Des Moines Car Accident Lawyer

Pursing Financial Recovery After a Car Accident

When you have been injured in a car accident, our Des Moines, IA car accident lawyer knows that you may be unsure of what to do next. Are you experiencing anger, anxiety, and confusion after being in a car accident? If so, a car accident lawyer Des Moines, Iowa trusts would like to speak you with about your possible legal options. In general, when negligence or wrongdoing is a factor, you have the right to seek monetary compensation that will help you to cover the expenses associated with the accident. To get started now you may call Law Group of Iowa.

If you are looking for the right Des Moines car accident lawyer, look no further than Law Group of Iowa to provide you with superb legal advocacy. Call us today for a consultation. 

When the driver of a vehicle fails to adhere to the rules of driving or makes a careless mistake, he or she may be found liable for any injuries or property damages that resulted. When something horrific like this happens, victims of an accident must understand that a claim is not automatically filed on their behalf of them. Rather, the victim must take the initiative and file their own claim as soon as possible. The insurance company might be the first party to initiate the process. For instance, the victim may receive a call from an adjuster who is ready to offer a settlement. Rarely is this enough to cover the damages. You should always have a car accident lawyer in Des Moines, IA on your side.

Table of Contents

• Pursuing Financial Recovery After a Car Accident
• Pedestrian Accidents in Parking Lots
• What to Do After a Car Accident
• Des Moines Car Accident Infographic
• Des Moines Car Accident Statistics
• Des Moines Car Accident FAQs
• Law Group of Iowa, Des Moines Car Accident Lawyer
• Contact Our Des Moines Car Accident Lawyer Today

How Our Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You

Car accident claims are within the category of personal injury law. This is a civil branch of the legal system that tends to include a broad, and complicated, set of legislation and guidelines. Without legal knowledge, navigating it can be extremely difficult. A Des Moines car accident lawyer has to offer can take on a large portion of the challenges so you can focus on your recovery. 

Your lawyer can help to gather important parts of your case, such as:

• The police report
• Medical records
• Witness testimony
• Evidence from the scene
• Video Footage

If need be, we can hire reconstructionists to rebuild the scene, expert witnesses to defend your case, or investigators to look into further details. Rest assured, as leading Des Moines car accident lawyers, we will be ready to take the necessary steps to defend your case to the maximum. We seek maximum damages and typically recover them through out-of-court- negotiations. In the rare event that we have to take your case to trial, please know we will be prepared for a legal battle. 

Proving Negligence

Although car accident claims can have common factors involved, there are often many unique circumstances that a lawyer, like a car accident lawyer Des Moines, IA relies on, must assess and consider for any particular claim. One of these factors is whether or not negligence was involved and who can be considered liable (or at fault). Learn more about Common Driver Distractions

For example, you might be absolutely sure that you were not at fault for what happened. However, it will be up to you, or your Des Moines car accident lawyer to demonstrate the burden of proof. 

Before you can be awarded damages, a car accident lawyer will need to prove negligence. In general, most accidents involving an automobile will involve negligence to some degree or another, but it is not always easy to prove. For this reason, it is advisable to contact a car accident lawyer as quickly as possible. This way he or she has enough time to build a defense and demonstrate that:

• The defendant, or negligent party, had a duty to you to use reasonable care;
• The defendant failed to do so;
• As a result of this negligence an accident occurred; and
• You were injured because of the accident.

Even if you are unsure about who is at fault, you can and should call a trusted and reliable lawyer like a car accident lawyer Des Moines, IA residents can count on Law Group of Iowa.

Proving the above can be difficult or relatively straightforward. When there are challenges, a lawyer may take advantage of important resources. Thus, it is important to choose a firm that has access to such resources without delay. 

Compensation for a Car Accident

With personal injury claims such as car accidents, there are various types of damages that a lawyer might seek to recover. These may include:

• Medical Care – including treatment, rehabilitation, therapy, and future medical expenses;
• Lost Wages – this includes the wages you would have earned and any prospective wages you might have earned;
• Pain and Suffering – such as physical pain, emotional grievance, and mental health issues that arise after the accident; and
• Loss of Consortium- this may apply when the victim is married and the accident causes a negative effect on the relationship.

