Belmond Car Accident Injury Attorneys

Lives can be instantly upended by accidents and injuries. In such difficult moments, car accident injury lawyers become crucial allies. They advocate for those injured by others' negligence, ensuring fair compensation. This article underscores the significant function these lawyers serve in assisting individuals with their claims and restoring normalcy.

The Severity of a Broken Back in a Car Accident

Car accidents are a significant cause of severe injuries, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reporting 2,362,000 people injured in such accidents in the United States in 2012 alone. Among these injuries, a broken back is one of the most serious and potentially life-altering outcomes.

A broken back refers to fractures in the vertebrae of the spinal column due to trauma. In car accidents, the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae are most commonly affected, though any area of the back can be injured. There are three primary fracture patterns:

- Flexion Fracture
- Extension Fracture
- Rotation Fracture

Within these patterns, specific types of fractures include compression fractures, fracture-dislocations, and axial burst fractures.

Dangers of a Broken Back
When vertebrae are fractured or dislocated, the spinal cord's protection is compromised. If the spinal cord is damaged, the consequences can be severe, leading to long-term neurological issues such as paralysis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that spinal cord injuries can affect various bodily systems, including the nerves, respiratory, urinary, and gastrointestinal systems, and can lead to psychological issues like depression and anxiety.

Even if the spinal cord is not damaged, fractured vertebrae require extensive medical treatment and recovery time, potentially altering one's lifestyle and causing conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Preventative Measures
The CDC states that car accidents are responsible for 46 percent of spinal cord injuries in the U.S. Wearing a seat belt can reduce the risk of such injuries by 60 percent, and when combined with airbags, the risk reduction increases to 80 percent. Ensuring the use of seat belts and functional airbags is crucial for safety.

The Impact of a DUI on Your Car Accident Claim

Iowa operates under an at-fault car insurance system, requiring drivers to carry proof of financial responsibility. If an accident is caused by a drunk driver, this intoxication can often establish negligence and fault, impacting your car accident claim.

Outcome of the DUI Criminal Case
The outcome of the drunk driver’s DUI criminal case can substantiate fault. A guilty verdict can be used to demonstrate negligence to the insurance company, aiding in your claim. Conversely, a not guilty verdict might complicate proving fault due to intoxication, requiring further evidence to establish the driver’s responsibility.

Comparative Fault Laws
Under Iowa’s comparative fault laws (Iowa Code 668.3), even if the drunk driver is found guilty, your compensation might be reduced if you were partially at fault. The law states that damages are reduced in proportion to your fault. Therefore, if the drunk driver was 95 percent at fault, your damages could decrease by five percent if you were five percent at fault.

The Role of Social Media in Car Accident Claims

In today’s digital age, social media can inadvertently impact your car accident claim. Here are key points to consider:

Avoid Discussing Your Accident
Refrain from talking about your accident on social media. Insurance adjusters may review your posts, and any admission of fault or discussion of accident details can be used against you.

Be Cautious with Photos and Videos
Posting pictures or videos can harm your injury claim. For instance, an Instagram post showing you engaging in physical activities can discredit your claim of a severe injury.

Limit Location Check-ins and Status Updates
Location check-ins and status updates can similarly be detrimental. An insurance adjuster may question the severity of your injuries if you appear to be active and mobile.

Adopt a Conservative Social Media Approach
The best practice is to avoid social media entirely during your claim process. If this is not possible, set your profile to private and avoid adding new connections who are not personally known to you.

Seeking Legal Assistance

Seeking legal counsel from experienced Iowa car accident attorneys such as those at Walker, Billingsley & Bair can provide invaluable support in filing insurance claims or pursuing personal injury lawsuits. With a comprehensive understanding of Iowa law, their team can help gather evidence, establish liability, and secure the compensation deserved by accident victims.

Suffering from the aftermath of a car accident shouldn't impede your pursuit of justice and fair compensation. The Iowa injury lawyers at Walker, Billingsley & Bair work hard to level the field between injured Iowans and insurance companies.

That's why we provide this FREE book; The Legal Insider's Guide to Iowa Car Accidents: 7 Secrets to Not Wreck Your Case. To learn more about what our legal team will do to help you protect your Iowa injury claim, contact Walker, Billingsley & Bair to schedule a no-cost consultation. Call 641-792-3595 to order your free accident book today.