What Is the Number One Cause of Accidents in Iowa?

Answering a quick text message while driving may seem innocent, but it can easily cause an accident that can lead to life-changing injuries and, unfortunately, death. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in Iowa and throughout the United States. If you have sustained injuries or property damage due to a distracted driver, it may be time to seek the counsel of an Iowa car accident lawyer.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Iowa?

While distracted driving is likely the most common cause of accidents in Iowa, there are many other common situations that can lead to accidents, resulting in personal injuries and property damage. By familiarizing yourself with the leading causes of car accidents, you can help prevent them in the future.

• Distracted Driving – Distracted driving of any kind is one of the leading causes of accidents. Any activity that takes the driver’s attention from the road can be considered distracted driving and lead to an accident. Texting or using a phone in other ways are common causes of distracted driving.
• Fatigued Driving – It is dangerous to drive when extremely tired. If a driver is feeling tired to the point that it affects their awareness on the road, they should pull over and rest or ask another passenger to take over driving.
• Speeding – Driving over the speed limit can result in recklessness and loss of control. Speeding lessens a driver’s response time to react to something unexpected on the road, which can lead to an accident. Maintaining designated speed limits can be the difference between life and death.
• Drunk Driving – Drunk drivers are an enormous threat on the road. Alcohol hinders a person’s mental capabilities, leaving them dangerous behind the wheel of a vehicle.
• Aggressive Driving – Drivers expressing strong emotions from behind the wheel are a danger to the public. Whether that aggression manifests as tailgating, unsafe lane changes, giving gestures to other drivers, or more, it can result in an accident.

Personal Injury Timeline

In the unfortunate case that you experience an accident resulting in a personal injury, it’s vital to seek the proper support needed to seek compensation for your medical bills, damaged property, and pain and suffering. While the steps of your claim will depend on your circumstances, below is a timeline with steps you may take to obtain compensation after a car accident caused by another party’s negligence.

1. Seek medical treatment. Your health is of utmost importance. Prioritize your physical health first and foremost. Even if there is no obvious physical damage from an accident, it is helpful to receive a professional physical examination, as injuries such as concussions can go undiagnosed.
2. File a police report. It is important for the legitimacy of your case to file a police report and keep detailed documentation of the incident. This step will assist you later on if you choose to pursue a claim.
3. File a report to an insurance company. Maintaining clear and consistent communication with the insurance company will serve as evidence in a personal injury claim.
4. Seek legal counsel. A qualified personal injury attorney has the skills needed to provide you with personalized legal support. With the backing of legal representation, you can have peace of mind that your case will be met with the utmost care and professionalism.
5. File a claim if viable. After meeting with a personal injury attorney, filing a claim with the court is the first step in receiving compensation for the injuries and damage sustained from the accident.
6. Pursue settlement. An attorney can assist in communications between you and the insurance company in agreeing upon a settlement amount.
7. Attend trial if a settlement is not agreed upon. If an agreement is not met between you and the insurance company, the next step is to go to trial and seek the direction of a judge.

After a car accident that results in personal injury, pursuing compensation is within your rights. Seeking the support of a skilled and experienced attorney can simplify the direction of your claim, giving you the greatest chance of a favorable outcome.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Most Common Cause of Car Accidents?

A: Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents. Distracted driving qualifies as anything that draws the driver’s attention away from their focus on driving. These distractions can include taking a phone call, texting, navigating music selection, and speaking to other passengers in the car.

Q: What Is the Average Settlement for an Accident in Iowa?

A: The average settlement for an accident in Iowa can vary greatly based on several determining factors. These factors include the severity of injuries, amount of insurance coverage, property damage, and circumstances surrounding the accident. To calculate a car accident settlement, medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more will be considered.

Q: What Is the Statute of Limitations on Bodily Injury in Iowa?

A: Iowa’s statute of limitations generally allows two years from the original date of the incident that caused the injury. If the injured party is seeking civil remedies through Iowa’s court system, it is vital to start this process soon after the incident. Courts are, at times, backed up with cases, so being able to provide a long timeline will help your case.

Q: How Long Does an Insurance Company Have to Settle a Claim in Iowa?

A: In Iowa, there is not a legally required timeline for an insurance company to settle a claim once liability is determined. However, it is expected that insurance companies promptly investigate and settle claims.
Maintaining clear and consistent communication with the insurance company is advisable. If the timeline is seemingly drawn out, seeking legal advice can help to provide insight into the timeline and potentially put pressure on the insurance company to pay you sooner.

Contact McGuire Law, PLC, Today

It’s daunting to navigate the devastating effects of a car accident you didn’t cause. Pursuing a civil claim, in addition to recovering mentally and physically, can be overwhelming. At McGuire Law, PLC, our attorney understands what you may be experiencing and has over 40 years of experience to aid in your claim.

Contact our offices today and allow our attorney to support you in seeking a favorable outcome for your personal injury claim.