For most people, driving is second nature and something that they do on a daily basis.
After making thousands of safe trips, it’s no wonder that an accident can be so shocking – it’s often the last thing that a driver expects.
A car accident can happen in the blink of an eye, leaving motor vehicle occupants with serious injuries and life-changing harm.
Our attorneys understand how troubling and terrifying a car accident may be and are available to offer you the support and guidance that you need.
Injuries and Damages in a Car Accident
The average motor vehicle weighs at least 4,000 pounds. When traveling at speed, this means monumental amounts of force in a collision, which can leave vehicles totaled and occupants with tragic injuries.
Some of the most common damages that occupants suffer in a motor vehicle accident include:
- Injuries – Injuries can vary based on type and severity, but some of the most serious injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and internal injuries.
- Medical expenses – Treating injuries that result from a car accident can be expensive, totaling tens of thousands of dollars in the present and future costs.
- Lost wages – When an injury is serious, a victim will likely be unable to return to work, perhaps indefinitely. The lost wages can create a financial burden on an individual or family that’s already suffering losses.
- Pain and suffering – There is no doubt that serious injuries can be painful; sometimes, the physical pain and suffering, as well as emotional anguish, last for weeks, months, or even years.
Of course, in addition to the above, the injured party will also likely incur property damage expenses in the form of vehicle repairs or replacement costs.
Iowa Tort System for Car Insurance Claims
If you have been injured in a car accident, it’s important that you understand your options for recovering compensation. Our lawyers will explain.
Iowa is a traditional “fault” or “tort” insurance state, which means that the state expects drivers who cause accidents to pay for them.
As such, if you are in a car accident, you will need to establish the fault of the responsible driver in order to recover damages.
Our lawyers can help by gathering evidence, talking to eyewitnesses, analyzing vehicle data, and even hiring experts to build your case.
Act Quickly After Your Accident
If you have been in a car accident, it’s important that you act quickly. You must report the accident to the police, seek medical care, and notify your insurance adjuster of the crash immediately.
You should also hire a qualified attorney as soon as possible.
If you wait longer than two years to bring forth your claim, you will be in violation of the state’s statute of limitations, which will serve as a bar to recovery.
Call Our Car Accident Lawyers in Cedar Rapids, Iowa Today
After being seriously injured in an auto accident, it may feel as though your world is ending.
When you work with our personal injury lawyers at the office of VanDerGinst Law, you’ll immediately retain an advocate who wants what’s best for you.
Call our lawyers today at 800-797-5391 to learn more about how we can help you to recover the damages to which you’re entitled, and to schedule your free case consultation.
“Dennis is a great attorney and his firm is top notch…
I highly recommend them if you have an accident case. – Past client Read and watch more client testimonials…
The information contained on this website is presented by VanDerGinst Law P.C. It is not intended nor should it be construed as professional legal advice. The information is general in nature about the Firm, the scope of services we offer, and our community outreach, it is not legal advice. Please contact us by phone, email, mail, or via this website for inquiries. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please contact a personal injury attorney for a consultation regarding your situation. This website is not intended to solicit clients outside the State of Iowa and/or the State of Illinois.