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Des Moines, Iowa Personal Injury Lawyers

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Law Group of Iowa

Iowa Personal Injury, Family, & Estate Attorneys

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4.8 Rating - 163 Reviews

Law Group of Iowa

About Our Firm

Compassionate and Tenacious Legal Advocacy

Full-Service Law Firm in Des Moines, IA

The Law Group of Iowa is a multi-service law firm located in the heart of our state’s capital. We offer a comprehensive selection of legal services, so you can save time and stress when you need legal help, right now. Our attorneys practice a wide range of disciplines, including estate planning, elder law, personal injury advocacy, and small business advice.

We know that some people may need ongoing legal advice, while others may only need an attorney in a pinch, or after an accident. Having all their legal needs met under one roof gives our clients peace of mind, knowing that a law firm they can trust has their back.

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Meet Our Attorneys

Our attorneys bring over 60 years of combined legal experience to serve clients across Iowa in a wide range of legal matters. Christopher Johnston, a founding partner and experienced trial lawyer, handles personal injury cases, civil rights claims, and wrongful death matters. Christopher Martineau, also a founding partner, draws on his background as a former insurance claims adjuster to advocate effectively for his clients. Jason Yates specializes in personal injury and estate planning, helping clients through some of their most challenging legal matters.

Meet Our Iowa Attorneys

Trial-tested personal injury lawyers serving clients across Iowa and the surrounding area.

If you’ve been hurt in an accident somewhere in Iowa, you’re probably facing physical pain, growing medical bills, lost income, and an insurance adjuster who keeps asking for more paperwork. These cases pull people in every direction at once. At Law Group of Iowa, our founding attorneys have handled serious injury matters since 2001, representing individuals and families across the state. We focus on the legal side so you can focus on getting better. Our personal injury lawyer Iowa attorneys take cases on a contingency basis, which means no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Personal Injury Lawyer Iowa

A personal injury claim arises when someone is hurt because another party acted carelessly or failed to act responsibly. The legal idea behind it is straightforward. When a person, business, or government entity owes a duty of care and breaks it, and that breach causes harm, the injured party may have grounds to recover compensation.

Iowa law allows accident victims to pursue damages for medical costs, lost wages, future care, and pain and suffering. But these claims rarely settle fairly on their own. Insurance companies move quickly to limit what they pay. Our attorneys investigate what happened, establish fault, and build the documentation needed to support a full recovery for the people we represent.

Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Iowa

Our firm handles a wide range of injury matters throughout Iowa. Each case type carries its own challenges, evidence requirements, and liable parties. Below are the main areas we work in.

  • Car accidents. Rear-end collisions, head-on crashes, distracted driving wrecks, and multi-vehicle pileups all fall under this category. We deal directly with insurers and gather the evidence needed to prove fault. Our goal is full compensation, not the quick lowball offer adjusters often push.
  • Truck accidents. Crashes involving semi-trucks and commercial carriers are governed by federal regulations. We investigate driver logs, maintenance records, and black box data, then pursue every accountable party, from the driver to the trucking company.
  • Motorcycle accidents. Riders face serious injuries and unfair bias from insurers who assume fault. We push back against that bias and document the true cause of the crash. Founding attorney Christopher Johnston has handled motorcycle cases for years.
  • Bicycle accidents. Cyclists struck by drivers often suffer head and spinal injuries. We work to establish driver negligence and recover the cost of medical care, lost wages, and long-term treatment.
  • Pedestrian accidents. People on foot have little protection when a vehicle strikes them. These cases frequently involve catastrophic harm. We move fast to preserve evidence and identify every source of recovery.
  • Dog bites. Iowa holds owners responsible when their animals cause injury. We help bite victims recover for medical treatment, scarring, and the emotional toll these attacks leave behind.
  • Slip and fall injuries. Property owners must keep their premises reasonably safe. When they fail and someone gets hurt, we pursue a premises liability claim and document the hazardous condition that caused it.
  • Construction accidents. Falls, machinery malfunctions, electrical injuries, and falling objects injure workers on job sites every year. We investigate safety violations and pursue compensation beyond what workers’ comp alone provides.
  • Wrongful death. When a family loses someone because of another party’s negligence, we handle these cases with care and resolve. We pursue accountability and the financial recovery families need to move forward.

Why Choose Law Group of Iowa as my Personal Injury Lawyer in Iowa?

Local Knowledge and Decades of Trial Work

Our founding attorneys are deeply rooted in this state. Christopher Johnston has practiced since 2001 and built his reputation handling car accidents, motorcycle accidents, semi-truck collisions, and wrongful death claims throughout Iowa. He was named a Rising Star by Minnesota Law and Politics and recognized through the National Trial Lawyers organization. Christopher Martineau, practicing since 2003, focuses his work on automobile accidents, construction injuries, slip and fall matters, and wrongful death. He’s a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Both attorneys understand how Iowa courts operate and how insurance adjusters work to reduce payouts.

