If you were in a car accident in Des Moines someone else caused, you may be in pain and worrying about how you'll pay your medical bills and support your family while you recover. If someone’s negligence caused a car accident that killed a close family member, you’re likely reeling from the loss and wondering how to hold the at-fault party accountable and get justice.
No matter your situation, you likely qualify to seek compensation from those responsible for your injuries and losses. An experienced Des Moines car accident lawyer from Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers can review your case at no cost and advise you of your rights and options.
We understand the devastation a car accident can cause. We've seen how car accidents can greatly impact the lives of survivors, and we’re dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized legal representation and fighting hard for the compensation you deserve.
Don't hesitate to contact us for a free case evaluation if you suffered an injury or lost someone you love in an auto accident due to someone else's negligence or wrongdoing in Des Moines.
Injured in Des Moines? Get Nicolet.
Types of Des Moines Car Accidents
Car accidents can happen in countless ways, each with unique challenges and legal considerations. Some of the most common types of car accidents we handle at Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers include:
- Rear-end collisions: These accidents occur when one vehicle crashes into the back of another. They typically happen due to distracted driving, tailgating, or sudden stops.
- T-bone accidents: Also known as side-impact collisions or broadside collisions, these accidents happen when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another, typically at an intersection.
- Head-on collisions: Among the most serious types of car accidents, head-on collisions involve two vehicles colliding front-to-front. They can often result in severe injuries or fatalities.
- Sideswipe accidents: These accidents occur when two vehicles traveling in the same direction make contact. They happen most often on four-lane highways when drivers conduct improper lane changes or merge. They can also occur when a car tries to pass another vehicle on a two-lane road and misjudges the distance or has to swerve back rapidly because of oncoming traffic.
- Rollover accidents: A rollover is when a vehicle flips onto its side or roof, often after "tripping" on a curb, guardrail, or uneven ground. They can also occur during high-speed broadside collisions. SUVs and pickups are prone to rolling because of their high centers of gravity. Rollovers have a higher fatality rate than other crash types.
No matter what type of collision you were in, if you were hurt because of a negligent or reckless driver, you have rights. Don't let the insurance company push you around or pressure you to settle for less than you deserve. Stand up for yourself by immediately calling a knowledgeable Des Moines car accident lawyer.
Common Causes of Des Moines Car Accidents
While every car accident is unique, several common factors contribute to crashes on Des Moines roads:
- Distracted driving: When drivers take their eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or minds off the task of driving, they put themselves and others at risk.
- Speeding: Exceeding the posted speed limit or driving too fast for conditions reduces a driver's reaction time and increases the severity of accidents.
- Drunk driving: Impaired drivers have slower reflexes, poor judgment, and difficulty maintaining control of their vehicles.
- Reckless driving: Aggressive behaviors like tailgating, weaving through traffic, and running red lights can lead to serious collisions.
- Poor road conditions: Potholes, inadequate signage, and poorly maintained roads can contribute to accidents, especially when combined with driver negligence.
If you suspect that one of these common factors played a role in your crash, reach out to the Des Moines car accident attorneys at our firm right away. We'll investigate to get to the bottom of what happened and who is to blame.
Des Moines and Iowa Car Accident Statistics
According to the latest crash data from the Iowa Department of Transportation, there were over 54,000 car accidents in the state, resulting in 18,883 injuries and 353 fatalities. Polk County and the Des Moines area had 8,645 crashes, 2,721 injuries, and 31 deaths.
These sobering statistics underscore the importance of safe driving and the need for experienced legal representation when accidents do occur.
Steps to Take After a Des Moines Car Accident
To protect your health and your legal rights, you need to take the following steps after a car accident in Des Moines someone else caused:
- Get a prompt medical evaluation: Even if you feel fine, you need to get checked out by a medical professional. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may not be immediately apparent and you will need documentation of your injury and treatment to file an injury claim.
- Contact the police: Call 911 to report the accident and request that an officer come to the scene to create an official accident report. Make sure to get a copy of the report.
- Gather evidence: If you're able, take photos of the accident scene, damage to vehicles, your injuries, skid marks, and road conditions. Get names and contact info for any eyewitnesses. Their statements could prove vital if the other driver later changes their story.
- Contact your insurance company: Promptly notify your insurer about the crash. However, don't give a recorded statement, agree to a quick settlement, or sign anything without speaking to a lawyer first. Adjusters are trained to coax statements out of you that damage your claim.
- Contact a car accident lawyer: Reach out to an attorney immediately after a serious crash. At Nicolet Law, your initial consultation is always free. We'll listen to your story with empathy, explain your rights, and give you an honest assessment of your case's strengths and weaknesses.
