Iowa Car Accident Attorney

Hurt in a Motor Vehicle Crash in Iowa? Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation

At Ball, Kirk & Holm, P.C., our Iowa car accident lawyers have the professional skills and the legal expertise that you can trust when it matters most. Since our founding in 1958, we have put the rights and interests of clients first. It is our mission to help injured victims secure the absolute maximum financial compensation after a crash. Were you or your loved one hurt in a motor vehicle collision? We are more than ready to help. Contact us at our Iowa City office or our Waterloo office to arrange a no cost, no obligation consultation with a top-tier Iowa auto accident attorney. 

Give us a call at (319) 220-0416 or submit an online contact form to request a free, no-obligation consultation.

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What to Do After a Car Accident in Iowa

Were you hurt in a motor vehicle crash in Iowa? It is normal to feel stressed, confused, and unsure of what to do next. Knowing what to do in the aftermath of a collision can help to relieve the burden. Here are four important steps to take after a car accident in Iowa: 

1. Stop Your Car and Report the Crash: Stop your vehicle, report the crash, and exchange information with all other motorists. Iowa law requires drivers to remain at the scene of an accident with an exception for medical emergencies. The collision should be reported to the Iowa State Patrol or a local law enforcement agency. 
2. Get Prompt Medical Care Right Away: All auto accident injuries require prompt care from a licensed physician. Emergencies take the top priority. Non-emergency injuries also need to be evaluated. You may be more hurt than you think. Beyond that, you need medical records to be eligible to bring a car accident injury claim in Iowa. 
3. Document Your Motor Vehicle Crash: If you can, take pictures of the accident scene, your car, the other car, and any injuries. Write down what happened while it is fresh in your mind. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses. All this information can help prove what happened and who was at fault.
4. Consult With an Attorney Before an Insurer: Insurance companies are not on your side. Before you talk to your insurance company, it is wise to speak to an Iowa car accident lawyer who has extensive experience holding insurance companies accountable. Your attorney will help you understand your rights and secure the maximum financial compensation. 

Most Common Injuries Sustained in Crashes in Iowa

Motor vehicle collisions are consistently a leading cause of accidental injuries in Iowa. Tragically, the Iowa Department of Transportation reports that 338 people were killed in crashes in our state in 2022 alone. Many tens of thousands more people in Iowa sustained serious injuries in car accidents. Some of the most common injuries reported in car wrecks include: 

• Cuts/lacerations; 
• Sprains and strains; 
• Torn ligaments; 
• Whiplash; 
• Back injuries;
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs); 
• Amputations; 
• Internal organ damage; and
• Spinal cord damage.

What are the Most Common Reasons Why Auto Accidents Happen?

Every car accident is different. Collisions can happen for a wide variety of different reasons. A comprehensive investigation of a crash is a must. Though, most accidents in Iowa could have been prevented with adequate safety precautions. Some of the most common causes of accidents include: 

• Distracted Driving: Distracted driving occurs when drivers are not paying full attention to the road. Common distractions include texting, talking on the phone, eating, or using a GPS.
• Speeding: Driving over the speed limit is a leading cause of accidents. It reduces the driver’s ability to steer safely around curves or objects in the roadway.
• Drunk Driving: Alcohol impairs a driver’s ability to make quick decisions on the road and can lead to serious accidents. Drugged driving is also extremely dangerous. 
• Reckless Driving: Reckless Driving includes aggressive driving behaviors like changing lanes quickly without signaling, tailgating, or breaking traffic laws. 
• Vehicle Defects: In some cases, accidents are caused by issues with the vehicle itself, like brake failure or tire blowouts.

An Overview of Liability in Motor Vehicle Collision Claims in Iowa

Motor vehicle accident injuries claims are handled by state law. Here are the two most important points that you need to understand about auto accident liability in Iowa: 

• Iowa is a Fault-Based Car Accident State

Iowa is a fault-based auto accident jurisdiction. The party who is at fault for causing the car accident is responsible for any resulting harm. Proving who was at fault is a critical component of the claim process. Every crash in Iowa should be comprehensively investigated. 

