Ankeny Truck Accident Lawyer

Schedule Your Free Consultation With Our Iowa Truck Accident Lawyer

At Ball, Kirk & Holm, P.C., our Iowa truck accident attorneys have the knowledge, the skills, and legal experience that you can rely on. Large trucking companies and their commercial insurance carriers must be held accountable after a collision. If you or your loved one was hurt in a tractor trailer crash, we are more than ready to fight for your rights. With law offices in Iowa City and Waterloo, we take on semi-truck accident claims throughout the entire state. Contact us today for a free case review with a top-tier Iowa truck accident lawyer. 

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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The Steps to Take After an Eighteen Wheeler Accident in Iowa

Were you hurt in an eighteen wheeler accident in Iowa? It is normal to be stressed and confused. You can be sure that the trucking company and its commercial insurance provider will waste no time building a defense. You need to take a proactive approach. Here are four key steps to take after a commercial truck accident in Iowa: 

1. Stop Your Vehicle and Report the Truck Accident: First and foremost, you need to stop your vehicle. You should remain at the scene and exchange information with the truck driver—unless there is a serious medical emergency. All truck accidents should be reported to the police, such as the Iowa State Patrol or a local police department.
2. Seek Professional Medical Treatment for Any Injuries: All truck accident injuries should be evaluated by a doctor. Many of the most common injuries—from whiplash to concussions—arise with a delayed onset. You need to be sure you get the proper care. Further, in Iowa, a truck accident injury claim must be supported by medical records. 
3. Thoroughly Document Your Semi-Truck Accident: Iowa is a fault-based motor vehicle accident state, including for truck accidents. The trucking company is not automatically liable for a crash. Make sure your collision is well-documented. Take pictures of the accident scene, your vehicle, the truck, and any injuries. You should be sure to get the contact information for any eyewitnesses and write down exactly what happened. 
4. Speak to an Iowa Lawyer Before an Insurance Adjuster: The trucking company—and its insurance—will not have your best interests at heart. They want to get a recorded statement soon after a crash so that they can find information to use against you in the claims process. Before you speak to any insurance adjuster, be sure to consult with an Iowa truck accident lawyer. 

Large Truck Accidents Can Cause Devastating, Catastrophic Injuries

When carrying a full load in Iowa, a commercial truck can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. That is dozens of times larger than a standard passenger vehicle. When crashes happen, the consequences can be downright catastrophic. Iowa’s highways—especially Interstate-80—sees more than its fair share of large trucks. According to data from the Iowa State University Institute for Transportation, heavy trucks are involved in approximately 16.5 percent of fatal accidents in Iowa—the highest ratio of any state in the entire country. Many severe injuries are reported in semi-truck accidents, including soft tissue damages, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), internal organ injuries, amputations, and spinal cord trauma. 

An Overview of the Most Common Types of Commercial Truck Accidents

Commercial truck accidents can happen for a wide range of different reasons. There are also many different types of heavy truck accidents, including: 

• Rear-End Collisions: When a truck hits the vehicle in front of it, often due to not stopping in time or tailgating. These can be particularly dangerous due to the truck’s weight and size.
• Jackknife Accidents: Jackknifes happen when the trailer of a semi folds at an angle towards the cab, resembling a folding knife. It is often caused by sudden braking or slippery roads.
• Commercial Truck Rollovers: When a truck tips over onto its side or roof. High speed, sharp turns, or improperly loaded cargo can lead to these scary situations.
• Underride Accidents: These happen when a smaller vehicle slides under the rear or side of a truck. Most often due to abrupt stops and/or lack of the proper under-ride guards.
• Blind Spot Accidents: Trucks have large blind spots. If a trucker is not aware of smaller vehicles in these areas, they might merge or turn into them, causing a serious accident.
• Lost Load Accidents: When cargo is not properly secured, it can fall off and create hazards for other vehicles. A lost load can cause a catastrophic accident. 