Benefits of Hiring a Des Moines Car Accident Lawyer
Don’t count on the insurance company to have your best interests at heart. They are for-profit companies more interested in profits than people. Without an aggressive attorney in your corner, you risk the insurance company taking advantage of you.
When you hire Nicolet Law to handle your car accident case, you can expect:
- Knowledge of local laws and regulations: Iowa's accident laws are complex and ever-evolving. We stay on top of changes that impact our clients' rights. We'll properly handle your case in compliance with all relevant statutes and court rules.
- Experience negotiating with insurance companies: As veteran personal injury lawyers, we've sat across the table from pretty much every major insurance carrier. We know their tactics and how to thwart them. We won't let them get away with undervaluing your claim.
- Ability to investigate the accident and gather evidence: Proving fault in a crash is rarely simple. It takes resources and know-how to secure evidence before it disappears. Our team will canvas for witnesses, examine medical records, and if needed, bring in experts like accident reconstructionists to provide compelling testimony.
- Representation in court, if necessary: While most car accident cases settle out of court, not all do. If the insurance company refuses a fair offer, we won't hesitate to file a lawsuit and argue your case at trial. We're formidable litigators with a track record of courtroom wins.
- Maximizing compensation for injuries and damages: Our goal is to get you every dime you're entitled to under the law. We'll aggressively pursue monetary damages for your past and future medical bills, lost income, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, scarring, disability, and lost quality of life. We'll also pursue punitive damages in cases of egregious misconduct, like drunk driving.
You have enough to worry about after a serious car accident without trying to navigate the legal system alone. Level the playing field by putting a tenacious Des Moines car accident lawyer on your side.
Injured in Des Moines? Get Nicolet.
The Car Accident Claims Process in Des Moines
The process of pursuing a car accident claim in Des Moines typically involves the following steps:
- Filing an insurance claim: Your lawyer will help you file a claim with the at-fault driver's insurance company, as well as your own insurer if applicable.
- Negotiating with the insurance company: Your attorney will handle all communications with the insurance adjuster and work to negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
- Filing a lawsuit, if necessary: If the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, your lawyer may recommend filing a personal injury lawsuit to seek the compensation you deserve.
Throughout this process, our mission is to lift the burden off your shoulders. We'll handle the nuts and bolts of your case so you can concentrate on your physical recovery and moving forward with life.
How Much Compensation Can I Receive from a Des Moines Car Accident Claim?
The compensation you can receive from a Des Moines car accident claim depends on:
- The severity of your injuries: More severe injuries typically result in higher medical bills, longer recovery times, and more significant impacts on your life. As such, claims involving catastrophic injuries like brain damage or paralysis often yield higher settlements than those involving minor injuries.
- Your economic losses: You can seek compensation for quantifiable financial losses like medical expenses, and property damage to your vehicle. The higher your economic damages, the more compensation you may receive.
- Your non-economic losses: You can also pursue damages for subjective losses that don't have a specific dollar value, like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and lost enjoyment of life. The extent of these damages can significantly influence your claim's value.
- The at-fault party's degree of liability: Iowa follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can pursue compensation so long as you’re not less than 51% responsible for causing the crash—but the court can reduce your compensation by your percentage of fault. The more liability that falls on the other party, the more compensation you can recover.
- The available insurance coverage: In most cases, the at-fault party's insurance policy limits will determine how much the insurance company will give you. If your damages exceed those limits, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit to pursue further compensation.
- The strength of your case: The evidence you have to prove liability and the extent of your damages can impact the value of your claim. Strong cases with clear liability and well-documented losses typically result in higher settlements.
The skilled attorneys at Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers work to secure significant settlements by thoroughly investigating the accident, gathering compelling evidence, and aggressively negotiating with insurance companies. We've recovered millions of dollars for our clients and helped them get the resources they need to restore their health and rebuild their lives. While we can't promise a specific result, we can assure you that we'll fight tenaciously to maximize your compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Des Moines Car Accident Claims
How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer?
At Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don't pay anything upfront. We only collect a fee if we recover compensation for you.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Des Moines?
In Iowa, the statute of limitations for most car accident claims is two years from the accident date. However, there are some exceptions, so it's best to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible.
What if the other driver was uninsured?
If an uninsured driver hit you, you may be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage. Your lawyer can help you explore your options.
Contact a Des Moines Car Accident Attorney Now
Don’t wait to get the legal help you need after another driver’s negligence caused a car accident in Des Moines that hurt you.
The experienced Des Moines personal injury attorneys at Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers are here to guide you through this difficult time with compassion, skill, and unwavering dedication. We'll handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on healing and rebuilding your life.
Call our Des Moines law office at (515) 381-2181 or contact us online today to request a free consultation.