Johnston Personal Injury Lawyer

Personal Injury Lawyer Johnston, IA

If you’ve been hurt in an accident in Johnston, Iowa, you’re probably dealing with a lot more than physical pain. Medical bills are stacking up. You might be missing work. Insurance adjusters are calling, asking for statements, pushing you toward quick settlements that don’t come close to covering what you’ve actually lost.

At Law Group of Iowa, we’ve spent more than two decades representing injured Iowans. Our founding partners have built a practice focused on car accidents, truck collisions, motorcycle crashes, slip and fall injuries, and wrongful death claims. We know how insurance companies operate in Polk County and throughout central Iowa, and we know how to fight back when they refuse to pay what’s fair.

If you need a Johnston, IA personal injury lawyer who will handle your case with the attention it deserves, we offer free consultations and don’t charge fees unless we recover compensation for you.

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

Local Attorneys Who Know Iowa Law

Our firm is based right here in the Des Moines metro. We’ve handled cases in Polk County courts for years. That means we understand the local rules, the judges, and the tactics insurers use when claims arise from accidents in Johnston or nearby communities like Urbandale, Grimes, and Ankeny.

Christopher Johnston, one of our founding partners, has practiced law since 2001. He’s handled civil rights claims, car accident cases, pharmaceutical litigation, wrongful death suits, and more. Chris is proud to have been born and raised in Iowa, a third-generation Iowan whose great-grandfather settled in Page County. He sees representing injured Iowans as both a privilege and a responsibility.

Christopher Martineau, also a founding partner, has practiced since 2003. Chris is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an organization limited to attorneys who have achieved million-dollar verdicts or settlements. That membership reflects a proven track record in serious injury cases: boating accidents, slip and falls, construction injuries, and collisions involving drunk drivers.

Jason Yates joined the firm in 2021 and brings a strategic approach shaped by years working on the defense side. He graduated with honors from Drake University Law School and has been named to the Top 100 by The National Trial Lawyers. Jason focuses on complex trucking litigation and commercial vehicle crashes, cases that require digging into federal motor carrier regulations, driver logs, and maintenance records.

If you need a personal injury attorney in Johnston, IA, you’ll work with lawyers who’ve spent their careers preparing cases for trial. That preparation matters, even when cases settle, because insurers know which firms are willing to go to court.

A Record of Meaningful Results

Our attorneys have helped clients across Iowa recover millions of dollars for injuries caused by negligence. We handle everything from documenting your medical treatment to negotiating with adjusters to litigating in court when settlement offers fall short.

Contingency Fee Representation

Personal injury cases at our firm are handled on a contingency basis. You pay nothing upfront. We don’t collect attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you. That structure means we take on the financial risk, and it aligns our interests with yours: we only get paid when you do.

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“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 Johnston

We represent clients injured in a wide variety of accidents throughout Johnston and the surrounding Des Moines metro. Here are the main categories:

• Car accidents. We handle rear-end collisions, head-on crashes, distracted driving accidents, DUI wrecks, and hit-and-run cases. Whether you were injured on I-35/80, Merle Hay Road, or a local intersection, we can help.
• Truck accidents. Semi-truck and 18-wheeler collisions often cause catastrophic injuries. We investigate trucking companies, review driver logs, and identify all potentially liable parties.
• Motorcycle accidents. Motorcycle crashes frequently result in serious injuries because riders lack the physical protection that vehicles provide. We fight against adjuster bias that unfairly blames riders.
• Slip and fall injuries. Property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe premises. When they fail (wet floors, icy sidewalks, uneven surfaces) and someone gets hurt, they may be liable for premises liability.
• Dog bites. Iowa follows a strict liability rule for dog bite injuries. The owner is responsible for injuries regardless of whether the dog had shown aggression before.
• Wrongful death. Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is devastating. We help surviving family members pursue wrongful death claims for funeral costs, lost income, and loss of companionship.
• Pedestrian accidents. Pedestrians struck by vehicles often suffer severe injuries. We hold negligent drivers accountable and fight for full compensation.
• Bicycle accidents. Cyclists injured by motor vehicles deserve compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Construction accidents. Scaffolding falls, machinery malfunctions, electrical shocks: construction sites present numerous hazards, and injured workers may have claims beyond workers’ compensation.
• Brain injuries. Traumatic brain injuries can result from falls, car crashes, and workplace accidents. These injuries often require lifelong care and significantly impact earning capacity.

Iowa Legal Requirements for Personal Injury Cases

Understanding Iowa’s personal injury laws can help you protect your rights and make informed decisions about your case. Here are the key legal concepts:

Statute of Limitations

In Iowa, you generally have two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline applies to car accidents, slip and falls, dog bites, and most other negligence claims. Miss this deadline, and you lose your right to sue, no matter how strong your case might be.

Certain exceptions exist. Minors have until one year after turning 18 to file a claim. If you don’t discover your injury immediately (such as with exposure to toxic substances), the clock may start when you discover or should have discovered the injury. But don’t assume an exception applies to your situation. Consult an attorney as soon as possible.

