Winterset Personal Injury Attorneys

Accidents and injuries can abruptly change lives. During these trying periods, personal injury lawyers are crucial. They focus on advocating for those harmed by negligence, helping them obtain rightful compensation. This article examines the vital role personal injury lawyers play in guiding individuals through their claims and aiding in recovery.

Options for Compensation after a Bicycle Accident Hit and Run

Bicycle accidents are a significant concern, especially when the driver involved flees the scene. Hit-and-run incidents are unfortunately common, leaving victims struggling to recover financial damages. In 2015, over 800 pedalcyclists died in accidents nationwide, and many of these incidents involved irresponsible drivers who fled, making it difficult for victims to seek justice.

Finding the Driver Responsible for Your Accident

If you’ve been hurt by a hit-and-run driver, it’s important not to lose hope. Sometimes, drivers turn themselves in, and law enforcement can successfully identify them using traffic or surveillance camera footage and eyewitness testimonies. Additionally, local news coverage of the incident can prompt viewers to provide valuable tips to the police. Once the driver is identified, they will face criminal charges, and you can file a claim with their insurer or sue them directly for your injuries.

Obtaining Compensation after a Hit-and-Run Bike Accident

If the driver is found, you can file a claim with their insurance company. However, if the driver flees and remains unidentified, your damages may be covered under your auto insurance policy’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). This coverage is designed to compensate for your injuries in cases where:

- The driver is uninsured.
- The driver lacks sufficient insurance to cover your damages.
- The driver flees the scene.

UM/UIM coverage often extends to traffic accidents involving pedestrians or bicyclists. Note that UM/UIM is optional in Iowa, with a minimum coverage of $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident. Check with your insurance agent to understand your specific coverage.

Understanding Comparative Negligence in a Car Accident Claim

When injured in a car accident, establishing negligence is crucial for pursuing compensation. Iowa follows the modified comparative fault – 51% rule, meaning you can only file a claim if you are 50% or less at fault. If found 51% or more responsible, you cannot recover damages.

Impact of Comparative Negligence on Your Claim

Even if you’re less than 51% at fault, your damages may be reduced. For example, if you were speeding during an accident where the other driver made an unsafe lane change, your speeding could reduce your claim. Proving that the other party was more negligent is essential to maximize your recovery.

How to Prevent Alcohol-Related Bike Accidents

Drinking and biking is as dangerous as drinking and driving. Alcohol impairs cognitive and motor skills, increasing the risk of accidents. Despite the risks, many people still ride their bikes under the influence. In Iowa, 3.2% of people admitted to driving after drinking too much, significantly higher than the national average of 1.9%.

Statistical Snapshot of Alcohol-Related Bike Accidents

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides sobering statistics:

- In 34% of fatal bicycle accidents, either the cyclist or the driver was under the influence of alcohol.
- In 2013, 20% of bicyclists who died in traffic accidents had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 g/dL, and nearly a quarter had a BAC of 0.01 g/dL.

Intoxication Affects Bike Accident Liability

Biking under the influence not only endangers lives but also has legal consequences. If you cause an accident with a BAC over the legal limit, you face criminal charges, which could include jail time, fines, and loss of driving privileges. Additionally, intoxication is considered negligence in an accident claim, making you liable for damages.

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.