Standing Up For Justice And The Underdog

Car Accident Attorney in Des Moines, IA

When you have been seriously injured in an Iowa motor vehicle accident caused by another person, you should talk with a car accident attorney about your options. Unfortunately, you can’t rely on insurance companies to put your best interests first. The offer you receive – if you receive one at all – may not fully address your loss.

Meanwhile, you and your family may be struggling under mounting medical debt, the pressure of lost wages, or the emotional chaos of having lost a loved one in a car wreck. At times like this, you want to make sure the personal injury lawyer you work with will be on your side every step of the way.

At Carter Law Offices, P.C., we are passionate about serving the needs of our clients. We put experience, resources and dedication behind every case we take.

Get started on your path to recovery and maximum compensation. Call our Des Moines office today at 515-644-4871 or fill out a contact form for your FREE intitial consultation.

Iowa Car Accident Statistics And Trends

Despite efforts nationwide to increase traffic safety, Iowa’s annual car accident fatality rate is rising rather than falling. Statistics published by the Iowa Department of Transportation show that annual car accident deaths increased for five of the previous six years (from 2018 and 2023). In 2023, car accidents were responsible for 377 deaths statewide.

Most Dangerous Intersections in Des Moines for Drivers

According to recent data from the Iowa DOT, several intersections in Des Moines stand out as particularly hazardous for drivers. When visiting the Merle Hay Mall, exercise extra caution at the intersection of Douglas Avenue and Merle Hay Road, where 23 collisions occurred in 2023, including one serious injury and seven hit-and-run incidents.

School zones are designated with lower speed limits for a reason, as evidenced by the 23 vehicle crashes at the intersection of East University Avenue and East 14th Street, near East High School, in 2023. This busy intersection sees an average of 27,000 daily users and experienced 11 hit-and-run crashes.

Other high-risk intersections in Des Moines include Maury Street and Southeast 14th Street, with 24 crashes and eight hit-and-runs; East Euclid Avenue and East 14th Street, with 26 crashes, including three hit-and-runs, and over 34,500 daily vehicles; and East Watrous Avenue and Southeast 14th Street, which saw a notable 28 vehicle collisions and two hit-and-runs in 2023.

Why You Need a Car Accident Lawyer

You have rights. You have legal options. You can put an experienced and dedicated personal injury lawyer on your side. Our personal injury lawyers take on a wide range of motor vehicle cases, including:

An automobile crash can leave a person and their entire family in turmoil. In the most serious of cases, there can be long-term care needs, major hospital bills and even final expenses for a loved one involved in a fatal crash.

We stand behind you and your family in and out of the courtroom. You don’t have to settle for less.

Types Of Car Collisions Handled By Our Experienced Attorneys

Every crash scenario is different, but there are types of accidents that occur frequently. Examples of common accident scenarios include:

  • Rear-end collisions: Often caused by tailgating or sudden braking, rear-end collisions occur when the front end of one vehicle collides with the rear end of another. Drivers should maintain a safe following distance to prevent rear-end collisions. Usually, the driver who hit the vehicle in front is typically at fault.
  • Head-on collisions: Head-on collisions are one of the most dangerous types of car accidents and happen when the front ends of two vehicles hit each other. These crashes can occur when a driver drifts into oncoming traffic or intentionally drives against traffic. The force of head-on collisions can result in significant injuries or fatalities due to the high speeds and direct impact involved.
  • T-bone crashes: Also known as side-impact collisions, T-bone accidents occur when the side of one vehicle is hit by the front or rear of another, forming a ‘T’ shape. These types of accidents typically happen at intersections, frequently due to one driver failing to yield or running a red light.
  • Multi-vehicle accidents: In accidents involving three or more vehicles, the fault may be shared among several drivers and such a scenario might include different types of collision. Multi-vehicle accidents can happen due to tailgating, poor weather or hazardous road conditions. Determining the initial cause can be challenging and will require careful investigation.
  • Rollover accidents: When a vehicle flips over onto its side or roof. These types of accidents can be caused by sharp turns at high speeds, collisions with other vehicles or objects or losing control on slippery roads.

