Iowa is home to more than 114,780 miles of roadways and highways stretching across diverse geographies. In fact, the state’s roads and highways are even recognized through its official nickname, the “Hawkeye State.” Unfortunately, this means an increased risk of severe injury and death due to motor vehicle accidents.
If you have been involved in a car accident in Iowa, you can attest to the devastating impact it can have on one’s life. Therefore, it is crucial to know the state’s auto accident laws to help you safeguard your rights and pursue the rightful compensation you deserve.
At Legal Giant, our Iowa car accident attorneys have years of experience representing car accident victims. We are fully committed to pursuing your case and will work hard to ensure you get the rightful justice and compensation you deserve.
The truth is that car accidents are relatively common in Iowa. According to the Iowa Department of Transportation, car accidents in Iowa occur much more frequently than other types of auto accidents. In fact, over 53% of all fatal and severe injury crashes caused by motor vehicle collisions involve a passenger car or light truck.
There are between 30,000 and 50,000 car accidents in Iowa every year.
These accidents result in over 10,000 people being injured and close to 300 people losing their lives.
Generally, an average of 1,111 people are killed in car accidents every year in Iowa.
Most of the car accidents in Iowa happen in urban centers during the warm months of the year.
The fatality rate is highest among young people between the ages of 16 and 25
The leading cause of car accidents in Iowa is drunk driving and speeding.
If you are involved in a car accident in Iowa, resulting in property damage worth more than $1500 or bodily injuries, you must report it to the police within 72 hours.
Reporting the accident involves filing a comprehensive written report with the Iowa Department of Transportation on the official form and get a copy of it.
However, you are not required to file a written car accident report if the car accident was thoroughly investigated by a law enforcement agency or officer.
Suppose you are severely injured in a car accident in Iowa, and you file a personal injury lawsuit. After assessing the evidence presented before the court, the jury decides that the other motorist was responsible for the accident, but you also bear part of the blame.
What happens next? How does this verdict impact your right to full compensation under Iowa car accident laws?
Fortunately, Iowa follows a modified comparative negligence rule when establishing liability in car accident cases. It means that you can still recover damages even if you bear partial blame for the accident.
However, your compensation will be reduced by a percentage that corresponds to your share of responsibility for causing the injury. For instance, if you were found to be 30% at fault and are awarded $10,000 in damages, you will only receive $7000 since your award has been reduced by 30%.
There may be certain exceptions to this rule, and a knowledgeable car accident lawyer can advise you accordingly.
Here are the top 4 most dangerous roads in Iowa:
| Roadways |
| 1. U.S. 20 from Lawton to Moville |
| 2. I-80 from County Road F-48 to Newton |
| 3. U.S. 6 from East of Council Bluffs to US 59 |
| 4. Iowa 5 from Iowa 92 to the Monroe County line |
Here are the most dangerous cities to drive through in Iowa:
| Cities |
| 1. Cedar Rapids |
| 2. Des Moines |
| 3. Waterloo |
| 4. Keokuk |
| 5. Council Bluffs |
| 6. Burlington |
If you have been injured in an auto accident in Iowa, there are several types of damages that you may recover. They include economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.
Economic damages are intended to reimburse you for financial losses incurred by the accident. This can include hospital bills, lost wages, and property damage.
Non-economic damages are intended to compensate for intangible losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. These types of damages are often more challenging to quantify, but an experienced Iowa car accident lawyer can help you to understand your case better and determine the value of these damages.
Punitive damages may also be available in certain situations where the at-fault party is found guilty of gross negligence or intentional misconduct. These damages are typically only awarded when it can be proved that the defendant acted recklessly or deliberately with complete disregard for the safety of others.
How much you are entitled to recover after a car accident in Iowa depends on your case’s specific facts and circumstances. It is essential to seek legal counsel from an experienced lawyer who can help you understand your rights and ensure that you are fully compensated for your losses.
But as long as you don’t carry more than 50% of the fault in a car accident, the state has few restrictions on the amount of damages you can recover in a car accident claim.
Have you been involved in a car accident in Iowa? If so, you probably have questions. Here are some answer to frequently asked questions about car accidents in Iowa:
Drunk driving and distracted driving are the main causes of car accidents in the beautiful state of Iowa. Distracted driving can happen in three different ways. A driver’s hands may be taken off the steering wheel, a driver’s attention taken away from driving, or the driver’s eyes taken off the road.
Speeding is another leading cause of car accidents in Iowa. In fact, 31% of all serious injuries and fatal car crashes are attributed to speeding. Often, drivers choose to speed because they want to get somewhere faster or show off. Unfortunately, these actions often result in devastating crashes that could otherwise be avoided with better judgment and by obeying the posted speed limit.
Poor road conditions are also to blame for the number of car accidents in Iowa each year. It is the responsibility of the state and local government to properly maintain the roads, but this does not always happen. Poorly lit roads, potholes, lack of signage, and debris are examples of poor road conditions that can cause serious or fatal car crashes.
Another common cause of car accidents in Iowa is drowsy driving. At least 70,000 injuries and 1,500 deaths happen every year because of tired and fatigued drivers. Tired motorists can easily drift away from their lanes, fall asleep while driving, or experience delayed reflexes causing severe accidents.
Immediately after a car accident, your first priority should be seeking medical attention for yourself and any others who may have been injured.
Once you have done so, gather as much information as possible, such as the names and contact information of all parties involved, photos of the accident scene, damage to vehicles, witness statements, and police reports.
Once you have taken care of your immediate needs, it is recommended to seek legal representation to ensure that your rights are protected and you have the best chance at receiving fair compensation for damages.
Car accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to more serious injuries such as traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. Whiplash, broken bones, and soft tissue injuries are also common.
Even if you feel fine after a car accident, it is important to seek medical attention. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent and can worsen over time if left untreated. You will need a comprehensive medical evaluation to rule out any potential injuries.
The Iowa statute of limitations sets a strict deadline for auto crash victims to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you fail to file your case by the deadline, you will likely lose your right to compensation.
According to Iowa Code section 614, you have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. The two-year period starts running from the exact date of the accident.
If your loved one died as a result of the accident, you have two years from the date of the victim’s death to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
However, the deadline for filing a lawsuit for property damage is different. Under the state’s statute of limitations, you have five years from the day of the crash to file your property damage lawsuit.
Although the statute of limitations doesn’t apply to insurance settlements, if you fail to file a lawsuit before the deadline, the insurance company will have little incentive to settle your claim. They will comfortably deny your claim, knowing you have no recourse through the court system.
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If you have been injured in an auto accident in Iowa, missing a lawsuit filing deadline or settling your claim for less than its actual value can be devastating to you and your loved ones.
Working with an experienced Iowa car accident lawyer can help you learn more about the damages that may be available to you. Get started today by talking to an experienced Iowa car accident lawyer near you.
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