Clive Personal Injury Lawyer

Personal Injury Lawyer Clive, IA

If you’ve been hurt in an accident in Clive, you’re probably dealing with more than just physical pain. Medical bills arrive before you’ve even finished treatment. Insurance adjusters call asking for recorded statements. Your employer wants to know when you’re coming back. Meanwhile, you’re trying to figure out how to pay for everything while your body heals.

At Law Group of Iowa, our Clive, IA personal injury lawyer represents accident victims throughout Polk County and the Des Moines metro area. Founding partners Christopher Johnston and Christopher Martineau have been practicing personal injury law since 2001 and 2003, respectively. We handle car accidents, truck collisions, motorcycle crashes, slip and falls, dog bites, and other serious injury cases. We offer free consultations, and we do not collect attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Why Choose Law Group of Iowa for Personal Injury in Clive, IA?

Trial Lawyers Who Know Polk County Courts

Clive is in Polk County. Your case will likely move through the Polk County District Court system if litigation becomes necessary. Our attorneys have handled cases in these courts for over two decades. We know how local judges manage personal injury dockets, how juries in this area respond to evidence, and what it takes to build a case that holds up under scrutiny.

Most personal injury cases settle before trial. But insurance companies know which attorneys actually try cases and which ones always settle. That knowledge affects how they negotiate. Our founding partners have the courtroom experience that gives us leverage at the negotiation table.

Decades of Personal Injury Experience

Christopher Johnston has practiced personal injury law since 2001. He has successfully handled car accidents, motorcycle crashes, semi-truck collisions, wrongful death claims, and civil rights cases. He was named a Rising Star by Minnesota Law and Politics in 2011 and Up and Coming Attorney of the Year in 2007. He is admitted to practice in Iowa, Minnesota, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, and Federal Court in Minnesota. He is a member of the Iowa State Bar Association, the Minnesota Association for Justice, and the American Association for Justice.

Christopher Martineau has practiced since 2003. He handles automobile accidents, construction accidents, boating accidents, slip and fall injuries, and wrongful death cases. He is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, a recognition limited to attorneys who have obtained million-dollar verdicts or settlements. He is admitted to practice in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the U.S. District Court for Minnesota.

Attorney Jason Yates joined the firm in 2021 and has practiced since 2009. His focus includes serious personal injury litigation with particular emphasis on trucking and commercial vehicle crashes. He is recognized as a Top 100 member of The National Trial Lawyers and is a member of the Iowa Association for Justice.

A Record of Results

Our attorneys have helped clients recover millions of dollars in personal injury settlements and verdicts. Every case is different, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes. But our track record demonstrates that we know how to build strong cases and fight for fair compensation.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I cannot express enough how pleased and satisfied I am with the service I received. Attorney Chris Johnston is EXCEPTIONAL. He is extremely attentive and worked very hard to reach a settlement that exceeded my expectations. The whole staff made me feel welcomed and were very patient with all of my questions and concerns. Patty is amazing and explained everything in great detail to make me feel comfortable and informed. They are professional but down to earth and I am completely grateful for this experience. Excellence from start to finish. If I could have given 10 stars I would have. I will be recommending to everyone I know ! Thanks for all your hard work!” — Stephanie Sanger

Read more reviews on our Google Business Profile.

Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Clive

Personal injury law covers many types of accidents and injuries. At Law Group of Iowa, we represent Clive residents in the following matters:

