Le Mars Car Accident Injury Attorneys

Lives can be unexpectedly derailed by accidents and injuries. In these challenging moments, car accident injury lawyers are essential allies. They represent individuals harmed by others' negligence, ensuring they receive fair compensation. This article highlights the critical role these lawyers play, guiding people through their claims and helping them rebuild.

Preserving evidence is crucial when pursuing an Iowa car accident claim to recover financial and other damages caused by the accident. Acting quickly and working with an experienced Iowa injury attorney can prevent evidence from being destroyed, tampered with, or lost.

Preserving Evidence in an Iowa Car Accident Claim

If a victim requires medical attention at the crash scene or is transported to an emergency department, there may be little the person can do to preserve evidence right then and there. In such cases, victims may return to the scene of the accident. There could be witnesses who live or work near where the accident took place who may be able to provide statements. There might be physical evidence, such as skid marks, that could be helpful in piecing together what happened.

Victims may ask a trusted family member or friend at the scene to begin collecting evidence immediately after the crash or to return to the scene—perhaps with help from an Iowa injury attorney—to collect or evaluate evidence. Acting quickly increases the chances of preserving valuable evidence.

Types of Evidence to Preserve After an Iowa Car Accident

1. Vehicles: The vehicles involved should be located and, if possible, photographed at the scene. Take several different shots, including close-ups of damaged areas and wider views.
   
2. Physical Evidence: Skid marks, debris, broken pieces from vehicles, glass, and tire marks are all critical. Reconstruction experts can help preserve these elements before they are affected by weather or other factors.
   
3. Witness Statements: Obtain statements from witnesses who were at the scene or nearby.
   
4. Documentation and Records: Keep any documentation, records, receipts, or physical objects related to the accident. These could become key evidence in the claim.

Role of an Iowa Injury Attorney in Preserving Evidence

An attorney can facilitate the process of preserving evidence. They are familiar with the types of proof required and can engage experts to assist with evidence collection or reconstruction of the accident scene. An attorney at Walker, Billingsley & Bair can help accident victims file an accident claim and gather necessary evidence to demonstrate the cause of the accident and liability of the other party.

Special Considerations for Passengers in Car Accidents

Passengers often suffer injuries in car accidents and may not always know their rights or the compensation they deserve. Several scenarios affect how passengers can recover compensation:

1. Fault of the Driver: If the driver of the vehicle the passenger was in is at fault, passengers can file a claim against the driver's insurance. Iowa law requires that insurance companies offer Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM) to cover situations where the at-fault driver's insurance is insufficient.
   
2. Fault of Another Driver: If another driver is at fault, passengers can claim against that driver's insurance. If coverage is insufficient, UIM coverage from the passenger’s own policy or the policy of a household member may apply.
   
3. Both Drivers at Fault: Passengers may have claims under both drivers’ liability policies. If injuries exceed all at-fault drivers’ available coverages, UIM coverage from the passenger's or a household member’s policy can provide additional compensation.

Pitfalls and Precautions in UIM Claims

Several pitfalls can arise when dealing with serious injuries and UIM insurance coverage. Settling with the at-fault driver's insurance without following proper procedures can jeopardize additional compensation. It's crucial to document who is paying medical bills and to ensure agreements are in writing to avoid complications.

Serious Injuries: Focus on Broken Backs

Car accidents often lead to severe injuries like broken backs. In 2012, 2,362,000 people were injured in car accidents in the United States, with many sustaining serious injuries such as fractured vertebrae.

Types of Back Fractures

- Flexion Fractures
- Extension Fractures
- Rotation Fractures
  
Each fracture type includes different specific injuries like compression fractures and axial burst fractures.

Consequences of a Broken Back

Disturbing the vertebrae can lead to severe consequences, especially if the spinal cord is damaged. This can result in paralysis, neurological issues, and long-term health problems affecting various body systems. Even without spinal cord damage, fractured vertebrae may require extensive medical care and can lead to PTSD.

Protecting Yourself While Driving

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that car accidents account for 46% of spinal cord injuries in the U.S. Wearing a seatbelt and ensuring airbags are functional can significantly reduce the risk of severe injury.

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.