(515) 444-4000 Roughly 9.9% of Iowa drivers are uninsured, presenting a small but potentially very expensive risk for motorists involved in an accident. There are a number of reasons why a driver may not carry insurance. They may be going through financial hardship, or their insurance policy may have lapsed without them knowing. It’s also possible they may have borrowed a car…
How Iowa’s Helmet Laws Affect Motorcycle Accident Claims How Lack of Helmet Use Influences Liability in Accidents Comparative Negligence in Iowa: Its Effect on Compensation Insurance Considerations for Unhelmeted Riders in Iowa Medical Implications of Not Wearing a Helmet Calculating Damages: The Helmet Factor Educating Riders: Helmet Safety and Legal Implications According to the Iowa Department of Transportation, 49 motorcyclists…
Iowa is a unique state for driving due to the extensive rural road network, which presents a specific set of safety risks. The Iowa Department of Transportation advises that poor road conditions in rural areas increase the likelihood of accidents, including: Varied gravel depths Wash boarding surfaces Changes in the roadbed due to seasons Limited removal of snow Edges of…
In June 2021, two boys, aged 12 and 8, were hospitalized in critical condition at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics following a scooter accident. The incident occurred when they ran a stop sign on a rental scooter and collided with a car on Mount Vernon Road. This case adds to a growing number of scooter-related accidents. Emergency services…
A peculiar instance of road rage was recorded on a mobile phone in Des Moines in July of this year. Reports from law enforcement indicate that Daniel Bruck attempted an unlawful overtaking of Jeff Bates' vehicle, resulting in a collision. Following the crash, Bruck exited his vehicle and began using profanities towards Bates. Subsequent footage reveals Bates stepping out of…
Catastrophic injuries represent a severe class of personal injury, often resulting in long-term or permanent disability. These injuries typically arise from significant accidents or incidents, profoundly affecting an individual's quality of life. Unlike more minor injuries, catastrophic injuries can lead to extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and a need for lifelong care or assistance. The scope of catastrophic injuries includes but…
Farm equipment accidents are a significant concern in Iowa's agricultural sector. These incidents often occur due to various factors, including machinery malfunctions, operator error, and, sometimes, challenging environmental conditions. Tractors, combines, and other heavy machinery are typically involved in these accidents. The outcomes can be severe, ranging from minor injuries to more serious, sometimes life-threatening, consequences. According to data from…
In Iowa, personal injury settlements can significantly impact divorce proceedings, particularly in the division of assets and debts. As a community property state, Iowa mandates all assets and debts acquired during the marriage are typically considered communal and subject to equal division upon divorce. However, personal injury settlements can be an exception to this rule. Personal injury settlements are often…
Many people hold misconceptions about how fault is determined in car accidents, especially in the state of Iowa. A common belief if a driver receives a ticket from law enforcement, automatically considers them at fault for any subsequent insurance claim. Issuing a ticket is a separate matter and does not definitively establish liability. Another prevalent myth is that rear-ending someone…
The State of Iowa has agreed to pay nearly $1.1 million in a case concerning John Vetter, a former state employee. Vetter injured his back in 2011 and was subsequently given permanent work restrictions by his physician. The state placed Vetter on involuntary medical leave and eventually terminated his employment in 2013, stating he could no longer fulfill his job…
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