• Car accidents. Rear-end collisions, head-on crashes, intersection accidents, and multi-vehicle pileups all cause serious injuries. We investigate the collision, gather evidence, and pursue the responsible driver’s insurance company. Distracted driving accidents have become increasingly common in the Clive area.
• Truck accidents. Collisions with semi-trucks and commercial vehicles cause catastrophic injuries due to the size and weight differences. We handle jackknife accidents, rear-end collisions, rollover crashes, and wide-turn accidents. Our attorneys understand trucking regulations and know how to hold trucking companies accountable.
• Motorcycle accidents. Riders face unique dangers on Iowa roads. We represent motorcyclists injured by negligent drivers and fight against bias from insurance adjusters who assume riders are always at fault. Protective gear and proper riding cannot prevent all accidents caused by careless drivers.
• Pedestrian accidents. Getting struck by a vehicle while walking causes severe injuries. We handle cases involving crosswalk accidents, parking lot incidents, and hit-and-run collisions.
• Bicycle accidents. Cyclists have the same rights as motorists on Iowa roads. When drivers fail to share the road safely, we pursue compensation for injured riders. Head injuries are common in bike crashes.
• Slip and fall injuries. Property owners must maintain safe premises. When wet floors, icy sidewalks, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting cause falls, premises liability claims hold negligent owners responsible.
• Dog bites. Iowa law holds dog owners responsible for attacks. We help bite victims recover compensation for medical treatment, scarring, and emotional trauma.
• Medical malpractice. Surgical errors, misdiagnosis, medication mistakes, and birth injuries can cause devastating harm. These cases require thorough investigation and medical documentation.
• Wrongful death. When negligence causes a fatal accident, surviving family members may pursue compensation for their losses. We handle these sensitive cases with care while fighting for full accountability.

Iowa Legal Requirements for Personal Injury Cases

Understanding Iowa’s personal injury laws helps you protect your rights. Here are the key legal requirements that apply to Clive accident cases:

Statute of Limitations

Iowa gives injury victims two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. This deadline comes from Iowa Code § 614.1. Missing this deadline typically bars your claim forever, regardless of how strong your case might be. Some exceptions exist for minors or cases involving delayed discovery of injuries, but you should not assume any exception applies to your situation.

Comparative Fault

Iowa follows a modified comparative fault system under Iowa Code § 668.3. If you share some responsibility for the accident, your compensation gets reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you are found 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything. Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto victims to reduce what they pay. We counter these tactics with evidence and solid case preparation.

No-Fault Insurance

Iowa is not a no-fault insurance state. Injury victims can pursue claims directly against at-fault drivers rather than being limited to their own insurance coverage. This gives you the right to seek full compensation from whoever caused your injuries.

Damage Caps

Iowa does not cap economic damages in personal injury cases. You can recover the full value of your medical bills, lost wages, and other financial losses. Non-economic damages like pain and suffering have no cap in most injury cases, though medical malpractice cases have certain limitations.

What Damages Are Recoverable in Clive Personal Injury Cases?

Personal injury compensation falls into three categories. Understanding what you can recover helps you evaluate settlement offers accurately.

Economic Damages

Economic damages cover your measurable financial losses. Medical expenses rank first among these. Hospital bills, surgery costs, physical therapy, prescription medications, medical equipment, and ongoing treatment all qualify. We calculate not just what you have already spent, but what you will need in the future.

Lost wages matter too. If your injuries kept you from working, you deserve compensation for that lost income. Future earning capacity also counts. If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or working at the same level, that loss has value.

Property damage typically applies in vehicle accident cases. Repair costs or replacement value for your vehicle, plus any personal property damaged in the crash.

Other economic damages include costs of hiring help for household tasks you cannot perform, transportation to medical appointments, and home modifications needed to accommodate disabilities.

Non-Economic Damages

These damages compensate for losses that do not have a direct dollar value. Pain and suffering covers the physical discomfort you experience. Emotional distress addresses anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other psychological impacts. Loss of enjoyment of life compensates when injuries prevent you from activities you previously enjoyed.

Disfigurement and scarring have separate value beyond medical treatment costs. Permanent disabilities dramatically affect compensation calculations.

Punitive Damages

Iowa allows punitive damages in cases involving willful or wanton conduct. These damages punish particularly reckless behavior and deter others from similar conduct. Drunk driving accidents sometimes warrant punitive damages. The Iowa Code § 668A.1 governs how courts award punitive damages.

What Steps Should I Take After an Injury in Clive?

The actions you take immediately after an accident affect your ability to recover compensation. Follow these steps to protect yourself:

1. Get medical attention. Your health comes first. Some injuries do not show symptoms immediately. Internal bleeding, traumatic brain injuries, and soft tissue damage can take hours or days to become apparent. Medical records also document the connection between the accident and your injuries.

2. Report the incident. For vehicle accidents, call police and get an official report. For slip and falls, report to the property owner or manager. For workplace injuries, notify your employer. Documentation matters.

