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In Ankeny, United States, car accident law is primarily governed by the principle of "negligence," where those who act carelessly and cause injury to others are held legally responsible for the damages they caused. In simple terms, if a driver's negligence resulted in a car accident that hurt others or damaged their property, the negligent driver can be held liable for the damage.
Several situations may warrant the need for a lawyer in car accident matters. If the accident results in major injuries, causes significant hampering to your routine, or leads to substantial damage to your vehicle, hiring a lawyer would be advisable. Legal representation is also necessary when the accident involves uninsured or underinsured motorists, disputes over who's at fault, or discrepancies in the police report.
In Ankeny, and across Iowa, car accident law requires drivers involved in an accident that resulted in injuries or property damage to report the accident to law enforcement. The state follows "At-Fault" laws, which imply that the person who is determined to be at fault for causing the accident is responsible for the damages. Moreover, Iowa is a "comparative fault" state, which means that your compensation can be reduced if you are partially at fault for the accident.
In Iowa, car accident victims have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. This applies to both property damages and injury claims.
Iowa law mandates all drivers to have auto liability insurance. If the other driver is uninsured, your uninsured motorist coverage, if you have it as part of your own insurance policy, should cover you.
Ensure your safety first, call the police, exchange information with the other party involved, and gather any evidence possible at the scene like photographs, witness details etc. You should also seek medical attention even if injuries aren’t immediately apparent.
Yes, under Iowa's comparative fault rule, you can still recover damages if you are partially at fault. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
While it's not mandatory to have a lawyer, it's generally beneficial, especially in complicated cases involving serious injuries, major damage, or disputes over liability. An experienced attorney can help navigate through the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure fair compensation.
For more info, you might want to reach out to organizations like the Iowa State Bar Association, Iowa Department of Transportation, or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Remember, a trusted local attorney should always be your primary source of advice.
If you need legal assistance, start by documenting your case thoroughly. Include details of the accident, any medical treatment, expenses related and communications with insurance companies. Reach out to a reliable attorney specializing in car accident cases, who can review your case and provide assistance on your next steps.