Our personal injury lawyer in Iowa attorneys bring trial readiness to every file. Insurance companies negotiate differently when they know a firm is prepared to go to court.

Results-Driven Representation

We’ve helped injured Iowans recover millions of dollars across a wide range of cases. We take matters on contingency, so there are no upfront costs and no attorney fees unless we recover for you. From the first consultation through resolution, our attorneys handle the investigation, the negotiation, and the litigation when it becomes necessary.

Understanding Personal Injury Cases

Damages, Liability, and Compensation for Personal Injury Cases

Compensation in an Iowa injury case generally falls into a few categories. Liability turns on proving that another party’s negligence caused your harm. Damages reflect what that harm cost you, both financially and personally.

  • Medical expenses. Past and future treatment, surgery, therapy, and medication.
  • Lost wages. Income missed during recovery and reduced earning capacity going forward.
  • Pain and suffering. Physical pain and the emotional impact of the injury.
  • Property damage. Repair or replacement of a vehicle or other property.
  • Loss of consortium. The effect of the injury on close family relationships.

Some soft tissue injuries don’t show symptoms for days, which is one reason prompt medical care matters so much.

What Are Important Aspects of a Personal Injury Case?

Several factors shape the strength and value of a claim. The details matter more than most people expect.

  • The severity and permanence of the injury.
  • The clarity of fault and available evidence.
  • The promptness of medical treatment after the accident.
  • The amount of insurance coverage available.
  • Whether the injured party shares any fault for the incident.

Talking to an insurance adjuster without guidance can hurt a claim before it ever gets off the ground.

What Is The Personal Injury Case Timeline?

No two cases move at exactly the same pace, but most follow a recognizable path from injury to resolution.

  • Initial consultation and case review.
  • Medical treatment and investigation of the accident.
  • Filing the claim and gathering evidence.
  • Negotiation with the insurance company.
  • Settlement, or filing a lawsuit and proceeding toward trial if needed.

Wrongful death claims and serious injury matters often take longer, as our discussion of how long a case takes explains in more detail.

What Should You Bring to Your Personal Injury Consultation?

Coming prepared helps us evaluate your situation more accurately during that first meeting. A few documents make a real difference.

  • The police or incident report, if one exists.
  • Photos of the scene, your injuries, and any property damage.
  • Medical records and bills connected to the accident.
  • Contact and insurance information for everyone involved.
  • Any correspondence from insurance companies.

Expect the first consultation to be a conversation, not a commitment. We’ll review what happened, explain your options, and answer your questions. It’s free.

What Are Important Iowa Legal Resources for Personal Injury Cases?

These resources can help you confirm how Iowa handles the legal rules behind injury claims. They point you toward the law rather than replacing legal advice.

  • The Iowa Legislature publishes the state code online, including the statute of limitations for personal injury actions, which is generally two years from the date of injury.
  • The Iowa Judicial Branch explains how civil cases proceed through the state court system.
  • Iowa follows a modified comparative fault rule, under which an injured party’s recovery is reduced by their share of fault and barred if they are more than fifty percent responsible; the Iowa Code describes how negligence and damages are handled.
  • The CDC injury data offers national context on accident-related injuries.
  • The NHTSA publishes crash and road safety information relevant to vehicle injury claims.

Reach Out to Law Group of Iowa to Schedule a Consultation

If you’ve been injured in Iowa, our attorneys are ready to review your case. There are no upfront costs, and you owe no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. We’ll explain where you stand and what to expect, and we respond promptly to new inquiries. Contact us to schedule your free, confidential consultation with our team.

Law Group of Iowa

Answers to Your Commonly Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

  • While Iowa law doesn’t require you to hire an attorney, having experienced legal representation can significantly impact your recovery. Insurance companies often minimize payouts, especially in serious personal injury cases involving a car accident, truck accident, motorcycle accident, or pedestrian accident. A lawyer protects your rights, gathers evidence, calculates the full value of your damages, and negotiates aggressively on your behalf. For catastrophic injury or wrongful death claims, skilled representation becomes even more critical. At the Law Group of Iowa, we handle every detail so you can focus on healing. Most consultations are free, and we don’t get paid unless you recover compensation.

  • First, prioritize your safety and health by calling 911 and seeking medical attention, even if injuries seem minor. Document the scene with photos, gather contact and insurance information from all parties, and collect witness details. Avoid admitting fault or giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters. Report the accident to police and request a copy of the report. Whether it’s a car accident, bicycle accident, slip and fall, dog bite, or construction accident, keep records of all medical treatment and expenses. Then contact a personal injury attorney promptly. Acting quickly preserves crucial evidence and strengthens your claim before deadlines or memories fade.

