Learn Who Is at Fault in an Intersection Car Accident | Iowa Laws

Intersections are some of the most dangerous places on the road. Every day, drivers face split-second decisions that can lead to serious crashes.

Determining fault is not always simple when a car accident happens at an intersection.

Fortunately, Iowa has specific traffic laws that decide who is responsible. Knowing these rules can help drivers understand their rights and avoid costly mistakes.

If the plaintiff is found to be 50% or less at fault, they may still recover damages, but the percentage of fault will reduce their compensation.

However, if they are more than 50% at fault, they won't be able to recover damages from the other driver.

For example:

• If the victim was struck by another vehicle while legally stopped at a red light or stop sign, the other driver is likely 100% at fault.

• In contrast, if both drivers contributed to the accident - say one was speeding while the other failed to yield - the court will assign percentages of fault.

Common Causes of Intersection Car Accidents

Intersection crashes often happen due to violations of traffic laws or distracted driving.

Failure to Yield

Drivers turning left must yield to oncoming traffic before completing their turn. They are likely at fault if they fail to do so and cause a collision with an oncoming car.

Running Red Lights or Stop Signs

Ignoring traffic signals can lead to severe accidents involving other vehicles or pedestrians.

Distracted Driving

Texting, eating, or any activity that takes the motorist's eyes off the road increases the risk of a chain reaction accident.

Rear-end Collisions

Striking a legally stopped vehicle at an intersection often makes the rear driver responsible for the car crash.

Are Left-turn Intersection Accidents Common in Iowa?

According to the Iowa Department of Transportation, left-turn accidents account for nearly 10% of all recorded traffic collisions in the state. Alarmingly, they also make up about 23% of fatal crashes.

To prevent such accidents, Iowa law has a few rules all motorists must follow:

• Drivers must use their left-turn signal at least 100 feet before turning.

• They must yield to all oncoming vehicles and pedestrians in the intersection.

• Keeping wheels straight while waiting to turn can prevent being pushed into oncoming traffic if struck from behind.

Who Can File a Claim for an Intersection Accident in Iowa?

Anyone injured or whose property was damaged due to another driver's negligence can file a personal injury claim. This includes:

• Drivers: If the victim's vehicle was struck by another car at an intersection due to reckless behavior, such as running a red light or failing to yield, they could pursue compensation.

• Passengers: Injured passengers have the right to file claims against the at-fault driver's insurance company.

• Pedestrians and Cyclists: Cyclers legally crossing at an intersection may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit.

• Property Owners: In rare cases, property owners can file claims if their property was damaged in a chain-reaction accident near an intersection.

Victims of intersection accidents can claim various damages, including:

• Medical Bills: Costs for hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatments.

• Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to injuries sustained in the accident.

• Property Damage: Repairs or replacement costs for their vehicle or other damaged property.

• Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages for emotional distress and physical pain caused by the accident.

Dealing with fault and compensation in intersection accidents can be complex.

An experienced personal injury attorney can gather evidence, negotiate with auto insurance companies, and protect victims' rights. They can also advise on who is at fault in a rear-end car accident Iowa.

Is It Expensive to Let Car Accident Attorneys Handle Head-on Collisions?

Head-on collisions are some of the most devastating car accidents, often resulting in severe injuries, considerable property damage, and even fatalities.

For victims, the aftermath can be overwhelming - medical bills pile up, insurance companies push back, and the legal process feels daunting.

Luckily, working with a personal injury lawyer is more affordable than most people think. It may be beneficial to contact a Des Moines vehicle accident law firm to find an experienced attorney.

Car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning victims don't pay anything upfront. Instead, their fee is a percentage of the compensation they recover for clients.

In Iowa, the standard contingency fee is around 33% (or one-third) of the settlement or verdict amount.

Common Injuries Sustained in Chain Reaction Car Accidents

Often involving multiple vehicles, these accidents can result in severe injuries due to the force of numerous impacts.

A chain reaction crash typically begins when one vehicle collides with another, setting off a domino effect involving additional cars.

These crashes happen at busy intersections, highways, or stop-and-go traffic.

Whiplash is one of the most frequent injuries in chain reaction accidents. The violent back-and-forth motion caused by multiple rear-end collisions can strain or tear muscles and ligaments in the neck.

On the other hand, the force of a multi-vehicle accident often leads to fractures in areas like the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis.

The crushing force of a chain reaction crash can also cause internal bleeding or damage to organs like the liver or lungs.

How Can an Iowa Car Accident Lawyer Help?

An experienced car accident attorney knows Iowa's traffic rules inside and out.

Without legal representation, accident victims often accept lowball settlements that don't cover their full expenses.

A qualified lawyer will handle all communication with the auto insurance company, ensuring victims are not pressured into accepting less than they deserve. They consult on who is at fault in a multi-car accident Iowa as well.

While most car accident claims settle out of court, some cases require litigation - especially if the insurance company denies liability or offers an unfair settlement.

In these situations, having a lawyer prepared to take the case to trial is invaluable.

How Long Does It Take to Settle Car Accident Claims Under Iowa Law?

Settling a car accident lawsuit in Iowa can be lengthy and unpredictable. While some cases resolve quickly, others may take months or even years to reach a conclusion.

Simple cases involving minor damages and no injuries may settle in a few weeks.

However, more complex cases with severe injuries, disputed liability, or multiple parties could take a year or longer to resolve.

Under Iowa law, victims have two years from the date of an accident to file a personal injury case and five years for property damage claims.

Final Words

Intersection car accidents in Iowa are complex and often life-altering events.

Determining who is at fault requires a detailed understanding of Iowa's traffic laws, evidence from the scene, and sometimes even expert analysis.

Fault isn't always black and white. Drivers may share responsibility for an accident, with compensation adjusted according to each party's percentage of responsibility.

This is why consulting an experienced personal injury lawyer from Tom Fowler Law is crucial. They can help clients gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and fight for the compensation they deserve.