3. Gather evidence at the scene. Take photographs of the accident location, vehicle damage, visible injuries, and anything else relevant. Get contact information from witnesses. Note the time, weather conditions, and any contributing factors you observe.

4. Do not give recorded statements. Insurance adjusters will call quickly. They may seem friendly. Their job is to minimize what their company pays. Politely decline recorded statements until you have spoken with an attorney.

5. Keep records of everything. Medical bills, receipts, pay stubs showing missed work, correspondence with insurance companies. Create a file and add every document related to your injury.

6. Follow medical advice. Attend all appointments. Complete prescribed treatment. If you skip appointments or ignore doctor’s orders, insurance companies will argue you were not seriously injured.

7. Avoid social media posts. Anything you post can be used against you. A photo of you smiling at a family event might be used to argue you are not in pain. Privacy settings do not fully protect you.

8. Do not accept quick settlement offers. Insurance companies sometimes offer fast settlements before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Once you accept, you cannot ask for more money later.

9. Track your symptoms. Keep a daily journal of your pain levels, limitations, and emotional state. This record supports your claim for non-economic damages.

10. Consult a personal injury attorney. Understanding your rights early prevents costly mistakes. Free consultations let you learn your options without financial risk.

Personal Injury Statistics in Clive and Polk County

Understanding local accident trends provides context for injury cases in the Clive area. The following statistics offer perspective on what Polk County residents face.

According to the Iowa Department of Transportation, Iowa sees over 50,000 traffic crashes annually. Polk County consistently records the highest number of crashes in the state due to its population and traffic volume. The Des Moines metro area, which includes Clive, accounts for a significant portion of these incidents.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration tracks fatal crashes nationwide. Iowa averages over 300 traffic fatalities per year. Many more crashes result in serious but non-fatal injuries requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Truck accidents pose particular dangers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reports that large trucks were involved in over 5,000 fatal crashes nationally in recent years. Iowa’s position along major trucking corridors including I-80 and I-35 means commercial vehicle accidents are common in our area.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that motorcyclists are significantly more likely to die in crashes than passenger vehicle occupants. Iowa’s motorcycle crash rates follow national patterns, with spring and summer months seeing increased incidents.

Workplace injuries also affect Clive residents. The Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks occupational injuries nationally. Iowa reports thousands of workplace injuries requiring medical attention each year. Construction, manufacturing, and transportation sectors see the highest injury rates.

Slip and fall accidents send millions of Americans to emergency rooms annually according to the National Floor Safety Institute. Falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries and a major cause of hip fractures, particularly among older adults.

Dog bites result in hundreds of thousands of emergency room visits nationally each year per CDC data. Iowa follows national trends, with children facing the highest bite risk.

Clive Personal Injury Lawyer FAQs

How much does a personal injury lawyer cost?

We work on contingency. You pay nothing upfront. We only collect a fee if we recover compensation for you. This arrangement lets injured people access quality legal representation regardless of their financial situation.

How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Iowa?

Two years from the date of injury in most cases. This deadline is set by Iowa Code § 614.1. Some exceptions exist, but waiting risks losing your right to compensation entirely. Consult an attorney quickly to understand your specific deadline.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Iowa’s comparative fault system reduces your compensation by your percentage of fault. If you were 20% at fault, you receive 80% of the damages. However, if you are 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. Insurance companies often exaggerate victim fault to reduce payments.

How much is my personal injury case worth?

Case value depends on many factors: severity of injuries, medical expenses, lost income, impact on daily life, insurance policy limits, and strength of evidence. We evaluate these factors during your free consultation and provide honest assessments.

Should I accept the insurance company’s first offer?

Usually not. First offers are typically low. Insurance adjusters know many people need money quickly and will accept less than their case is worth. We evaluate whether offers are fair before advising you to accept or reject them.

How long does a personal injury case take?

Simple cases with clear liability and minor injuries may settle within months. Complex cases involving serious injuries, disputed liability, or multiple defendants can take a year or longer. Trials add additional time. We work efficiently while ensuring thorough case preparation.

What if the other driver was uninsured?

Your own uninsured motorist coverage may apply. Iowa requires insurers to offer UM coverage, though you may have declined it. We review your policy to identify all available coverage sources. Uninsured driver claims require different strategies than standard liability claims.