What to Know About Liability for Semi-Truck Accidents in Iowa

Iowa follows an “at-fault” liability system. The party—whether a trucker, truck company, or third party motorist—who is responsible for causing the accident is also responsible for the resulting harm. Determining fault requires a comprehensive investigation of the accident. Never rely on a truck company or its insurer for a fair and impartial investigation. You need a lawyer. 

Under Iowa law (I.C.A. § 668.3(1)(b)), truck accidents are also governed by a proportional responsibility (modified comparative fault) standard. If you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, you may be barred from recovery if you are deemed liable for 51 percent or more of your own crash. 

We Fight Tirelessly to Help Truck Accident Victims Secure the Maximum Compensation

Were you injured in a truck accident in Iowa? You have the right to seek compensation for the full extent of your damages, including economic losses and non-economic losses. Along with other forms of financial compensation, you may be entitled to recover for: 

• Property loss (vehicle repairs); 
• Emergency medical treatment; 
• Hospital bills; 
• Loss of income; 
• Pain and suffering; 
• Disability or disfigurement; and
• Wrongful death.  

Delivery Vehicle Truck Accidents are a Growing Safety Concern: We Can Help

In Iowa’s rural landscapes, delivery trucks are a common sight. You will regularly see trucks from FedEx, UPS, Amazon, USPS, and other companies on major highways, especially on Interstate-80. Unfortunately, delivery trucks can pose a safety threat. Our team specializes in handling accidents involving these delivery vehicles. We understand the unique factors at play in these crashes. If you or a loved one was hurt in a collision with a delivery truck, contact us today for a free case review.

Commercial Truck Accidents in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

Two years. Under Iowa law (I.C.A. § 614.1), a truck accident injury lawsuit must be filed within two years of a crash. Only very narrow exceptions to the rule apply. Do not wait to get started with your claim. You do not want to fall behind in the legal process. 

How Much is My Truck Accident Claim Worth?

The value of your truck accident claim depends on factors like medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Each case is unique. Our Iowa semi-truck accident lawyer will conduct a thorough evaluation to ensure you know the true value of your claim. 

Will My Tractor Trailer Accident Case Go to Trial?

Probably not. While a possibility, litigation is relatively uncommon in semi-truck accident claims. Instead, the majority of truck accident cases are resolved through a settlement. Still, you should always be prepared for a lawsuit. A trial-tested truck accident lawyer can help.  

Why Trust the Iowa Semi-Truck Accident Lawyers at Ball, Kirk & Holm

Truck accident claims are among the most complex, challenging personal injury cases. The large truck companies and their commercial insurance providers put a lot of resources into protecting their own bottom line. At Ball, Kirk & Holm, P.C., we know how to hold them accountable. Our firm is available 24/7 and our attorneys make every effort to travel to meet injured victims no matter where they reside in Iowa. Among other things, our Iowa semi-truck accident attorney will: 

• Hear what you have to say and answer questions about your truck accident claim;
• Investigate the crash—gathering the evidence that you need to prove fault and damages; 
• Guide you through the legal paperwork and represent you in settlement negotiations; and
• Take your truck accident injury claim as far as needed to obtain the best outcome.  

We Go Above and Beyond to Get Results in Truck Accident Claims

Our law firm always puts the rights and interests of injured victims first. We have a proven record of successful results in commercial truck accident claims in Iowa. A non-exhaustive list of recent results in semi-truck accident cases in Iowa include: 

• $2.5 million recovered for the victim of a highway semi-truck accident; and
• $312,000 recovered for a person hurt in a garbage truck accident. 

Contact Our Iowa Semi-Truck Accident Lawyers for a Free Case Review

At Ball, Kirk & Holm, P.C., our Iowa tractor trailer accident lawyers have the professional skills, tenacity, and legal expertise that you can trust when it matters the most. We hold trucking companies and their commercial insurers accountable. Contact us today for a no cost, no obligation case evaluation. With offices in Iowa City and Waterloo, we are standing by 24/7 and we will make every effort to travel to meet truck accident victims throughout the State of Iowa.

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