Our personal injury lawyers have experience with all kinds of collisions. They can review the evidence from the accident, built a case against the at-fault driver(s) and maximize the value of your claim.

How Much Is My Car Accident Case Worth?

The value of a car accident case depends on various factors, including:

  • Severity of injuries: The type and extent of injuries sustained, such as broken bones, head trauma, or spinal cord injuries, can significantly impact the case’s value.
  • Medical expenses: The cost of medical treatment, including hospital bills, surgery, physical therapy, and ongoing care, will be considered when determining the case’s value.
  • Lost wages and income: If the accident has resulted in lost wages, reduced earning capacity, or permanent disability, these losses will be factored into the case’s value.
  • Property damage: The extent of damage to your vehicle and other property will also be considered.
  • Pain and suffering: The physical and emotional pain, as well as the impact on your quality of life, will be taken into account when determining the case’s value.
  • Liability and negligence: The degree of fault attributed to the other party, as well as any negligence or recklessness, can affect the case’s value.

At Carter Law Offices, P.C., our experienced attorneys will work with you to assess the unique circumstances of your case and determine a fair and reasonable value for your claim. We have advocated for injury victims in Iowa for over 25 years and have a deep understanding of the complexities involved in car accident cases.

To give you a better idea of what your case might be worth, we can discuss the following general guidelines:

  • Minor injuries: Cases involving minor injuries, such as whiplash or soft tissue damage, may be worth $5,000 to $20,000.
  • Moderate injuries: Cases involving moderate injuries, such as broken bones or concussions, may be worth $20,000 to $50,000.
  • Severe injuries: Cases involving severe injuries, such as spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries, may be worth $50,000 to $200,000 or more.

Keep in mind that these are general estimates, and the actual value of your case will depend on the specific circumstances and the skill of your attorney. Our team will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.

What to Do After a Car Accident

1) Immediately after a collision, assess your injuries and any injuries suffered by your passengers. If necessary, call an ambulance for emergency medical care. If not, you should still seek medical attention as soon as possible.

2) Another step you should take is reporting the accident. Iowa law requires drivers to report any accident that caused injuries, property damage totaling more than $1,500, or death. However, even if an accident does not seem to be serious, you may still want to call the authorities to make a report.

3) If your injuries allow you to do so, you should take time to document the scene. Collect the contact information, insurance information and car information of the other driver, as well as the contact details for any witnesses.

4) Finally, contact your insurance company to report your accident. Be careful not to discuss the details of the crash or any potential causes because this information could be used to deny or limit your insurance claim.

Factors Influencing Car Accident Claim Value In Iowa

The amount you receive from a car accident case will vary depending on your unique situation. The court may consider many different details about your case, including:

  • Property damage: If the collision damaged your personal property, the cost of repairing or replacing those assets might be an aspect of your claim’s value.
  • Costs related to medical care: Depending on the severity of your injuries, your medical care costs may include medication, surgery, physical therapy or even long-term care. A car accident claim will address both the cost of your past care and the estimated costs of future care.
  • Lost wages: If an accident keeps you from working while you recover or permanently changes your ability to pursue your career, a car accident claim may include damages to offset those lost wages and/or lost earning potential.
  • Pain and suffering: A car accident can lead to significant physical pain and emotional distress. While this pain may not have a direct monetary cost to people who experience it, a lawsuit can also provide compensation for these struggles.

Every person’s experience after a car accident is unique, and the value of your claim can vary depending on many different factors. One of the best ways to maximize the value of your claim is to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney who understands the law and the many ways an accident can impact your life.