Iowa Code § 614.1(2) establishes the two-year rule for personal injury claims.

Modified Comparative Fault

Iowa follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you were partially at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you’re found to be 51% or more responsible, you cannot recover anything.

For example: if a jury determines your damages total $100,000 but finds you 20% at fault, you’d receive $80,000. If you were 51% at fault, you’d receive nothing. Understanding how partial blame affects your case is critical.

This rule is codified in Iowa Code § 668.3.

At-Fault Insurance System

Iowa operates under an at-fault insurance system. The driver (or other party) who caused the accident bears financial responsibility for damages. To recover compensation, you must prove the other party was negligent, that they failed to exercise reasonable care, and that failure caused your injuries.

Insurance adjusters will look for any way to shift blame onto you and reduce what they pay. That’s why having a personal injury attorney in Johnston who understands these laws can make a significant difference.

What Damages Are Recoverable in Johnston Personal Injury Cases?

Compensation in personal injury cases falls into three broad categories:

Economic Damages

These are the quantifiable financial losses resulting from your injuries:

• Medical expenses: Hospital bills, surgery costs, prescription medications, physical therapy, future medical care
• Lost wages: Income you’ve already lost while recovering from your injuries
• Lost earning capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to work at the same level, you may claim future lost income
• Property damage: Vehicle repairs or replacement, damaged personal belongings
• Out-of-pocket costs: Transportation to medical appointments, home modifications, in-home care

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the average cost of a nonfatal injury requiring hospitalization exceeds $60,000. Serious crashes can result in medical expenses reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars over a lifetime.

Non-Economic Damages

These compensate you for losses that don’t have a clear dollar value:

• Pain and suffering: The physical pain you’ve experienced and continue to experience
• Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other psychological impacts
• Loss of enjoyment of life: When injuries prevent you from activities you once enjoyed
• Loss of consortium: Impact on your relationship with your spouse
• Disfigurement or scarring: Compensation for permanent physical changes

Iowa does not cap non-economic damages in most personal injury cases. Understanding what settlement money covers helps you evaluate any offer you receive.

Punitive Damages

In rare situations where the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious, such as drunk driving causing serious injury, punitive damages may be available. These are designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct.

What Steps Should I Take After a Personal Injury in Johnston?

The actions you take immediately after an accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Here’s what to do:

1. Ensure safety. Move to a safe location if you can. Turn on hazard lights if you’re in a vehicle. Check on others involved.

2. Call 911. Report the accident to police. Emergency responders can treat injuries at the scene and transport anyone who needs hospital care. A police report creates an official record of what happened.

3. Seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, see a doctor. Some injuries (whiplash, internal bleeding, concussions) don’t show symptoms immediately. Medical records also document the connection between the accident and your injuries. Some common injuries take days or weeks to manifest fully.

4. Document everything. If possible, photograph the scene: vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, your injuries. Get names and contact information from witnesses. Note weather conditions and time of day.

5. Don’t admit fault. Be careful what you say at the scene. A simple “I’m sorry” can be used against you later. Stick to the facts when talking to police.

6. Exchange information. Get the other driver’s name, insurance information, license plate number, and contact details. If a commercial vehicle was involved, note the company name and any identifying numbers on the truck.

7. Notify your insurance company. Report the accident to your insurer, but keep your statement brief and factual. Do not accept blame or speculate about what happened.

8. Don’t give recorded statements to the other party’s insurer. Adjusters may contact you quickly, asking for a recorded statement. Politely decline until you’ve spoken with an attorney. There are good reasons why you shouldn’t talk to an insurance adjuster without legal counsel.

9. Keep records. Save all medical bills, receipts, correspondence with insurers, and documentation of missed work. A detailed record makes it easier to prove your damages.

10. Contact a personal injury lawyer. An attorney can handle communications with insurance companies, investigate the accident, gather evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Personal Injury Statistics in Johnston and Iowa

Traffic safety remains a serious concern in Johnston and throughout Iowa. Here’s what the data shows:

According to the Iowa Department of Transportation, Iowa recorded 357 traffic fatalities in 2024. That follows 379 deaths in 2023, the highest annual toll since 2016. The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau reports that approximately 30% of Iowa traffic fatalities involve an impaired driver.

Distracted driving has become a major factor in crashes. Iowa implemented hands-free legislation in 2024, requiring drivers to keep phones out of their hands while operating vehicles. Law enforcement issued warnings through the end of that year before full enforcement began.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration tracks fatality data nationwide. Their 2024 early estimates show motor vehicle fatalities decreased slightly compared to 2023, but numbers remain elevated compared to pre-2020 levels. The estimated 358 deaths in Iowa represents a 12% increase since 2015.

Johnston sits along Interstate 35/80, one of the busiest highway corridors in the state. The stretch between Northwest 86th Street and Merle Hay Road has seen multiple crashes, including semi-truck rollovers and multi-vehicle pileups during construction periods. High traffic volumes combined with interchange complexity create conditions where accidents happen regularly. Winter driving conditions make this corridor particularly hazardous during colder months.

