Truck accidents in Iowa can cause severe injuries and even death, leaving victims and their families with significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens.
When truck collision injuries threaten to affect your life, it's essential to seek the help of an experienced Iowa truck accident lawyer from Nicolet Law.
To learn how we can help you through this challenging time, schedule a free case evaluation online or at 1-855-NICOLET.
Injured in Iowa? Get Nicolet.
Why Choose Our Truck Accident Lawyers in Iowa?
Injured? Get Nicolet.
Our team of truck accident attorneys in Iowa understands the complex laws and regulations that govern the trucking industry. We also understand how to combat insurance companies that minimize or deny valid claims.
We have a proven track record of success handling truck accident cases, recovering millions of dollars for our clients. Our lawyers are experienced negotiators and trial advocates who are always prepared to take a case to court if necessary.
We build strong relationships with our clients because that is vital to providing comprehensive legal support. This means personalized attention and impeccable communication about a case's status.
Two convenient office locations serve Iowa residents in Cedar Rapids and Des Moines.
Unable to make it into our law firm due to truck accident injuries? No problem. Our attorneys can provide free case evaluations online, by phone, or right from the comfort of your own home.
What Types of Truck Accidents Occur Most Frequently In Iowa?
Every year over 3,000 truck accidents occur on Iowa roads and highways. The most common types of collisions include:
- Rear-end collision: This type of accident occurs when a truck collides with the back of another vehicle. Due to their large size and weight, trucks can cause serious rear-end collision injuries.
- Rollover accident: These accidents happen when a truck's center of gravity shifts too far from its base, causing it to roll onto its side or even flip over. Rollovers are particularly dangerous for other vehicles on the road.
- Jackknife accident: This usually occurs due to sudden braking or swerving and can cause severe damage to other vehicles when the truck’s trailer swings out into an “L” shape.
- Underride accident: These accidents occur when a smaller vehicle crashes into the back of a truck and gets trapped underneath it. This type of accident is often fatal for the smaller vehicle's occupants.
- Wide turn accident: Trucks require more space to make turns, which can lead to collisions with other vehicles if the driver fails to signal or check their blind spots properly.
- Backing-up accident: When a truck backs up, it is difficult for the driver to see smaller vehicles or obstacles, which can result in collisions and injuries.
- Tire blowout: Truck tires are more prone to blowouts due to their weight and high mileage. When a tire blows out, the truck may lose control and cause an accident.
If you or a loved one has been involved in these or any other type of truck accident in Iowa, don't hesitate to contact our personal injury lawyers to learn how to recover maximum compensation for damages and losses.
Where Do Truck Accidents Occur Most Frequently in Iowa?
Interstate 80 Between Des Moines And Iowa City
This section of I-80 sees significant truck traffic. It connects two major cities and is a primary route for commercial trucks traveling through Iowa.
City Intersections
While most truck crashes occur on highways and interstates, they can also happen in city intersections. Trucks making wide turns or failing to yield at traffic signals can cause serious accidents with other vehicles.
Parking Lots
Truck collisions can even occur in parking lots, especially when a truck is attempting to maneuver in tight spaces or is backing up.
Residential Neighborhoods
The tight spaces, multiple blind spots, and frequent stops and turns required in residential neighborhoods can make them hazardous for trucks. Accidents can occur if a truck fails to navigate these areas safely.
What Causes Truck Accidents?
Truck accidents are caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Driver error: This is one of the most common causes of truck crashes. Truck drivers may make mistakes due to fatigue, distractions, or inexperience.
- Mechanical failure: Poor maintenance or defective parts can lead to mechanical failures such as brake failure, tire blowouts, and steering malfunctions.
- Adverse weather conditions: Rain, snow, ice, and fog can all contribute to hazardous driving conditions for trucks and increase the risk of accidents.
- Improperly loaded cargo: If cargo is not loaded properly or exceeds weight limits, it can shift during transit and cause a truck to lose control.
- Violating regulations: Truck drivers and companies are subject to strict regulations, and failure to comply can lead to accidents. This includes driving over the legal limit for hours allowed on the road or carrying hazardous materials without proper precautions.
- Driving under the influence: Just like any other driver, truck drivers who operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol pose a danger on the road.
No matter the cause, nothing justifies the reckless or negligent actions that lead to truck collisions.
Who Is At-Fault in a Trucking Accident?