Punitive damages are occasionally included in a claim and can be further explained by an attorney, as a Des Moines car accident lawyer can turn. Compensation for any property damage may also be discussed in the consultation.

Pedestrian Accidents in Parking Lots

Many of us have had the experience of a near miss while walking or driving through a parking lot. Maybe we were crossing a lane or pulling out from a space, when all of a sudden, a driver appears, barely avoiding a motor vehicle accident. Unfortunately, as a Des Moines car accident lawyer can attest, these types of collisions are increasingly common, with reckless driving behaviors such as speeding and distracted driving to blame.

Parking Lot Accidents and Injuries

Parking lot accidents are often considered ‘fender benders’, so minor that drivers fail to report them to their insurers. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), these accidents actually have the potential to be quite serious, killing roughly 500 drivers and pedestrians each year, and causing serious injuries for as many as 60,000 others.

Distracted driving, such as using cell phones and texting behind the wheel, are among the most common causes. The NSC claims that nearly 70 percent of drivers admit using their phones to call or check in via text to others while driving through a grocery store, restaurants, office buildings, and mall parking lots.

A Des Moines car accident lawyer knows that even when both drivers are going relatively slow or when one of the vehicles is stopped, the force of impact can end up causing serious damages. Injuries common in these accidents include:

•       Soft tissue injuries, such as muscle or tendon strains, sprains, and tears
•       Broken bones and fractures
•       Whiplash, and other types of back and neck injuries
•       Head injuries, including concussion and traumatic brain injury

For pedestrians, especially children, these accidents can be particularly severe.

What to Do in the Event of a Parking Lot Accident

Parking lot accidents should be treated the same as any other type of collision. Whether you are a driver, a passenger, or a pedestrian involved, you should follow these steps:

•       Immediately notify security or local law enforcement.
•       Exchange personal contact, vehicle, and insurance information with the drivers involved.
•       Make note of any witnesses at the scene, and take pictures of the damages, if possible.
•       Get medical treatment for your injuries.

Even if the accident was minor and you are not experiencing symptoms, it is important to get checked right away and to follow all of your doctor’s instructions. Potentially serious injuries have symptoms that can take days or weeks to appear and failing to get medical care could jeopardize your rights in a claim.

What to Do After a Car Accident

For those who find themselves in a car accident due to poor driving, negligence, or distraction of another driver, they may trust a car accident attorney Des Moines IA clients call from Law Group of Iowa to handle their case. We have seen people suffer from car collisions and have fought for their legal rights for more than a decade. We have grown a legal portfolio to be proud of and can offer only the most professional and courteous counsel.

This may be a time of great frustration and pain for you, and we can strive to make it as easy as possible. By hiring a car accident attorney Des Moines IA victims rely on from Law Group of Iowa, we can answer any questions you have, from preventing a future accident, to what conditions increase your chances of being involved in one, and what to do if you are in a vehicle collision.

• Pull to the shoulder of the road

If there is damage or a person hurt, both cars must stop and pull over to exchange information and ensure no one needs immediate medical help.

• Call 9-1-1

Submit a verbal or written claim to law enforcement at the time of the accident.

• Get other driver’s information

Get the name, phone number, name of the insurance company, and address of other drivers.

• Take down witnesses’ information

If there are people around who saw the accident happen, ask for their information so you can use their statements in support of your claim in court.

• See a doctor

Even if you do not notice an obvious injury right away, seeking your doctor for a physical evaluation confirms you have no harboring injuries.

• Do not share comments

Keep opinions and thoughts only to yourself or police officers and do not admit fault to the other party. What you say may be used against you by the offending driver.

• Take pictures

Use your phone to take photographs of the scene, injuries or areas of pain, witnesses, license plate, VIN number, and other occupants in the vehicles.

• Speak with an attorney

Consult with a car accident attorney Des Moines IA locals recommend immediately for advice on what to do next after following the above suggestions.

Des Moines Car Accident Infographic

Des Moines Car Accident Statistics

According to Iowa DOT, 2022 Iowa Traffic Fatality Count so far for the year has been 198, last year the traffic fatality count for the whole year was 356.

Des Moines Car Accident FAQs

What is a car accident lawyer?

