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When accidents and injuries disrupt lives, personal injury lawyers are indispensable allies. They specialize in representing those affected by negligence, ensuring they get the compensation they deserve. This article explores the significant role personal injury lawyers play in helping individuals navigate their claims and rebuild their lives.
Do You Have to Accept the Insurance Companies Settlement?
In Iowa, you are not obligated to accept an insurance company’s settlement offer. However, before making a decision, consider several critical factors:
1. Severity of Injuries: If your injuries are minor, settling the case on your own might be more beneficial to avoid attorney fees.
2. Subrogation: If your medical bills were covered by health insurance or another insurer, you need to understand subrogation. This process can consume your entire settlement if mishandled.
3. Statute of Limitations: Be aware of the time limit for filing your claim. Missing the deadline can result in receiving nothing.
If you are unsure about any of these points, it is strongly recommended to consult with a qualified Iowa injury attorney. Ignoring this advice could cost you thousands of dollars or your entire case.
Settlement Negotiations
Insurance companies rarely make their best offer first. When negotiating, keep the following in mind:
1. Statements to the Adjuster: Anything you say can be used against you. Do not lie, but be cautious about sharing details. Insurance companies have databases that can reveal prior injuries and accidents.
2. Professionalism: Avoid threatening the adjuster. Politeness can lead to more favorable outcomes.
3. Know Your Facts: Be clear about how your injuries occurred, your treatments, and your diagnoses.
Before agreeing to any settlement, it is wise to speak with an Iowa injury attorney. An attorney can determine if you are being treated fairly or taken advantage of. While friends and family may offer opinions, a professional who deals with insurance companies daily will provide more accurate advice.
How to Evaluate the Value of a Claim
Several factors influence the value of an injury claim:
- Severity and Extent of Injuries: How serious are the injuries?
- Nature of Injuries: Are multiple body parts affected?
- Objective Injuries: Are there clear injuries like broken bones?
- Hospitalization: Were you hospitalized?
- Surgery: Did you require surgery?
- Missed Work: How much work did you miss?
- Work Conditions: What were your working conditions when injured?
- Insurance Coverage: How much insurance is available?
- Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Is there a claim for underinsured motorist coverage?
Alcohol-Related Bike Accidents
Just like drinking and driving, drinking and biking are dangerous. Alcohol impairs cognitive and motor skills, slowing reaction times. Despite these dangers, millions continue to drink and operate vehicles or bicycles. In Iowa, 3.2 percent of people admit to driving after drinking too much, higher than the national average of 1.9 percent (CDC).
Statistics on Alcohol-Related Bike Accidents:
- Fatal Bicycle Accidents: In 34% of cases, either the cyclist or the driver was under the influence.
- Bicyclist BAC: 20% of bicyclists who died in 2013 had a BAC of 0.08 g/dL, the legal limit.
Legal and Liability Issues:
Biking while intoxicated poses legal risks. If you cause an accident with a BAC above legal limits, you face criminal charges, fines, jail time, and lost driving privileges. Additionally, intoxication is considered negligence, making you responsible for damages in an accident.
If involved in an alcohol-related bike accident, consult with a lawyer to explore your options. Contact Walker, Billingsley & Bair at (641) 792-3595 for a free consultation.
Determining Fault in Motorcycle Accidents
Fault in accidents where a vehicle turns left in front of a motorcycle is not always clear-cut. However, the driver making the left turn is usually liable. Drivers must yield to oncoming traffic, and failure to do so can result in liability. Exceptions include cases where the motorcyclist was speeding or ran a red light, which could shift or share the fault.
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.