Determining who is at fault in a trucking accident is complex, as multiple parties may be involved. Some potential at-fault parties include:
- The truck driver: If the cause of the accident was due to the truck driver's negligence or error, they may be held responsible.
- The trucking company: Trucking companies are responsible for properly training and supervising their drivers, maintaining their vehicles, and complying with regulations. The company may be liable if these responsibilities are not met.
- Third-party contractors: In some cases, a third party, such as a maintenance or loading company, may bear responsibility for the accident.
- Vehicle or parts manufacturers: The manufacturer may be liable if a mechanical failure or defect caused the accident.
The potential for multiple at-fault parties highlights the importance of working with an experienced Iowa truck accident lawyer. This will ensure you receive fair compensation from all responsible fault holders.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Truck Accident in Iowa?
Understanding Truck Accident Costs
To get an idea of what you can recover in a personal injury claim and how much your case is worth, you must first understand the costs of a truck crash, which may include:
- Emergency medical care: In Iowa, the cost of ambulance rides, paramedic services, and emergency room treatment can range from $1000 to $5000+.
- Hospitalization: Truck crashes rarely leave survivors without catastrophic injuries requiring in-patient hospitalization. In Iowa, this averages $1,861 per night, not including surgeries or specialist treatment.
- Surgeries and specialist treatment: Many accident survivors must have surgeries in the immediate aftermath of their accidents. Injuries to the brain or spine may require years of ongoing care from a variety of specialists, totaling $100,000+ in upfront costs and over $2 million in lifetime expenses.
Understanding these costs can give you and your lawyer a better sense of recoverable damages. It also ensures that your settlement reflects the full extent of damages and losses.
Recoverable Economic Damages
Economic damages are the tangible financial losses of a truck collision, typically including:
- Medical expenses: This includes all medical treatment and care costs, from ambulance rides and hospitalizations to doctor appointments and medications.
- Property damage: Any damage to your vehicle or personal property due to the accident can be included in your claim.
There is no cap on economic damages from an Iowa car accident personal injury claim. So, the greater your expenses are, the more you may be able to recover.
Recoverable Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages refer to intangible losses that cannot be easily quantified, including but not limited to:
- Pain and suffering: This refers to physical pain, discomfort, and emotional distress caused by the accident and resulting injuries.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If the accident has limited your ability to participate in activities or hobbies you once enjoyed, you may be able to seek compensation for this loss.
- Loss of consortium: Spouses or family members may also be able to seek damages for the loss of companionship and support due to death in a truck accident. According to the latest statistics, 16 percent of all truck accidents in the state result in fatalities.
The amount you can recover for these losses is determined by the extent of your injuries, their impact on your life, and the caps imposed by the state. An Iowa truck accident lawyer can help you pursue full compensation for these damages.
How Damages Are Calculated
The following factors will be taken into consideration when assessing the total amount of damages sustained:
- The severity and extent of your injuries
- The impact of your injuries on your daily life and ability to work
- The total cost of medical treatment and care, including future expenses
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Property damage and other economic losses
- Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, etc.
The insurance company may try to downplay or deny your claim to minimize their financial responsibility. Combat their shady tactics with the help of an Iowa truck accident lawyer from Nicolet Law.
Iowa Truck Accident Lawyer FAQ
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim after a truck accident?
In Iowa, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the accident date. It is essential to file your claim within this time frame, as any delay may result in your case being dismissed.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
In Iowa, it may still be possible to recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. Speak to an Iowa truck accident lawyer to understand how this may affect your compensation amount.
Do I have to go to court for my accident claim?
Most claims settle out of court through negotiations with the insurance company. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, you may need to take your case to trial for proper compensation. If you are required to testify, your lawyer will prepare you.
Recover Maximum Compensation With An Iowa Truck Accident Lawyer From Nicolet Law
The cataclysmic impact of a truck crash can leave you with costly damages and losses. However, with the help of an experienced Iowa truck accident lawyer from Nicolet Law, you can recover maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
Contact us online or at 1-855-NICOLET for a free case evaluation to learn more about how we can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Our Practice Areas
In addition to truck accidents, our team at Nicolet Law also handles a wide range of personal injury cases, including:
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle and pedestrian accidents
- Wrongful death
We understand the devastating impact these accidents can have on individuals and families, and we are committed to fighting for their rights and seeking justice.