A car accident lawyer in Des Moines IA is a personal injury attorney who specializes in representing victims of car accidents. If you’ve been in a car accident, you may be able to file a claim with your insurance company or the other driver’s insurance company to receive compensation for your damages. However, if the other driver was at fault for the accident, you may also be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against him or her. A Des Moines car accident lawyer from the law office of Law Group of Iowa can help you determine whether you have a case and represent you throughout the legal process.

How can I prove the other driver was at-fault for the accident?

A: It often requires evidence that a driver violated laws of the road. While some violations may be very obvious, like tailgating, running a red light, or not stopping at a stop sign, there are other scenarios that may need a more in-depth investigation. After the accident, you can talk to witnesses and get their information so your Des Moines, Iowa auto accident lawyer can follow up with an official statement of how they saw the crash occur. These witness statements can be hugely influential if you decide to file a lawsuit against the driver who hit you because they were not abiding by traffic laws.

Is it my responsibility to figure out who was at-fault?

Never admit or state blame when it comes to who was responsible for the car accident. That may only makes things more tense at the car accident scene and your insurance policy states that you must not assume liability or fault for vehicle collisions. It is best to keep any opinions to yourself and let your insurance company do the talking. What you can do, however, is gather as much evidence as possible before leaving the accident area to help your insurance company and auto accident lawyer in Des Moines, IA fight for your side of the story.

What should I do if I get calls from insurance adjusters?

After the car accident, you may be contacted by insurance adjusters, hoping to offer you a settlement amount for damages, losses, and injuries you sustained. However, in many cases these settlements are way lower than what the victim of the crash deserves or even requires in order to get back onto their feet financially. The settlement may not factor in the total cost for your medical bills, pain and suffering, vehicle repairs, or loss of earnings. If you get these calls, you may want to hold off on accepting or denying the settlement until you have spoken with an experienced auto accident lawyer from our Des Moines, Iowa office.

How do I know what car damage is old or new?

If the other driver’s vehicle has plenty of damage, it may be difficult to determine what is old or new. Your insurance company may use certain strategies to figure this out when evaluating the car accident claim. The best thing you can do is take photographs of all the damage you see, then let your insurer figure out the rest. Moreover, there are other ways for one to know if car damage is old or new.  An example of this, would be the look of this scratch on a car, the condition of the cracked windows, etc.  This is why when it comes to assessing an auto accident for injuries, it is important to take clear pictures of the car condition after the accident, to better assess the severity of the damage that was done and the compensation that should be accounted for.

What should be my priority after the car accident?

Get yourself a medical exam immediately after the accident to ensure you didn’t sustain any injuries that require treatment. This is also a good way to officially document the injuries you did have, which can be used as proof in your lawsuit later on.

Examples of important medical documents to request copies for are hospitalization records, prescription medication, doctor exams, diagnostics, test results, receipts for anything paid for out-of-pocket, and treatment plans. All of these documents can be useful in proving the severity of your injuries and can be used by your auto accident lawyer to help you get the compensation you need to get back onto your feet.

What can hiring a lawyer do for me in a car accident case?

Being involved in a car accident can truly change a person’s life. The victim may have suffered serious injuries that require long-term care, in addition to having his or her bank account emptied due to medical costs. This may be especially true for victims who were sent to the emergency room or were hospitalized due to the accident. An auto accident lawyer in the Des Moines, IA area can help you get the compensation you need to overcome such a setback. A lawyer can also offer legal advice, gather witness statements, represent you in court, fight for your behalf, and help you complete the necessary paperwork for filing a personal injury lawsuit.

How much may I receive in compensation for what happened?

The victim of an auto collision may be entitled to receiving a substantial monetary sum through a personal injury lawsuit. How much a person may be awarded depends on how serious the accident was, and what the victim endured because of the crash. Factors that can contribute to the outcome of your lawsuit include severity of injuries, transportation costs getting to and from doctor visits, length of treatment, current and future loss of income, how the accident occurred, and the extent of vehicle damage.

Why is a car accident lawyer needed?

When you are in an accident, your world is turned upside down. You may be dealing with injuries, property damage, and a host of other issues. Add to that the stress of dealing with insurance companies and you have a recipe for disaster. That is where a Des Moines car accident lawyer comes in. They can also help with any criminal charges that may arise from the accident. 

