Grimes Personal Injury Attorneys

Sudden accidents and injuries can cause significant disruptions. In these challenging periods, personal injury lawyers are essential. They specialize in representing victims of negligence, ensuring they secure fair compensation. This article highlights the critical role personal injury lawyers play in navigating claims and helping individuals reclaim their lives.

Cycling is an excellent way to stay fit and reduce your carbon footprint, but it comes with its own set of legal and safety challenges. In Iowa, understanding the laws and knowing your rights is essential for all cyclists. This guide covers proving liability in right turn bicycle accidents, the requirements for dramshop claims, and Iowa's bicycle laws to help keep you safe and informed.

Proving Liability for a Car in a Right Turn Bicycle Accident

How Right Turn Bicycle Accidents Occur

Right turn bicycle accidents, commonly known as "right hook" accidents, typically occur when a cyclist is riding on the right shoulder or in a bike lane alongside a car. Here are the most common scenarios:

1. Intersection Turn: A car turning right at an intersection fails to see a cyclist approaching on the right.
2. Passing on the Right: A cyclist overtakes a slower-moving car on the right just as the car turns right.
3. Stopped at a Light: Both the cyclist and car are stopped at a light. When the light turns green, the car turns right, hitting the cyclist.

Liability for a Right Turn Bicycle Accident

To hold the driver liable for a right turn bicycle accident, you must present evidence of their negligence. Key pieces of evidence include:

- Police Reports: Detail the accident scene, witness statements, and any citations issued.
- Eyewitness Accounts: Provide firsthand observations of the bike and car before the collision.
- Traffic Cameras and Surveillance Footage: May capture the incident, providing visual evidence of the driver's actions.

A driver can be found negligent if they were:

- Speeding
- Failing to use a turn signal
- Abruptly changing lanes

Conversely, a cyclist might be found negligent if they were:

- Swerving between lanes
- Riding too close to vehicles
- Ignoring traffic control devices

Avoiding Right Turn Bicycle Accidents

To reduce the risk of right hook accidents:

- Keep a safe distance behind vehicles, especially near intersections.
- Avoid passing cars on the right unless necessary and ensure there is enough space to maneuver.
- Use mirrors to check for nearby vehicles.

What Has to Be Proven in an Iowa Dramshop Claim?

Iowa’s Dramshop Law holds bars and other establishments liable for damages caused by intoxicated patrons if they:

- Serve alcohol to an intoxicated person when they knew or should have known the person was intoxicated.
- Continue serving a person to the point where it was clear the person would become intoxicated if they did not stop.

Requirements for a Dramshop Claim

To prove a dramshop claim, the following must be established:

1. Intoxication: The person was served alcohol while already intoxicated, or they became intoxicated because they were served too much alcohol.
2. Causation: The intoxicated person caused harm, such as a car accident or assault.

Damages Recoverable in Dramshop Cases

Victims can seek compensation for:

- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Damaged property
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death

Iowa Bicycle Laws: Cars and Cyclists Must Abide!

Essential Bicycle Laws in Iowa

1. Pass on the Left: Cyclists must pass vehicles on the left, ensuring it is safe before doing so.
2. Ride with Traffic: Cyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic.
3. Use Lights at Night: Bicycles must have a white front light and a red rear light or reflector, both visible from at least 300 feet.
4. Stop for School Buses: Cyclists must stop for school buses with flashing lights or extended stop signs.
5. Use Hand Signals: Cyclists must use hand signals for turning and stopping:
   - Left turn: Left arm extended horizontally.
   - Right turn: Left arm bent upward or right arm extended horizontally.
   - Slow down/stop: Left arm bent downward.

6. Report Traffic Crashes: Cyclists must report all traffic accidents and exchange information with the other party involved.
7. Avoid Non-Bicycle Areas: Cyclists cannot ride on interstates or certain highways and must comply with local ordinances prohibiting sidewalk cycling.

Importance of Following Bicycle Laws

Adhering to these laws enhances safety for both cyclists and motorists. Knowing and following the rules can prevent accidents and legal complications.

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.