Leon Personal Injury Attorneys

Accidents and injuries can swiftly change lives. In such challenging periods, personal injury lawyers are invaluable allies. They advocate for individuals affected by others' negligence, ensuring they receive rightful compensation. This article highlights the crucial role personal injury lawyers play in navigating claims and helping people reclaim their lives.

How to Prevent Alcohol-Related Bike Accidents and Navigate Legal Issues

Operating a bicycle under the influence of alcohol can be just as dangerous and legally consequential as drunk driving. Alcohol impairs cognitive and motor skills, slowing reaction times and increasing the risk of accidents. Despite these dangers, many individuals continue to bike or drive while intoxicated. In Iowa, 3.2 percent of residents admit to driving after drinking too much, significantly higher than the national average of 1.9 percent, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Dangers of Alcohol-Related Bike Accidents

Statistical Snapshot

Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration highlight the deadly consequences of mixing alcohol with biking or driving:
- In 34 percent of fatal bicycle accidents, either the cyclist or the driver was under the influence of alcohol.
- In 2013, 20 percent of bicyclists who died in traffic accidents had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 g/dL, the legal limit, and nearly 25 percent had a BAC of 0.01 g/dL.

Legal Implications

Biking while intoxicated not only endangers lives but also has serious legal repercussions. If you cause an accident while your BAC exceeds legal limits, you could face criminal charges, including jail time, fines, and loss of driving privileges. Additionally, in Iowa, which follows at-fault car insurance laws, you would be held responsible for the damages in an accident, subject to civil lawsuits.

Helmet Use and Its Impact on Bicycle Accident Claims

Iowa Helmet Laws

Iowa is one of 13 states without a bicycle helmet law, meaning there is no legal requirement for riders of any age to wear helmets. While this might suggest that not wearing a helmet won't affect your claim, the reality can be more complex.

Comparative Negligence Laws

Despite the absence of a helmet law, defendants in a bicycle accident claim may argue that not wearing a helmet constitutes negligence. Negligence in this context refers to irresponsible and unreasonable behavior. If your injuries include head trauma, the defense might claim that failing to wear a helmet was unreasonable and unsafe.

Under Iowa's comparative negligence laws, a victim can recover damages even if partially at fault, as long as they are less than 50 percent responsible. However, the compensation amount will be reduced by the victim's percentage of fault.

Proving Negligence

To hold the other party fully liable, you must demonstrate that their negligent actions caused your injuries, regardless of helmet use. Legal assistance is essential in navigating these complexities and proving the other party's fault.

Rules of the Road: Protecting Pedestrians

Every year, about 70,000 pedestrians are injured in motor vehicle accidents in the U.S., despite clear laws designed to protect them. Many accidents occur due to drivers' ignorance of these rules.

Iowa Pedestrian Laws

The Iowa Department of Transportation outlines specific rules for motorists when pedestrians are present. Motorists must yield the right of way to pedestrians when entering or leaving:
- Driveways
- Parking lots
- Alleys

Drivers must also yield at intersections, whether pedestrians are using marked or unmarked crosswalks without traffic signals. Additional precautions are necessary in residential areas, near schools, shopping centers, parking lots, and congested areas.

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.