Dubuque Car Accident Injury Attorneys

Accidents and injuries can unexpectedly alter lives. In these challenging times, car accident injury lawyers are essential allies. They advocate for individuals harmed by the negligence of others, ensuring fair compensation. This article discusses the critical role these lawyers play, guiding people through the complexities of their claims and helping them recover.

Neck injuries are among the most common outcomes of car accidents, often necessitating complex medical interventions like cervical fusion surgery. While whiplash is widely recognized as a frequent neck injury from car accidents, damage to the vertebrae can also occur, sometimes requiring surgical solutions. In Iowa, an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you recover the costs associated with such procedures through insurance claims or lawsuits.

Understanding Cervical Fusion Surgery

Cervical fusion is a surgical procedure designed to stabilize the neck by joining bones in the cervical spine. This can be achieved using bone grafts from other parts of the body (such as the hip), artificial bone grafts, or metal plates. Sometimes, a damaged disc is removed, and the adjacent vertebrae are fused. In severe cases, an entire vertebra might need removal and subsequent fusion.

Indications for Cervical Fusion

Cervical fusion is often recommended to prevent further spinal cord damage after neck injuries from car accidents. Misalignment of vertebrae may necessitate the procedure to straighten the spine. It is also a treatment option for herniated discs, fractures, and other spinal injuries. If these injuries result from another's negligence, an Iowa personal injury lawyer can assist in recovering treatment costs.

Post-Surgery Expectations

Post-surgery, patients might need aids like a cane for mobility issues. Normal diets can typically resume a few days after bowel function returns. If bone was harvested from another body part, soreness in that area might persist for a few weeks. A neck brace, such as a collar or halo brace, is usually required for several weeks. Physical therapy is crucial for recovery and these costs can also be claimed with the help of a personal injury lawyer.

Driving is prohibited while wearing a neck brace, and returning to work or strenuous activities should only be done upon a doctor's approval. Short walks are encouraged, but excessive exercise should be avoided.

Prognosis After Cervical Fusion

The surgery usually takes about three hours and is performed as an inpatient procedure, requiring a hospital stay of a couple of days. While cervical fusion can relieve pain and other symptoms associated with neck injuries from car accidents, it is not always a permanent fix. Potential complications may necessitate additional treatments, which should be factored into any injury claim to account for future expenses and losses.

Risks and Complications

Cervical fusion surgery carries risks such as:

- Blood clots
- Neck stiffness
- Pain at the donor site
- Spinal cord or nerve injury
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Bone graft rejection
- Surgical site issues like implant failure

Anesthesia during surgery can cause side effects like aspiration, coughing, gagging, increased heart rate, and elevated blood pressure.

Preserving Your Vehicle as Evidence

If your vehicle is towed from the accident scene, preserving it as evidence is essential. Follow these steps:

1. Find the Tow Location: Immediately determine where your car is being towed. Ask your lawyer to send a preservation letter to the tow yard to ensure the vehicle remains untouched. Your attorney might also file a motion in court to preserve the car.

2. Move to Private Storage: Tow yards charge high daily fees and may quickly dispose of vehicles. Moving your car to a private storage unit can prevent this and protect against vandalism or tampering.

3. Take Pictures: Keep a disposable camera in your glove compartment. If involved in a wreck, photograph your damaged car and the accident scene. These photos can serve as evidence if the vehicle is tampered with or evidence is lost.

Determining and Proving Fault in a Truck Accident

Truck accidents are complex due to the severe damage they cause and the federal regulations governing truck operations. Establishing fault in such accidents requires understanding various factors:

Complexities of Truck Accident Cases

1. Extensive Damages: Truck accidents often result in severe injuries and high damages, leading to significant claims. The truck company’s insurer will likely attempt to minimize their payout, requiring careful documentation of all expenses and future medical needs.

2. Federal Regulations: Truck carriers and drivers must follow specific rules set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Violations can help prove fault but require expertise in these regulations.

3. Disputes: Truck companies and their insurers have legal teams to dispute claims and reduce settlements. Victims need experienced attorneys to navigate these challenges and secure fair compensation.

Liability in Truck Accidents

Establishing liability involves identifying all responsible parties, which may include:

- The truck driver
- Co-driver or their employer
- Repair or maintenance crews
- Truck or parts manufacturers
- Cargo loading companies
- Inspectors
- The trucking company itself

Vicarious liability often applies, meaning companies can be held liable for their employees' actions while on duty. This includes independent contractors classified as statutory employees under FMCSA regulations.

Preserving Evidence in Truck Accidents

Key evidence in truck accident cases includes:

- Driver logbooks: Detailing hours and miles driven, kept for six months.
- Maintenance records: Documenting inspections and repairs, kept for varying durations.
- Driver history: Including safety performance, medical exams, and prior employment records, kept for three years post-employment.

Collecting Evidence

To support a truck accident claim, gather:

- Medical records and evidence of lost wages.
- Accident scene photos and videos.
- Eyewitness contact information.
- The truck’s electronic control module (ECM) data, showing speed, brake application, and more.
- Expert testimony, such as from accident reconstructionists.

Steps to Take After a Truck Accident

Post-accident, prioritize medical care and then report the accident to your insurer. Avoid giving recorded statements until consulting with a lawyer to protect your interests. Start collecting evidence, including medical bills and an injury journal, and contact a reputable personal injury firm to guide you through the legal 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.