A car accident lawyer in Des Moines, IA is needed to ensure that you are fairly compensated for your injuries and damages. An experienced car accident lawyer will know how to negotiate with the insurance companies and get you the full amount of money that you deserve. Most importantly, a good lawyer will fight for your rights in court if necessary.

Am I required to call the police after an accident?

When you are in an accident that involves property damage or physical injury, one of the best things you can do is call the police. Our Des Moines car accident lawyer knows that an official police report will be extremely helpful when it comes to getting information from everyone (including witnesses) on what happened during the accident. 

What are the common causes of car accidents?

There are many common causes of car accidents, including distracted driving, driver fatigue, driving under the influence, and more. A driver may be playing with their radio or texting while driving, may have gotten poor sleep the night before or been driving for long periods of time, and may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol while behind the wheel. 

What kinds of injuries are common after a car accident?

Our Des Moines car accident lawyer knows that most people have heard of whiplash and know that it is common to sustain a whiplash injury after a car accident. This occurs because the force of the impact stops your car and your body continues to move at such a high speed. While whiplash is often played for laughs in a movie or TV show, it can actually be quite painful and you should seek medical attention for it immediately. Other common injuries from a car accident include concussions and traumatic brain injuries, broken or fractured bones, lacerations or objects impaling you, back and spinal cord injuries, partial or total paralysis, and more.

Our Des Moines, IA car accident attorney has years of experience reviewing and analyzing accident scenes and turning what seems like a hopeless cause into a winning case. If you have been injured in an accident, you understandably have questions and concerns. Common questions we are asked include:

• How are my medical bills going to be paid?
• Who is going to pay me for the missing work?
• Is my car going to be fixed…or is it totaled?
• Do I get paid for pain and suffering?
• Do I need a lawyer?
• What is my case worth?
• What if there is no car insurance available?

You likely have many other questions as well. Contact us for a no-cost and no-obligation consultation to get the answers you need.

Whether you have suffered a soft-tissue injury or a fracture or a brain injury or any other type of injury, our experienced personal injury attorneys are ready to help.

Common Legal Issues Following A Car Accident

In determining who is “at fault” for an accident, Iowa uses what is called Modified Comparative Negligence. What that means is, if you are in an accident and you are found to be twenty percent at fault, your settlement or verdict will be reduced by your percentage of fault (20%) and the other driver will be responsible for his percentage (80%).

For example, if you received a verdict of $100,000.00 and you were found to be 20% at fault, your verdict would be $80,000.00. There are a few other factors that impact the “net verdict” and the above example reflects fault percentages only.

This method of comparing fault holds true unless you are found to be more at fault for the accident than the other driver. If you are found to be even 50.0001 percent at fault, you will recover nothing.

It is due, in part, to the way Iowa courts view liability that makes hiring an experienced attorney so crucial. Often, the smallest detail or piece of evidence can make the difference between a successful case and a losing case.

Evidence To Gather After A Car Accident

Evidence is the key to successfully handling any type of case and car accidents are no exception. After attending to injuries, get the names and numbers of any and all witnesses. Witnesses to the crash itself are ideal but witnesses who saw the moments leading up to the crash or the first few minutes after can be invaluable.

Often, the police speak to witnesses but their names and numbers don’t make it into the police report so having your own notes is important. Don’t interfere with the police but be sure to let them know anything you believe is important. It is difficult to go back and change a police report so work to ensure it is complete the first time!

Take pictures of everything – your car, the other involved cars, witnesses, the roadway, skid marks, any obstructions, the other driver’s insurance card, and the like. If, in the confusion following an accident, you forgot to take pictures, you can go back at anytime and get pictures of evidence that may still exist such as debris and skid marks.

Even if you haven’t managed to gather any evidence, due to injury or some other cause, call us now so we can get to work gathering whatever evidence is still available.

Common Car Accidents In Iowa

These days, we are seeing more and more individuals being injured as a result of others’ distracted driving. Be it negligent drivers who are talking on the phone or texting – the “inTEXTicated” driver – these people are on our roads. One tragedy of these types of accidents is that they are usually completely avoidable. Our Des Moines car accident attorney has handled many of these “distracted driver” cases. Often, the at-fault drivers contend that they weren’t using their phones but, through the use of a subpoena, we are frequently able to obtain their phone records and prove that they were indeed using their devices. Evidence like that frequently results in a just outcome for our clients.