Essential Documentation For Iowa Car Accident Claims

If you want to hold the at-fault parties accountable for the damages you suffered, you must be able to give a detailed narrative of how and why they caused it. You will need proof. Here is a brief overview of the kind of documentation and information that can help us build your case:

  • Photos of both cars, including detailed photos of damage to your car
  • Contact information of any witnesses
  • Photos of the accident scene and your observations (weather, time of day, traffic, etc.)
  • Photos of any visible injuries (cuts, abrasions, bruises)
  • Medical documentation

Be sure to tell the doctor you were in a vehicle accident and to follow up with all prescribed treatments and appointments.

Steps To Take In The Days Or Weeks Following A Car Accident

In the days after an accident, be sure to preserve documentation about your medical care, any damaged property and any time you have had to spend away from work due to your injuries. This documentation can create a full picture of the impact of the accident.

You should also discuss your collision with an experienced attorney. Not only can a lawyer help you understand your legal options, but their assistance also allows you to focus on recovery from your injuries. Whether preserving important evidence or negotiating with the insurance company, an attorney can be an essential ally for injured people.

Medical Care Costs After A Car Accident

A personal injury claim can take many months to resolve. Medical debts start piling up quickly. If you have health insurance, it may cover your hospital bills and medical treatment in the aftermath of an accident but only up to a certain limit. A personal injury settlement typically includes damages for past and future medical expenses. However, your health insurance provider may later try to recoup their losses through subrogation (a lien against your injury settlement).

It’s also possible that your own auto insurance policy will pay your initial medical bills, but only if you purchased additional insurance such as Med-Pay or Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Med-Pay and PIP coverage are optional in Iowa.

Make Sure You Are Treated Fairly

Instead of giving an injured person a fair settlement, many insurance companies choose their bottom lines over their obligations to pay fair compensation. These insurance providers take such actions because they do not expect policyholders to fight back.

At Carter Law Offices, P.C., many of our clients have been mistreated or flat-out denied compensation by insurance companies. Our trial-tested attorneys bring decades of combined experience to their fight for full compensation. Whether negotiating with powerful insurance companies or taking cases to trial, we are dedicated to helping our clients even the odds.

Understanding Iowa’s ‘At-Fault’ Car Accident Laws

In a no-fault state a person’s injuries and property damage are covered by their own auto insurance policy, no matter who caused the accident. In an at-fault state (such as Iowa), you must establish that the other driver caused or contributed to the accident to bring a claim for compensation against their insurance policy. That makes it all the more important to have a skilled car accident lawyer who can prove liability if the claim is contested.

Iowa’s Comparative Fault Rules For Car Accident Claims

Comparative fault allows you to be compensated even if you were partly to blame for an accident. Iowa follows the principle of modified comparative fault (also known as modified comparative negligence), meaning that you can bring a claim as long you are not more at fault than the other driver. Your compensation is proportional to your degree of fault. For example, if you were found to be 20% at fault, your recovery would be reduced by 20%.

Handling Underinsured And Uninsured Motorist Claims In Iowa

Iowa law requires every driver to carry liability insurance in the event they cause an injury or property damage accident. The minimum insurance coverage in Iowa is 20/40/15 – $20,000 per person for bodily injuries, up to a maximum of $40,000 for all persons injured in one accident, plus $15,000 in property damage.

Many drivers carry only the mandatory minimum coverage, which may not fully cover a bad crash with severe injuries or multiple victims. If your losses exceed the other driver’s policy limits – or if the other party was driving illegally without any insurance – you may be able to bring an uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist claim to cover the difference. However, this only applies if you purchased UM / UIM coverage on your own auto policy.

Contact Us For Affordable Car Accident Legal Representation

Carter Law Offices, P.C., offers free initial consultations and provides contingency fee representation for personal injury claims. You owe us nothing unless we recover for you. Rely on our dedicated professionals for effective, experienced and personalized legal solutions. Call our Des Moines office at 515-644-4871 to schedule an appointment or send us a message online.