What to Do After a Serious Car Accident in Des Moines
Iowa car accident statistics show the state recorded 372 traffic deaths in 2023, driven by distracted driving, drunk driving, and excessive speed. Motor vehicle accidents across Des Moines, IA, are common, especially on I-80 and I-35. According to Iowa DOT crash data, Polk County, home to Des Moines, IA, consistently records among the highest crash totals in the state each year. If you were hurt in a crash, speaking with a Des Moines car accident lawyer as soon as possible protects your rights.
Car accident victims face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and pressure from insurance companies all at once. A personal injury lawyer who knows the car accident claims process gives you the best chance at fair compensation.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Car Accident
Acting quickly at the accident scene can significantly strengthen your personal injury claim. Below are the key steps every accident victim should follow.
Seek Medical Attention Right Away
Seek immediate medical attention after the crash, even if your injuries do not seem serious. Traumatic brain injuries and other severe injuries may not be obvious at the accident scene. Prompt medical care creates medical records that are critical to your car accident case.
Follow all prescribed treatments and medical appointments after your initial visit. Insurance companies will argue that delayed medical care means the accident did not cause your injuries. Preserving documentation of your medical treatment, hospital bills, and medical expenses from the accident date forward is essential.
Document the Scene and Report the Crash
Collect the other driver’s contact and insurance information, and photograph all vehicle and property damage. Report any accident in Des Moines, IA, involving injuries or property damage over $1,500 to the authorities. Contact your insurer to report the accident, but avoid giving detailed recorded statements before speaking with a car accident attorney.
Iowa Car Accident Laws You Need to Know
Iowa law shapes what compensation you can recover and how long you have to file. Knowing these rules before speaking with insurance providers is critical.
Iowa Personal Injury Filing Deadlines
Under Iowa Code § 614.1(2), you must file a personal injury lawsuit within two years of the accident date. Waiting too long gives insurance companies grounds to dispute whether the accident caused your injuries. The sooner you consult an experienced personal injury attorney, the stronger your personal injury claim will be.
Comparative Fault and Insurance Requirements
Iowa practices modified comparative fault under Iowa Code § 668.3, allowing you to recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50% at fault. Iowa law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance covering at least $20,000 per person for bodily injury and $15,000 for property damage. If the other driver does not carry sufficient insurance, your own uninsured motorist coverage or underinsured motorist coverage may apply.
Iowa follows a fault-based insurance claim system, meaning the at-fault driver’s liability insurance covers your losses. If you are struck by an uninsured driver, your own uninsured motorist policy fills that gap. Drivers should also consider medical payments coverage, health insurance, and overall insurance coverage to protect against gaps.
Common Causes and Types of Car Accidents in Des Moines
Negligent driving causes most serious accidents in the Des Moines area. Head-on collisions, rollover accidents, and rear-end car crashes often result in serious injuries or wrongful death claims.
Accidents occur most often when drivers ignore traffic laws, speed, or drive while impaired. Weather, poor road conditions, and driver fatigue also contribute to vehicle crashes throughout Des Moines. When these accidents occur due to another driver’s negligence, accident victims have the right to recover compensation.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Car Accident?
Car accident victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress, and future medical care. Compensation for car accident victims may cover both economic and non-economic damages, depending on the severity of injuries suffered. A Des Moines car accident attorney can calculate the full value of personal injury cases.
Insurance companies often pressure accident victims into accepting low offers before they understand their losses. Working with a car accident lawyer ensures you pursue maximum compensation and do not settle for less than you deserve.
How a Des Moines Car Accident Attorney Can Help
A qualified car accident attorney provides sound legal advice, handles negotiations with insurance companies, and manages your personal injury lawsuit if needed. Local personal injury attorneys are familiar with Iowa personal injury law, local court procedures, and the tactics insurance providers use in the area. An experienced legal team can also work with accident reconstructionists and obtain key medical records to build your car accident claim.
Most personal injury law firms in Des Moines operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning legal services cost you nothing unless you win. Many Des Moines car accident lawyers also offer a free consultation so you can get quality legal advice without upfront costs.
Contact Our Des Moines Car Accident Lawyers Today
At Lowe Law Group, our experienced personal injury attorneys help Des Moines car accident victims recover fair compensation and navigate Iowa personal injury law. We provide sound legal advice, proven results in personal injury cases, and aggressive advocacy for every client. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let our car accident attorney fight for the fair settlement you deserve.