  • Yes. Iowa follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning you can still recover compensation as long as you’re found to be 50% or less responsible for the accident. However, your award is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you’d recover $80,000. If you’re 51% or more at fault, you’re barred from recovery. Insurance companies often try to shift blame to reduce payouts, so having a personal injury lawyer who can accurately establish fault is essential. We fight to minimize your assigned responsibility and maximize your recovery.

  • Every case is unique, so there’s no fixed answer. The value of your personal injury claim depends on factors like the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, future care needs, pain and suffering, and the degree of fault involved. Cases involving catastrophic injury or wrongful death typically carry higher value due to long-term impact. A truck accident may also involve larger commercial insurance policies. We carefully evaluate medical records, expert opinions, and economic losses to determine fair compensation. Beware of insurance companies offering quick, lowball settlements. Contact Law Group of Iowa for an honest assessment of what your case may truly be worth.

  • In Iowa, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. This applies to car accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, slip and fall, and dog bite cases. Wrongful death claims also generally follow a two-year deadline. Missing this window typically means losing your right to recover compensation entirely. Certain exceptions may extend or shorten the timeframe, particularly in cases involving minors or government entities. Because deadlines vary by situation, it’s wise to consult an attorney as soon as possible. Acting early also helps preserve evidence and build the strongest possible case.

  • Truck accident cases are far more complex than typical car accident claims. Commercial trucks are governed by federal and state regulations covering driver hours, maintenance, weight limits, and licensing. Multiple parties may share liability, including the driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, and maintenance providers. These crashes often cause catastrophic injury or wrongful death due to the size and weight of large vehicles. Trucking companies typically have aggressive legal teams and insurers working quickly to limit their liability. Critical evidence like driver logs, black box data, and inspection records must be preserved immediately. Our firm knows how to investigate these cases thoroughly and hold every responsible party accountable.

  • The right estate planning tools depend on your assets, family situation, and goals. At minimum, most Iowans benefit from a will to direct asset distribution and name guardians for children. A living trust can help avoid probate and provide privacy, while a living will and power of attorney address healthcare and financial decisions if you’re incapacitated. Larger or more complex estates may require comprehensive planning involving trusts, Medicaid planning, and elder law strategies. Wills alone may not be enough to protect your legacy. Our attorneys help you build a plan tailored to your needs, ensuring your wishes are honored and your loved ones protected.

  • Families should consider hiring a probate lawyer soon after a loved one passes away, especially when the estate involves significant assets, real property, business interests, or contested matters. Probate is the court-supervised process of validating a will, paying debts, and distributing assets. Iowa’s probate process can be time-consuming and complex, particularly without proper estate planning in place. A probate attorney guides executors through their legal duties, resolves disputes among heirs, and ensures deadlines and tax obligations are met. If a will is challenged or no will exists, legal guidance becomes essential. We help families navigate probate efficiently while minimizing stress and conflict during a difficult time.

  • Yes. Our family law attorneys handle a wide range of matters, including divorce, uncontested divorce, high net worth divorce, and high asset divorce. We assist with child custody, child support, paternity, alimony, and spousal support disputes, as well as property division and legal separation. We also draft prenup and postnup agreements to protect your interests before or during marriage. Whether your situation is amicable or highly contested, we provide compassionate, strategic representation focused on protecting your rights and your family’s future. Family law matters are deeply personal, and we’re committed to guiding you through each step with clarity, discretion, and genuine care.

  • Often, yes. Many family law and personal injury matters can be resolved through mediation, which is typically faster, less expensive, and less adversarial than litigation. In divorce cases, mediation can help couples reach agreements on property division, child custody, child support, and spousal support while maintaining privacy and control over the outcome. An uncontested divorce especially benefits from this collaborative approach. Mediation isn’t right for every situation, particularly where significant conflict, abuse, or complex high asset divorce issues exist. Our attorneys help you weigh your options and represent your interests effectively, whether through negotiation, mediation, or the courtroom when litigation becomes necessary.

Changes in Iowa Personal Injury Laws Impact All Drivers

Iowa Senate Bill 119, which took effect in 2025, raised the minimum liability coverage amounts for all drivers. Bodily injury increased to $50,000 and property damage to $25,000, which, for accident victims, may be a welcome relief. As the costs of medical and rehabilitative care, and the cost of replacing a totaled vehicle rise, many victims are left with significant bills after a wreck, even if they received the maximum payout from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. These changes are intended to provide greater financial protection for crash victims.

The increase in car insurance minimums isn’t the only Iowa tort law change that could affect plaintiffs in a personal injury claim. Effective July 1, 2025, drivers are prohibited from holding electronic communication devices (such as phones, tablets, etc.) while driving. Voice-activated and hands-free mode use are still permitted. Violations could result in a license suspension if the driver causes a crash that results in bodily injury or death.

