Clinton Personal Injury Attorneys

Life can be unexpectedly disrupted by accidents and injuries. In these tough times, personal injury lawyers are essential. These experts advocate for those harmed due to negligence, ensuring they secure proper compensation. This article examines the important role personal injury lawyers play in navigating claims and helping individuals reclaim their lives.

When dealing with personal injury cases, insurance adjusters employ various tactics to deny, discredit, or delay claims. Understanding these tactics and knowing how to defend against them is crucial. Consulting with an Iowa personal injury lawyer can provide invaluable advice on handling these challenges.

Common Insurance Adjuster Tactics

Accessing Medical Records

Insurance adjusters often seek permission to access your medical records. While this may seem justified, it is a tactic to undermine your claim. By accessing your entire medical history, not just records related to the accident, the insurer can find pre-existing conditions or past treatments to minimize your claim.

Offering Quick, Low-Ball Settlements

Adjusters may offer a small settlement shortly after the accident, hoping you will accept it out of desperation. Signing a full release for this amount means you forfeit the right to seek additional compensation if your condition worsens.

Surveillance

Insurance companies might place you under surveillance to catch you performing daily tasks, such as taking out the garbage or mowing the lawn. This evidence can be used to argue that your injuries are not as severe as claimed, potentially initiating an insurance fraud case against you.

Discouraging Legal Counsel

Adjusters may try to dissuade you from hiring a lawyer by promising fairness in handling your claim. They know that involving an attorney reduces the effectiveness of their tactics.

Protecting Yourself from Shady Insurance Adjuster Tactics

Understand Your Rights

Educate yourself about your rights and the personal injury claims process.

Evaluate Your Insurance Policy

If your claim is denied or you are misinformed about coverage, carefully review your original insurance policy agreement. If you cannot locate the document, insist on having it provided in writing. If the adjuster refuses, contact an attorney.

Control Access to Medical Records

You have the right to refuse authorization for the release of your medical records. Only provide medical documents directly related to the accident.

Assume You Are Under Surveillance

It is best to assume you are being observed. Follow your doctor’s advice and do not attempt daily tasks without assistance.

Be Wary of Quick Settlements

Do not be tempted by quick settlements. Often, the initial offer will not cover the total costs of your injury. Have a reasonable compensation amount in mind before negotiating and consult a lawyer before signing any agreements.

Road Bike Safety Tips for New Cyclists

Bicycling is a popular activity in America, with over 46 million people riding each year for sport, fitness, fun, and commuting. While it's economical and environmentally friendly, it can be dangerous, especially for new cyclists. High-traffic areas and roads that aren't bike-friendly pose significant hazards.

Learn Local Bicycling Laws

Familiarize yourself with bicycling rules in your area, as each city and state may have distinct traffic laws for cyclists.

Practice in Safe Areas

Before venturing into traffic, practice in safe areas without cars. Learn how to safely maneuver your bike, including clipping in and out of your pedals and braking correctly.

Take a Safety Course

Consider taking a bicycle safety course. 

Ride with Traffic

Always ride in the same direction as traffic, not against it.

Stay to the Right

If no bike path is available, ride as far to the right as practicable. Do not ride on sidewalks.

Wear a Helmet

Always wear a helmet on every trip, without exception.

Stay Visible

Wear reflective clothing and use reflectors and lights at night. Rear lights are mandatory in Iowa, and wearing bright clothing during the day is also advisable.

Avoid Earbuds

Do not wear earbuds while riding. Staying alert to traffic sounds is crucial.

Pay Attention to Cars

Be aware of what cars around you are doing. Try to make eye contact with drivers when possible to avoid collisions.

Avoid Blind Spots

Do not ride in drivers’ blind spots.

Leave Room for Parked Cars

Keep a safe distance from parked cars to avoid being hit by suddenly opened doors.

Don't Speed

Ride at a reasonable speed and leave ample time to react to changes in traffic.

Check Your Bike

Ensure your bike is in good repair before hitting the road. Check tire pressure and brakes regularly.

Iowa Bicycle Laws: What Cyclists and Drivers Must Know

Knowing Iowa's bicycle laws is essential for both cyclists and drivers. These laws are designed to ensure safety and proper conduct on the road.

Key Bicycle Laws in Iowa

Passing on the Left

Bicyclists must pass cars on the left if passing is necessary. Move into the left lane, ensure it's safe, pass the vehicle, and then move back to the right lane.

Ride with Traffic

Always ride in the same direction as traffic. Riding against traffic increases the risk of head-on collisions.

Use Lights at Night

Iowa law requires bikes to have a front white light and a rear red light or reflector when riding after sunset or before sunrise. Lights must be visible from at least 300 feet.

Stop for School Buses

All modes of transportation, including bicycles, must stop for school buses displaying a stop sign or flashing lights. Failing to stop can result in a traffic citation.

Use Proper Hand Signals

Cyclists must use hand signals for turns and stops:
- Left turn: left arm extended horizontally
- Right turn: left arm bent at the elbow, hand facing upwards
- Slow down/stop: left arm bent at the elbow, hand facing downwards

Report Traffic Crashes

Cyclists must report all traffic crashes and exchange information with the other party involved.

Avoid Non-Bicycle Areas

Not all roads are open to cyclists. Interstates and some highways are off-limits for safety reasons. Many cities also prohibit cycling on sidewalks.

What to Do if You're in a Cycling Accident

Understanding and following Iowa’s bicycle laws is crucial for safety. However, if you are involved in an accident due to a motorist’s negligence, take action. At Walker, Billingsley & Bair, our attorneys can guide you through filing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. Contact us at (888) 435-9886 for a free consultation.

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.