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Lives can be instantly altered by accidents and injuries. In such difficult periods, car accident injury lawyers become critical allies. They support those harmed by others' negligence, ensuring fair compensation. This article underscores the significant role these lawyers play in helping people manage their claims and recover.
Avoiding Car Accidents Caused by Road Debris
Thousands of serious car accidents in Iowa occur yearly due to road debris. These obstacles are prevalent on every road but are most commonly found on highways and urban roads. It is essential that all drivers maintain 100 percent focus on the road and their surroundings to be prepared for unexpected items that may come into their path. This vigilance allows drivers to react appropriately and avoid serious car crashes.
The Definition of Road Debris
Road debris includes more than just construction materials or blown tires lying in the middle of the road. After a large storm, there could be large trees or telephone wires obstructing traffic. Additionally, items that have fallen off large work trucks, such as materials or tools due to insecure loading, pose significant hazards.
Dangers of Roof Racks
Many car owners use roof racks for storage. While these racks are designed to carry items too large to fit in the vehicle, they are not meant to be overloaded. Overloading can cause items to fly off the rack and into the path of another car, or worse, cause the vehicle to lose control or flip over, creating further obstacles for other drivers.
Avoiding Serious Car Accidents
The primary way to prevent accidents caused by road debris is to remain undistracted while driving. Even the smallest distraction, such as looking down to pick up your coffee, could lead to a serious crash when debris is present. In less than optimal conditions, it is also crucial that drivers slow down. The posted speed limit is the maximum speed you should be driving; in adverse conditions, slowing down can help avoid serious accidents.
How Should I Deal With the Insurance Adjuster in a Motor Vehicle or Other Injury Case?
Like most Iowans, you have likely had to file a claim against an insurance company for property damage, such as hail damage or a leaking roof. If you need to deal with an insurance adjuster in the future, here are some tips to help your matter go more smoothly:
Anything You Tell the Adjuster Will Be Used in Your Case
Anything you say can be used against you by the insurance company and their lawyers. Always tell the truth; even a small lie can ruin your credibility. If you don't know an answer, say so. Making up or guessing an answer can only hurt your case.
Document Your Damages
Keep all documents related to your damages, even if they don’t seem important at the time. Maintain a diary or journal of who you speak to and when, which can help prove the extent of your damages and lead to a higher evaluation of your claim. Use your journal to track medical appointments and provide this information to the insurance company.
Handling Serious Injuries
If you sustained injuries in a car or truck accident or other personal injury case, keep the following in mind:
- Track time missed from work, including keeping doctors' excuses for missed work and time missed for doctors' appointments.
- Retain any medical bills or explanation of benefits forms received from your health insurance company. These records are crucial as they detail your injuries, the treatment you received, and will influence the insurance company’s offer.
- Regularly see your doctor if you continue to experience pain or other problems. Failing to do so can be seen as evidence that you have fully recovered.
Who Pays for My Damages if the Other Driver Fled the Scene of the Accident?
If the other driver fled the scene of the accident and cannot be identified, you’ll be responsible for the damages. However, if you carry uninsured motorist (UM) insurance, it should cover your damages. If you don’t have UM coverage, you may need to use your health insurance to cover medical bills.
Hit and Runs and Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Drivers often flee the scene because they are unlicensed or fear arrest for other crimes. Uninsured motorist coverage helps pay for your damages when the other party cannot be identified or is uninsured. While Iowa does not require UM coverage, motorists must opt out in writing. If you’re unsure about your coverage, review your policy or contact your agent.
What If You Don’t Have UM Coverage?
If you don’t have UM coverage, you may need to use your health insurance to pay for medical bills. Additional optional coverages on your auto policy, such as collision, comprehensive, and medical payment, may also help. Providing the police with details like the make and model of the car or the tag number could lead to tracking down the other driver, allowing you to hold them accountable.
Penalties for Hit and Run Drivers
Fleeing the scene of an accident is illegal and carries severe penalties in Iowa:
- Physical property damage: Considered a misdemeanor, with a potential 30-day jail sentence and up to $625 in fines.
- Bodily injury: A more severe misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and up to $1,825 in fines. Serious injury can lead to aggravated misdemeanor charges, resulting in up to two years in jail or a fine up to $6,250.
- Fatality: Classified as a Class D felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and $7,500 in fines.
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.