• Iowa Uses a Comparative Negligence System

Under Iowa law (I.C.A. § 668.3(1)(b)), auto accident liability is subject to a modified comparative negligence standard. If you are found to be 20 percent at fault for an accident in Iowa and your damages total $10,000, you can only recover $8,000. You would be liable for 20 percent of your own damages. In Iowa, you can only recover compensation if you are at fault for less than 51 percent of the crash.

We Help Car Accident Victims in Iowa Secure the Maximum Financial Compensation

In Iowa, a car accident victim has the right to seek compensation for economic damages and non-economic damages from the at-fault party. However, insurance companies fight hard to resolve claims for the lowest amount possible. At Ball, Kirk & Holm, P.C., our Iowa auto accident attorneys fight aggressively to help injured victims maximize their compensation, including for: 

• Vehicle repairs or replacement; 
• Emergency medical care; 
• Hospital bills and other medical expenses; 
• Physical rehabilitation; 
• Lost wages and loss of earning potential; 
• Pain and suffering; 
• Disability/disfigurement; and
• Wrongful death damages. 

Car Accident Injury Claims in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Statute of Limitations for a Car Accident Injury Claim in Iowa?

Under Iowa law (I.C.A. § 614.1), the statute of limitations for an auto accident injury claim is two years from the date of the collision. Only narrow exceptions apply. Do not wait to get started with your case. Speak to an Iowa auto accident attorney right away. 

Can I Still Bring a Claim If I Am Partially At Fault for a Crash?

Yes—at least you can if you are at fault for no more than 50 percent of your crash. That being said, your financial compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Should I Provide a Recorded Statement to an Insurance Company?

No. It is generally advised not to provide a recorded statement to an insurance company without first consulting with an experienced Iowa auto accident attorney. 

What is a Contingency Fee Arrangement?

A contingency fee arrangement means your lawyer gets paid a percentage of your settlement or court award. There are no upfront costs or hourly bills. Your attorney only gets paid when you get paid. We represent car accident victims in Iowa on contingency. 

Why Trust Our Iowa Automobile Accident Lawyers

Were you injured in a car crash? It is imperative that you have the right legal advocate on your side. At Ball, Kirk & Holm, P.C., we are a proactive and results-focused law firm that has what it takes to hold the big insurance companies accountable. Our team has representatives available 24/7 and we will make every effort to travel to meet you—no matter where you are in the state. When you reach out to our legal team, you will have a chance to work with an Iowa car accident attorney who can: 

• Hear what you have to say and answer your most pressing legal questions; 
• Investigate your motor vehicle crash, gathering the evidence to prove liability; 
• Handle any settlement negotiations with the insurance company; and
• Develop a personalized strategy focused on maximizing your compensation. 

We are Committed to Getting Results in Car Accident Claims

Following a car crash in Iowa, injured victims need the maximum financial support. We know that there is nothing that matters more for car accident victims than results. Our firm has a proven record of success across a wide range of personal injury cases, including motor vehicle collisions. Some of our recent results in Iowa auto accident claims include: 

• $3.0 million in financial compensation for the victim of a serious car crash; 
• $2.6 million recovered in for a car accident victim who sustained catastrophic injuries; 
• $615,000 settlement for a victim who was hurt in a rural highway crash; and
• $251,000 settlement for an injured victim who was hit by a drunk driver. 

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Top-Tier Iowa Auto Accident Lawyer Today

At Ball, Kirk & Holm, P.C., our Iowa car accident lawyers are standing by, ready to fight aggressively to protect your legal rights. We are available 24/7 and can travel to you. Give us a phone call now or connect with us online for a free initial appointment. With a law office in Waterloo and a law office in Iowa City, we fight for the rights and interests of car accident victims throughout Iowa.

Contact us today for a free consultation by filling out our contact form or calling (319) 220-0416.

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