Marshalltown Personal Injury Attorneys

Accidents and injuries can unexpectedly disrupt lives. During these difficult times, personal injury lawyers are invaluable allies. They focus on advocating for those harmed by negligence, ensuring they secure the compensation they deserve. This article highlights the essential role personal injury lawyers play in navigating claims and aiding in recovery.

Pedestrian safety is a critical concern, as highlighted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which reports that over 4,000 pedestrians are killed and tens of thousands injured annually in traffic accidents across the United States. Understanding and complying with pedestrian laws is essential to reducing these incidents.

Iowa Pedestrian Laws

In Iowa, pedestrians must adhere to specific traffic laws to ensure their safety. Pedestrians have the right of way at intersections without traffic lights and on marked or unmarked crosswalks. However, caution is paramount, as pedestrians should not assume vehicles will stop even when laws require it.

Motorists must yield to pedestrians when entering or leaving driveways, parking lots, or alleys. Conversely, pedestrians must yield to vehicles, including cyclists, when crossing roads at points other than intersections without crosswalks, or where pedestrian tunnels or overhead crossings are available. Additionally, pedestrians should walk on the left side of the road facing traffic when there are no sidewalks, enhancing visibility and reaction time to avoid accidents.

Iowa law also prohibits pedestrians from soliciting rides while standing on roadways but allows them to stand in areas not used by vehicles for this purpose.

Legal Recourse for Injured Pedestrians

Despite following these laws, pedestrians can still be victims of accidents caused by negligent motorists. Injured pedestrians can seek compensation for physical and emotional trauma. They need to prove the motorist’s fault and the damages suffered, which may include medical bills, lost wages, and other related documentation.

Road Bike Safety Tips for New Cyclists

Cycling is a popular activity in the United States, with over 46 million people riding bikes each year for various reasons, including fitness and commuting. However, cycling can be dangerous, especially for new cyclists. To stay safe, cyclists should familiarize themselves with bike safety practices.

Safety Tips for Cyclists

- Learn Local Laws: Understand the bicycling rules in your area, as they can vary by city and state.
- Practice Safely: Before riding in traffic, practice maneuvering your bike in safe areas without cars.
- Take a Safety Course: Consider enrolling in a bicycle safety course.
- Ride with Traffic: Always ride in the direction of traffic and stay as far right as practicable.
- Avoid Sidewalks: Do not ride on sidewalks; it’s safer to be on the road.
- Wear a Helmet: Always wear a helmet, regardless of the trip’s length.
- Stay Visible: Use reflective clothing and lights, especially at night. In Iowa, rear lights are mandatory.
- Avoid Earbuds: Stay alert to traffic sounds by not wearing earbuds.
- Be Alert: Pay attention to what cars around you are doing and avoid blind spots.
- Maintain Safe Distance: Keep a safe distance from parked cars to avoid being hit by suddenly opened doors.
- Check Your Bike: Ensure your bike is in good repair before riding.

Iowa Dramshop Claims

Iowa’s Dramshop Law holds establishments that serve alcohol accountable for harm caused by intoxicated patrons. Two common scenarios involve patrons who cause car accidents after being over-served or who assault others while intoxicated.

Proving a Dramshop Claim

To succeed in a dramshop claim, it must be shown that:
- The establishment served alcohol to an intoxicated person when they knew or should have known the person was intoxicated.
- The establishment continued to serve alcohol to the point where it should have been clear the person would become intoxicated.

Licensed establishments are required to have dramshop liability insurance to cover damages to victims. The Iowa Supreme Court has clarified that plaintiffs do not need to prove the intoxicated person consumed the alcohol on the premises to hold the establishment liable.

Damages in Dramshop Cases

Victims can claim:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Damaged property
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death

Limitations and Exclusions

Only victims injured by the intoxicated person can sue; the intoxicated person themselves cannot. Additionally, the law does not apply to private individuals serving alcohol at private functions.

Understanding these laws and safety tips can significantly enhance the safety and legal protection of pedestrians, cyclists, and victims of dramshop-related incidents in Iowa.

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.