Manchester Personal Injury Attorneys

Accidents and injuries can suddenly disrupt lives. During these difficult times, personal injury lawyers are crucial. These experts specialize in representing those harmed by others' negligence, ensuring they receive rightful compensation. This article highlights the important role personal injury lawyers play in navigating claims and helping people reclaim their lives.

How Much Space Must Drivers Give Cyclists Under Iowa Law?

While Iowa law does not specify an exact distance drivers must maintain when passing cyclists, it mandates that vehicles must pass at a “safe distance.” This term, although somewhat vague, can often be interpreted as a minimum of three feet, which aligns with the standard in many other states. Ensuring a safe distance helps to prevent accidents and maintain a harmonious relationship between drivers and cyclists on the road.

When Drivers Fail to Follow the Safe Distance Law

Drivers who fail to pass or ride next to a cyclist at a safe distance violate the law and endanger cyclists. Such infractions can lead to severe consequences including:

- Cyclists being struck by a vehicle
- Forcing cyclists into traffic
- Running cyclists off the road

Liability for Accidents Caused by an Unsafe Distance

When a driver fails to maintain a safe distance and causes an accident, they can be held liable for the resulting damages. To establish that a driver was driving unsafely close and caused the accident, the following types of evidence are critical:

- Witness testimony
- Video footage
- Police reports
- Testimony from involved parties
- Physical evidence

This evidence is essential when filing an accident claim for a bike crash. If the driver’s fault can be proven, the cyclist may recover damages for monetary losses and possibly noneconomic damages.

Proving Liability for a Car in a Right Turn Bicycle Accident

A "right hook" accident occurs when a car turning right strikes a cyclist. These accidents often happen when a cyclist is on the right shoulder or in the bike lane alongside a car. Typically, the driver is at fault, but proving liability requires substantial evidence of negligence.

How Right Turn Bicycle Accidents Occur

Right turn bicycle accidents commonly occur in the following scenarios:

1. At intersections: A car turns right, failing to see the cyclist until it’s too late.
2. Overtaking: A cyclist overtakes a slower car on the right, putting themselves in danger when the car turns right.
3. At traffic lights: A car turns right when the light changes, cutting off or hitting the cyclist.

Proving Driver Negligence

To establish driver liability, evidence such as police reports, eyewitness accounts, and possibly video footage is crucial. Drivers can be proven negligent if they:

- Were speeding
- Failed to use a turn signal
- Abruptly changed lanes

Conversely, if witnesses report that the cyclist was negligent, this can be used as a defense. Examples of cyclist negligence include:

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

Traffic and surveillance cameras can provide additional evidence of the incident.

Avoiding Right Turn Bicycle Accidents

Cyclists should maintain a safe distance from vehicles, anticipate turns or lane changes, and avoid passing cars on the right unless necessary. Checking mirrors and ensuring a clear path can help prevent accidents.

Should I Hire an Attorney for a Bicycle Accident?

Hiring an attorney after a bicycle accident in Iowa is crucial to ensure full compensation and to prove that you were not at fault. Here are three reasons to consult an attorney:

Iowa’s Comparative Negligence Laws

Iowa’s comparative negligence law can reduce your damages based on your percentage of fault. For example, if you were found 10 percent at fault, your compensation would be reduced by 10 percent. Defendants and insurance companies often focus on any mistakes you made to minimize their payout.

Negotiating a Settlement Amount

An attorney can help demonstrate that your injuries were due to the other party's fault and guide you through settlement negotiations. Insurance companies may try to underpay you, so having a legal advocate ensures you get the compensation you deserve.

Filing a Lawsuit

Severe injuries or unsuccessful settlements may necessitate filing a lawsuit. This requires:

- Knowledge of state and federal law
- Adherence to the statute of limitations
- Time and perseverance

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.