Altoona Car Accident Injury Attorneys

Accidents and injuries can suddenly derail lives. In these tough times, car accident injury lawyers are invaluable allies. They advocate for individuals harmed by others' negligence, ensuring they receive fair compensation. This article discusses the important role these lawyers play, guiding people through the complexities of their claims and helping them rebuild.

Few experiences are as terrifying as receiving a call that your loved one has been involved in an accident. The initial fear of not knowing if they are okay can be overwhelming, and if the injured person is your spouse and the primary breadwinner, the stress and anxiety can be even more intense. You might find yourself grappling with questions like:

- How will we pay the medical bills?
- What will happen to her job?
- How will we manage daily expenses?
- Who will help with the children?
- How will I care for her after she leaves the hospital?

Steps to Take Immediately After the Accident

1. Ensure Immediate Medical Attention

The most crucial step is to get your wife the medical treatment she needs. Follow all doctor’s orders meticulously to aid her recovery and to document the extent of her injuries for insurance and legal purposes.

2. Understand Insurance Coverage

Investigate the at-fault party’s insurance coverage to determine if it is sufficient to cover the medical bills. Additionally, check your own insurance policy for uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, which can help if the at-fault party’s insurance is inadequate.

3. Utilize Medical Payments Coverage

Your insurance policy may include medical payments coverage, which can assist with out-of-pocket expenses such as co-pays, prescriptions, and medical supplies.

4. Document Lost Wages

Request a written statement from your wife’s doctor detailing the amount of time she will be unable to work. This documentation is crucial when calculating and proving lost wages.

5. Avoid Signing Documents

Do not sign any documents, especially those from the at-fault party’s insurance company, without consulting with an attorney first. These documents may contain clauses that can limit your ability to recover full compensation.

Insurance Fraud Investigators

When you file a personal injury claim, be aware that insurance companies often employ fraud investigators to ensure claims are legitimate. These investigators may use various methods to monitor the claimant’s activities:

- Monitoring Social Media: Be cautious of what is posted online as comments or photos can be misconstrued.
- Surveillance: Investigators may follow the claimant’s daily activities.
- Collecting Footage: Surveillance footage from the accident scene might be used.
- Gathering Statements: Investigators may obtain statements from friends, employers, and coworkers.

If you suspect that your activities are being monitored or that the insurance company is trying to discredit your claim, it is wise to consult an attorney to safeguard your rights and ensure you receive a fair settlement.

Avoiding Common Mistakes in Personal Injury Claims

To protect your personal injury claim, familiarize yourself with the claims process and follow these tips:

- Be Mindful of Social Media: Avoid posting updates about your condition that could be taken out of context.
- Follow Medical Advice: Adhere to all medical recommendations and document your recovery process.
- Consult an Attorney: Seek legal advice to navigate the complexities of personal injury claims and avoid pitfalls.

Understanding Fault in Car Accidents

Determining Fault in Left Turn Accidents

Left turn car accidents are often severe and determining fault can be complex. Here are some factors to consider:

Traffic Controls

- Green Arrow: If you were turning with a green arrow, the other driver is likely at fault.
- Blinking Yellow or Red Light: If you were turning on a blinking yellow or red light, you might be found at fault.

Mid-Intersection Turns

- If you were in the middle of the intersection when the light changed and the other driver went through a red light, both drivers might share fault.

Stop Sign Scenarios

- No Traffic: If you thought no traffic was coming but misjudged, you might be at fault.
- Look Twice: Always double-check for oncoming traffic before making a turn.

Failing to Yield

When making a left-hand turn, you must yield to oncoming traffic. If you pull out in front of a vehicle and get struck, you are likely at fault unless the other vehicle was speeding. Under Iowa law, drivers can assume others are following traffic laws, so if the other driver was speeding excessively, they might share fault.

Comparative Fault

Iowa follows a comparative fault system where each party's fault is compared. If you are less than 50% at fault, you can recover damages, but your recovery will be reduced by your fault percentage. For example, if you are 30% at fault and awarded $100,000, you will receive $70,000.

Why Hire an Attorney?

Navigating the aftermath of a serious accident can be overwhelming. An attorney can help by:
- Determining Fault: Investigate the accident to establish liability.
- Handling Claims: File your claim and negotiate with insurance companies.
- Filing Lawsuits: If necessary, file a lawsuit for additional compensation.
- Providing Support: Offer legal guidance and support throughout the process.

We Are Here To Help

Remember, you are not alone in recovering from your injuries. We have helped thousands of Iowans through their physical, emotional, and financial recoveries. If you have questions about what you are going through, feel free to call our office for your confidential injury conference. We will take the time to listen to you and give you our advice concerning your injury matter at no cost or risk to you.

Free Book at No Cost 

If you are not ready to speak with an attorney yet but would like to learn more about Iowa injury cases including tips about how you can avoid making common costly mistakes request a copy of our Iowa Personal Injury book which includes 14 myths about Iowa injury cases and 5 things to know before hiring an attorney.

If you have specific questions about your injury matter feel free to call our office to speak with our Injury team at 641-792-3595 or use our Chat feature by clicking here 24 hours a day/7 days per week. Your information will remain confidential and there is no cost or obligation.