Carroll Car Accident Injury Attorneys

Accidents and injuries can abruptly impact lives. In such challenging times, car accident injury lawyers become invaluable allies. They advocate for those harmed by others' negligence, ensuring fair compensation. This article discusses the crucial role these lawyers play, helping people navigate their claims and rebuild their lives.

Importance of Wearing Your Seat Belt

Although the majority of Iowa residents wear their seat belts, there is still a small percentage who do not. If you are among those who refuse to wear your seat belt, consider the following reasons why you should:

Protect Your Potential Injury Claim

Not wearing a seat belt can impact your injury claim. If you are involved in a car accident and are found partially at fault for your injuries due to not wearing a seat belt, your potential damages could be reduced. This concept is crucial in the realm of personal injury claims.

It’s the Law

Iowa law requires that anyone riding in the front seat of a vehicle made after 1966 must wear a seat belt. Violating this law can result in citations, fines, surcharges, and court costs. Additionally, this violation will be noted on your driving record.

Your Safety

In a car accident, not wearing a seat belt increases the risk of being thrown from your vehicle or suffering severe injuries by hitting the windshield. Buckling up can significantly reduce the risk of life-altering injuries or death.

People Care About You

Beyond legal and safety reasons, wearing a seat belt shows consideration for the people who care about you. It only takes a second to buckle up, but it can make a huge difference in ensuring your safety during an accident.

Recouping Costs of Back Fusion Surgery from an At-Fault Driver

Car accidents can result in severe injuries, including those requiring back fusion surgery. Here's what you need to know about common back injuries, the surgery process, and how to recoup your costs.

Common Car Accident Injuries Requiring Back Surgery

Bulging and herniated discs are frequent back injuries from car accidents. These injuries cause pain by putting pressure on the spinal nerves. When non-surgical treatments fail, back surgery may be necessary.

Spinal compression fractures are another injury type that might require surgery. These fractures can cause significant pain and sometimes a loss of spine height, necessitating surgical intervention.

Back Fusion Surgery Overview

Back fusion surgery involves removing damaged discs and fusing adjacent vertebrae using bone grafts, screws, or plates to stabilize the spine. Recovery can take several months, and patients often need to avoid strenuous activities and attend physical therapy.

Proving a Car Accident Necessitated Back Fusion Surgery

To win a car accident case, you must prove that the other driver was negligent and that this negligence caused your injuries. Evidence such as medical records, x-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans can demonstrate that your back injury resulted from the accident rather than a pre-existing condition.

Establishing Damages and Recovering Costs

Medical bills, lost wages, and other damages can be substantial following back fusion surgery. Health insurance may cover costs initially, but they may place a lien on any settlement to recoup their expenses. Consulting with an attorney can help you establish the full extent of your damages and recover appropriate compensation. 

Underage DUI Accidents in Iowa & Liability for Damages

Underage drinking and driving pose significant risks, and understanding the laws and liabilities associated with these actions is crucial.

Laws Affecting Underage Drinking and Driving in Iowa

In Iowa, the legal drinking age is 21. Underage individuals caught driving with a BAC of .02 or higher can face DUI charges. These stricter standards aim to curb underage drinking and driving.

Determining Liability for an Underage DUI Accident

When an underage driver causes an accident while intoxicated, liability can extend beyond the driver to those who provided the alcohol. For instance, a restaurant or liquor store that sold alcohol to an underage individual can be held liable under dram shop laws.

Scenarios of Additional Liability

- Restaurant Liability: A restaurant could be liable if an underage patron consumes alcohol there and subsequently causes an accident.
- Liquor Store Liability: A liquor store that sells alcohol to an underage person can be held responsible if that person causes an accident after drinking.

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.