Do I have to go to court?

Most personal injury cases settle without trial. However, if insurance companies refuse to offer fair compensation, we are prepared to take your case to court. Our founding partners have trial experience that strengthens our negotiating position.

What should I bring to a consultation?

Bring any documents related to your accident: police reports, medical records, insurance correspondence, photographs, and contact information for witnesses. Also bring questions. Consultations are your opportunity to understand your options.

Can I still file a claim if I did not call police at the scene?

Yes. Police reports help, but they are not required to pursue a claim. We gather evidence from other sources: medical records, witness statements, photographs, surveillance footage, and accident reconstruction when necessary.

What if my injuries did not appear immediately?

Many injuries have delayed symptoms. Soft tissue injuries, concussions, and internal injuries may not become apparent for days. Seeking medical attention promptly still matters. Medical records documenting when symptoms appeared support your claim.

Will my health insurance cover accident-related treatment?

Usually yes, initially. Your health insurance may pay for treatment and then seek reimbursement from any settlement you receive. This is called subrogation. We negotiate with health insurers to reduce these reimbursement claims when possible.

What happens if the at-fault driver’s insurance is not enough?

Policy limits sometimes fall short of covering serious injuries. We explore all potential sources of compensation: umbrella policies, underinsured motorist coverage, additional liable parties, and other options specific to your situation.

Can I handle my claim without a lawyer?

Legally, yes. Practically, insurance companies have teams of adjusters and attorneys working to minimize payouts. Studies consistently show that injury victims with legal representation recover more compensation on average, even after attorney fees.

What makes a personal injury case strong?

Clear evidence of fault, documented injuries, consistent medical treatment, and credible testimony strengthen cases. We evaluate these factors during consultations and explain where your case stands.

Most Dangerous Locations for Accidents in Clive

Clive’s location within the Des Moines metro area means residents travel busy corridors daily. Certain areas see higher accident rates:

University Avenue carries heavy traffic through Clive’s commercial district. Multiple access points for shopping centers create turning conflicts. Rear-end collisions and intersection accidents occur frequently.

Hickman Road serves as a major east-west route. Speed combined with commercial development leads to accidents, particularly during peak traffic hours.

Interstate 35/80 borders Clive. Merging traffic, high speeds, and truck traffic create dangerous conditions. Multi-vehicle crashes on the interstate often cause serious injuries.

86th Street connects Clive to neighboring communities. Intersection accidents at major crossings happen regularly.

Westown Parkway sees pedestrian and cyclist traffic near office parks and residential areas. Vehicle-pedestrian conflicts increase during commute hours.

Local parking lots, particularly around shopping areas, also see frequent fender benders and pedestrian incidents. Property owners bear responsibility for maintaining safe conditions in these areas.

Important Local Resources for Clive Personal Injury

The following local resources may assist Clive residents dealing with personal injuries. Law Group of Iowa does not endorse these organizations but provides this information for reference.

Clive Police Department 8505 Harbach Boulevard, Clive, IA 50325 (515) 278-1312 For emergencies, dial 911.

Mercy Medical Center 1111 6th Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50314 (515) 247-3121

Iowa Methodist Medical Center 1200 Pleasant Street, Des Moines, IA 50309 (515) 241-6212

Polk County Sheriff’s Office 1985 NE 51st Place, Des Moines, IA 50313 (515) 286-3333

Iowa Department of Transportation For obtaining official accident reports.

Polk County District Court 500 Mulberry Street, Des Moines, IA 50309 (515) 286-3772

Iowa Insurance Division (515) 281-5705 For insurance-related complaints.

Contact Law Group of Iowa

If you were injured in an accident in Clive, we want to hear from you. Our founding partners Christopher Johnston and Christopher Martineau have spent over two decades fighting for injured Iowans. We offer free consultations to evaluate your case and explain your options.

You pay nothing unless we win. No upfront costs. No hourly fees. We advance case expenses and only collect if we recover compensation for you.

Contact us to schedule your free consultation. Our office serves Clive, Des Moines, and communities throughout central Iowa. Let us handle the legal fight while you focus on healing.