Another frequent type of accident we handle is the rear-end accident which typically occurs when one person is sitting stationary at a light or stop sign and another driver negligently slams into the rear of the stopped vehicle. People can be, and are, injured in these rear-end crashes and our personal injury lawyers are well-versed in the legalities surrounding them. While it is true that sometimes these types of cases can be straightforward, other times it becomes necessary to hire an accident reconstructionist to evaluate the impact, the property damage, the relative weights of the car and occupants, and more. Regardless of the complexity, our personal injury lawyers are able to guide you through it.

Other types of crashes that are all too common involve intersection accidents with one person turning and the other driving straight through the intersection. Many times, intersection crashes result in a classic t-bone accident which can be extremely serious.

As in every case, it is important to contact witnesses as soon as possible and begin developing your case. In addition to witnesses, traffic cameras and stop light sequencing reports are also frequently available if you act quickly.

A Des Moines car accident attorney residents trust has also successfully represented people who have been injured when another vehicle owner has failed to properly secure their load and the unsecured item causes injury to an innocent person.

As you can imagine, the list of different types of accidents is nearly endless and nearly all of them are the result of the negligence of one or more parties. This is true whether you were involved in a car accident on I-235 or while backing out of your driveway.

However, not every car accident is the fault of a driver but due instead to a faulty vehicle component. In such cases, an injured party may have a claim for “product liability”. On some occasions, a car may have been recalled due to one of these faulty components.

Car Accidents By Time Of Year

Interestingly, the time of year seems to have an impact on the types of crashes we see. Many people assume that winter is the busiest time of year for car accidents and that is only partially correct. While the sheer number of accidents we see does tend to increase, the severity of the accidents and, thus, the injuries, often are lower than those we see during other times of the year.

Experience shows us that, in the winter months, many drivers are operating their cars with a heightened awareness of hazards including snow, ice, and other cars. Thus, drivers are often more cautious and drive more slowly thus, oftentimes, minimizing injuries and property damage when a crash does occur.

Compare those slippery winter months with spring and summer when drivers are out enjoying the open road; windows down, radio up, and the wind blowing through their hair. In those situations, drivers often tend to be less aware of their surroundings and speeds tend to be greater thus leading to more serious injuries if and when a crash does occur.

The types of car accidents that one can find themselves involved in is as varied as the types of injuries that can be suffered. Injuries with which our law firm deals range from whiplash to death with everything in between.

Tips For Avoiding Car Accidents Infographic

Although it is inevitable that car accidents will happen, there are some things you can do to help minimize your risk. Many of the items on the above list are common sense suggestions but they bear repeating if it helps keep even one person safe. Personal injury car accidents are often due to driving while tired are tragic and entirely preventable. However, simple tiredness isn’t the only condition that leads to crashes. There are several other similar mental states that lead to accidents.

Velocitization

Velocitization is a condition that causes the driver of a car to misjudge their actual speed or to become dangerously drowsy. Velocitization is typically caused by long drives at higher speeds such as those encountered on highways across Iowa.

Highway Hypnosis

Highway hypnosis, which is also called “white line fever”, is a condition under which the driver of a car is able to drive and, seemingly, perform all the driving tasks that are required yet, later, the driver has no recollection of having engaged in those activities. It is believed that this condition is possibly due to “automaticity” which allows one’s conscious mind to focus on one thing while the unconscious mind focuses on another.

Contact Our Des Moines Car Accident Attorney

After attending to injuries, contact us immediately to arrange a no-cost consultation and we will take all the time needed to review your evidence and the facts of your case to determine the best course of action.

Rest assured that our lawyers work hard to develop the evidence needed to prove just how a crash happened and we work just as hard to prove the full extent of your injuries and associated damages. Let us focus on the details so you can focus on your recovery.

Regardless of how your accident happened, the time of year was in Iowa, or the injury you sustained, contact us via email or call for a no-obligation consultation. We will take all the time needed to help you understand your rights and explain how we can help you get the compensation you deserve. We charge no fee unless you make a recovery.

Want to speak to a Des Moines car accident attorney you can trust with your case? Email us for a free consultation or call today.

How much is my case worth?