Iowa’s car accident laws aren’t the only changes personal injury victims may see. There may be increased attention to mental health claims in personal injury cases, including emotional distress and PTSD. And finally, our Iowa personal injury lawyers have observed a rise in the use of social media and wearable technology as evidence in personal injury cases, which can either support or undermine claims.

Our Approach to Personal Injury Claims

We love the law! So much so that you’ll find the Law Museum of Iowa housed completely within our privately owned two-thousand-square-foot courtroom. At the Law Group of Iowa, we take our mission to provide comprehensive advocacy seriously, not just for routine clients, but for everyone. Education about the laws of our country is the cornerstone of civic responsibility. Our passion for the law permeates everything we do, from our client-focused advocacy to our reputation as tenacious litigators.

The attorneys at Law Group of Iowa are seasoned personal injury attorneys who advocate for people who have been harmed due to the negligence, oversight, or malicious action of others. We craft detailed cases to support the best interests of our clients, seeking full and fair compensation for all their losses, material and non-material. With the help of our talented legal support team, we weave together the testimony of expert witnesses, objective physical evidence, and fine points of Iowa tort law to build a compelling case against the party that harmed you.

Our Iowa personal injury lawyers accept all types of personal injury claims. We treat you with respect and compassion, providing you with practical and balanced legal advice so you can be an active participant in the case and achieve the means to rebuild your life after a devastating accident.

Positive, Impactful Outcomes to Complex Injury Cases

At Law Group of Iowa, we know that the proof of a successful personal injury law firm lies in the results that its litigators deliver. We are proud members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an organization that honors personal injury litigators who have secured verdicts of $1 million or more for their clients. We know how to talk to juries and how to build and present a compelling case to secure the highest possible settlement for each client.

Want to learn more? You can find frank client testimonials on Google (where we hold a perfect 5-star rating), on Justia and other law education sites, and through word of mouth. We’re happy to share recent case results we’ve achieved for clients in similar situations as yours and explain how we achieved success.

Do you have a personal injury claim and need sound legal advice? Call Law Group of Iowa today for a complimentary case assessment.

Law Group of Iowa

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Chances are, whatever your legal need, we’ll be able to assist you. We pride ourselves on being able to help you conquer your legal challenges and will do our best to provide you with lawyers who can bring your legal matter to a favorable resolution.

Johnston Martineau - Des Moines Iowa

4.8 Rating - 163 Reviews

Law Group of Iowa

Serving Iowans Since 2015

No Fee Unless We Win

At Law Group of Iowa, our injury and accident cases are handled on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case. For more than 10 years, our firm has served individuals and families in Des Moines, so you can move forward with a claim without worrying about paying attorney’s fees upfront. If we do not obtain a financial recovery for you, you do not owe us fees for our time. We also offer free consultations, allowing you to talk directly with our team about what happened, what is at stake, and what options may be available to you before you decide how to proceed.

With more than six decades of combined experience, attorneys Christopher Johnston, Christopher Martineau, and Jason Yates have dedicated their careers to standing up for injured clients and their families. Our no fee unless we win approach reflects a simple promise: we share the risk with you, and we are only paid when your case results in compensation. From your first free consultation through settlement or trial, we focus on clear communication, careful preparation, and meaningful support so you can concentrate on healing while we pursue your claim.

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Serious Injuries Deserve Serious Representation

Injured in Iowa? Get the Representation You Deserve

Personal injury law exists to hold negligent parties accountable when their actions — or inactions — cause harm to others. In Iowa, injured victims have the right to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. But insurance companies don’t make that process easy, and evidence that strengthens your claim can disappear quickly after an accident.

Law Group of Iowa handles the full range of personal injury cases, including:

Our attorneys investigate thoroughly, negotiate aggressively, and take cases to trial when insurers refuse to offer fair compensation. As members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, we have the experience to handle complex, high-stakes claims.

Contact us for a free, no-pressure assessment of your situation. Whether you’ve been hurt in a car crash, truck collision, motorcycle wreck, or premises accident, our attorneys will review the details and explain your legal options in plain terms. We believe every injury victim deserves to understand their rights before making any decisions.

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Roswell: The Truth on Trial: The Evidence Speaks – You Decide

From opening statements to jury deliberations, Roswell: The Truth on Trial brings the ‘Roswell Incident’ to life in a gripping, first-of-its-kind courtroom drama. In this groundbreaking format, you, the juror, are tasked with weighing the evidence, evaluating testimony, and reaching your own verdict.

Authored by Christopher A. Johnston, this gripping courtroom drama brings the infamous ‘Roswell Incident’ to life. From opening statements to jury deliberations, Roswell: The Truth on Trial puts you in the juror’s seat — tasked with weighing the evidence, evaluating testimony, and reaching your own verdict.

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