Motorcycle fatalities in Iowa have remained persistently high, with 64 deaths in both 2023 and 2024. Pedestrian deaths totaled 31 in 2024. Bicycle fatalities, while fewer in absolute numbers, disproportionately affect urban areas like the Des Moines metro where Johnston is located.

Johnston Personal Injury Lawyer FAQs

How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?

At Law Group of Iowa, we handle personal injury cases on contingency. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Our fee comes as a percentage of the settlement or verdict, never out of your pocket upfront. There are many misconceptions about hiring an attorney that keep people from getting the help they need.

How long will my personal injury case take?

Timelines vary. Some cases settle within months; others take a year or more, especially if litigation becomes necessary. Factors include the severity of your injuries, how long it takes to reach maximum medical improvement, and whether the insurance company negotiates in good faith.

What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage on your own policy may provide compensation. We can review your policy and explain your options. This situation is more common than you might think, and knowing what to do is essential.

Should I talk to the insurance company before hiring a lawyer?

Be cautious. Insurance adjusters work for their companies, not for you. It’s generally wise to consult an attorney before giving detailed statements or accepting any settlement offer.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Under Iowa’s modified comparative fault rule, you can still recover damages as long as you weren’t 51% or more responsible. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Can I handle my case without a lawyer?

You have that right, but insurance companies often take advantage of unrepresented claimants. Studies consistently show that injured parties who hire attorneys typically recover more, even after paying legal fees.

What damages can I recover?

You may be entitled to medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other losses. Each case is different; we evaluate all potential damages during your consultation.

How soon should I contact a lawyer after an accident?

As soon as possible. Evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories fade, and the two-year statute of limitations creates a firm deadline. Early involvement allows us to investigate thoroughly and build the strongest possible case.

Do most personal injury cases go to trial?

Most settle before trial. However, having attorneys willing and prepared to go to court strengthens your negotiating position. Insurers know which firms will litigate aggressively.

What should I bring to my initial consultation?

Bring any documents you have: police reports, medical records, insurance policies, photographs of the accident scene, correspondence with insurers, and receipts for expenses. The more information you provide, the better we can evaluate your case.

Will I have to go to court?

Not necessarily. Many cases settle through negotiation. If your case does go to trial, we’ll prepare you thoroughly and handle the courtroom work.

How is pain and suffering calculated?

There’s no single formula. Factors include the nature and severity of your injuries, the duration of your recovery, the impact on your daily life, and how convincingly the evidence tells your story.

What if the at-fault driver was working when the accident happened?

If the driver was acting within the scope of their employment, their employer may be liable under a legal doctrine called respondeat superior. This often applies in truck accident cases.

Can I sue if a government vehicle caused my accident?

Claims against government entities have special rules and shorter deadlines. Iowa law requires filing claims with the appropriate state department, and certain immunities may apply. Contact an attorney immediately if a government employee caused your injuries.

What happens if the at-fault driver was texting?

Distracted driving, including texting, constitutes negligence. If phone records or witness testimony shows the other driver was on their phone, that evidence strengthens your case significantly.

Most Dangerous Locations for Personal Injury in Johnston

Johnston’s location along I-35/80 puts residents at elevated risk for serious accidents. Several areas have seen recurring crashes:

Interstate 35/80 between Northwest 86th Street and Merle Hay Road. This stretch of highway experiences heavy traffic volumes and has been the site of multiple semi-truck crashes. Lane shifts during construction periods create additional hazards.

Merle Hay Road and NW Beaver Drive. This intersection has seen motorcycle crashes and vehicle collisions. The configuration and traffic patterns require particular caution.

NW 62nd Avenue and Johnston Drive. Residential areas with commercial development nearby create mixed traffic conditions (delivery trucks, commuters, pedestrians) that increase collision potential.

Pioneer Parkway corridor. As development continues along this route, traffic patterns shift and accidents occur at new intersections.

If you’ve been injured in a crash at any Johnston location, preserve evidence and contact an attorney who understands how to investigate local accidents.

What Are Important Local Resources for Personal Injury in Johnston?

The following organizations may be helpful during your recovery. This list is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement by Law Group of Iowa.

• Johnston Police Department – (515) 278-2345 – Accident reports
• Polk County Sheriff’s Office – (515) 286-3333 – County law enforcement
• Iowa State Patrol – (515) 725-6090 – State crash reports
• UnityPoint Health Iowa Methodist – (515) 241-6212 – Level I Trauma Center
• MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center – (515) 247-3121 – Level II Trauma Center
• Iowa Crash Analysis Tool – Public crash data research
• Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau – Traffic safety resources

Contact Law Group of Iowa

If you’ve been injured in Johnston due to someone else’s negligence, we want to hear from you. Our personal injury attorneys offer free consultations to evaluate your case and explain your options.

We work on contingency, meaning no fees unless we win. From your first call through resolution of your case, you’ll have direct access to attorneys who know Iowa law and will fight for fair compensation.

Take the next step. Contact our office to schedule your free consultation today.