As a car accident attorney from Law Group of Iowa  may explain, the value of your personal injury case will vary depending on the circumstances of your accident, the extent of medical treatment needed to attend to your injuries, and the degree of pain and suffering you went through. If you were hurt in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be owed compensation, and not only that, but more than you realized. After a consultation with our lawyers, we can let you know if you are entitled to restitution for lost income (present and future), medical expenses related to injuries, damage to property, and expenses associated with disability (medical supplies, equipment, child care, shuttle service). 

Can I settle my claim without an attorney?

You do have the option of settling your car accident claim without assistance from a lawyer. However, something to keep in mind is that many people who became victims in an accident do not have inside knowledge into how insurance and the legal system works. All too often people accept a speedy settlement award offered by an insurance company, when in reality that amount is only a fraction of the total value of a claim. Insurance companies know they are doing this, and aim to take advantage of people even when they need help the most. But with a car accident attorney, you are protected from mistreatment like this.

What is the first thing I should do after a car accident?

Always call 911 after a car accident. If you don’t, then you won’t be able to receive medical attention in the moment you need it and a police officer won’t be there to write and file a report for the incident. Being able to get medical care right away and having a factual official report can be helpful for both your health and your claim. Gather as much evidence as possible while at the scene, such as photos and video footage of the area, the cars involved, vehicle damage, visible injuries, and anything else relevant at the time. Then you should get yourself to the doctor so that a proper treatment plan can be given to you based on the type and severity of your injuries.

If I don’t have symptoms is it okay to not see the doctor?

Some injuries can have delayed symptoms, so you may not know you are injured until hours afterwards or the next day. If you delay in getting medical treatment but realize you need it later on, it can hinder the value of your claim. You would be doing your recovery a disservice by not seeing a doctor, as your injuries can exacerbate in the time between the accident and when you sought medical care. Having medical documents that provide information about your injuries can be influential when pursuing repayment for examinations, copays, laboratory tests, diagnostics, medication, and other treatments.

Why doesn’t everyone hire a lawyer after a car accident?

Most people just don’t know that they have the option to get help from a lawyer. We aren’t taught in driving classes about how much a lawyer can be useful after a car accident. We are just told how to prevent car accidents and abide by driving laws. Unfortunately, because of the lack of education that isn’t provided to the general public, this means innocent people who were wrongfully injured aren’t provided what they need to get better. With all this being said, we advise contacting a member of Law Group of Iowa so that a car accident attorney can get started helping you handle your claim. 

Law Group of Iowa, Des Moines Car Accident Lawyer

699 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309

Contact Our Des Moines Car Accident Lawyer Today

The car accident lawyers at Law Group of Iowa believe in kindness, integrity, and justice. These traits are not easy to come by, especially when you want the best car accident lawyer for your claim.

Our firm has been recognized by various legal organizations and is known throughout the Des Moines, IA community. We understand the tremendous stress an accident can put upon you and your family. Working as hard as possible, we will aggressively fight insurance adjusters and any other negligent party involved to get you what you deserve.

We know that you have likely already paid thousands of dollars out of your pocket to cover the cost of unexpected expenses that occurred after the accident. Our lawyers handle most personal injury claims on a contingency fee basis. This means you may not have to pay anything upfront. Only when we win do we get paid.

If you would like to begin a claims process, please call an attorney like a car accident lawyer Des Moines, IA victims can trust, Law Group of Iowa, a car accident law firm you can count on for results.

Do not hesitate to contact us today to receive your first free consultation with a car accident lawyer in Des Moines IA from Law Group of Iowa.

You may reach a Des Moines car accident attorney provides at (515) 493-4878, where we can speak with you either over the phone or in person regarding the various details of your specific case.

Des Moines Car Accident Law Google Review

“Brad Biren and his entire staff are great to work with. You can count on Brad to provide the utmost in professional services. He is a compassionate listener who will be honest and forthcoming with you so you know exactly what to expect from the process. If you are ever in the position of needing to seek out a personal injury lawyer, having someone with the integrity and moral character of Brad Biren on your team will make the process so much easier.” – Regus R.

Client Review

“I am an attorney located in San Diego and needed a referral in Iowa. Brad was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. He spent about 15 minutes of his time to point me in the right direction. He made me feel comfortable and was very pleasant to talk to. Thank you, Brad!”
Holly A.