Strong Advocates
For the Injured And For A Safer Iowa

Des Moines Car Accident Lawyer

The car accident attorneys at Galligan Law have successfully represented thousands of people injured on Iowa roads. We have also advocated for families after a fatal car crash took the lives of their loved ones.

With decades of experience representing victims of motor vehicle crashes, our Des Moines personal injury lawyers have a proven track record of getting positive results for clients. With a tradition of service, you can trust us to fight for the compensation and justice you deserve.

Take Action Today To Protect Your Rights
We will explain your rights and listen to your car accident story in a free consultation. There are no up-front costs, and we get paid only if we secure a recovery for you. Get started now at 515-316-6179.

Experience That Gets Results In Des Moines Auto Accident Claims

The overwhelming majority of Iowa car accident injuries and deaths can be traced to negligent driving. The injuries suffered in a collision can be life-altering. Victims are often left with challenges such as loss of income, medical bills, pain, loss of function, depression, anguish and loss of enjoyment of life. And the effects of the death of a loved one can be life-shattering.

We have handled nearly every type and configuration of crash, including:

Rear-end collisions
T-bone accidents at the intersection
Side impact/broadside/T-bone or sideswipe accidents
Backup accidents
Rollovers
A driver’s loss of control
Multivehicle accidents
Pedestrian accidents
Accidents involving trucks such as tractor-trailer
Accidents caused by negligent operation of farm tractors, buses, ATVs and motorcycles

We also have deep knowledge, experience and understanding of the countless types, severity and mechanisms of injuries that result from car accidents. Our skill in handling wrongful death cases allows us to give you the strongest voice when your loved one has been killed as a result of negligent driving.

A Thorough Investigation Of Your Iowa Car Accident Claim

When you hire Galligan Law to represent you and investigate your motor vehicle collision case, we leave no stone unturned. In our investigation, we look into all possible causes of the collision, potentially liable parties and avenues for financial recovery. Our car accident attorneys will investigate and advise you on applicable insurance coverages, including uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, dram shop coverage, liability umbrellas and corporate coverages.

We will also investigate defective vehicle design, roadway design, dram shops, employer-employee relationships, vehicle ownership and agency-independent contractor relationships to ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable and that you are made whole for the harms and losses you’ve sustained.

What Steps Should You Take After A Car Accident In Des Moines?

What you do in the aftermath is crucial. If you can move yourself and your vehicle out of harm’s way, then do so. Failing that, switch on your hazards to alert other road users. Only exit the vehicle and move yourself to a safer spot if it is safe.

You’ll also want to alert the emergency services as soon as possible. Call 911 and ask for the police, ambulance and fire services if needed. The most important thing is that anyone with injuries gets immediate medical attention.

If you can, you should gather as many details as possible. Get contact information from any other drivers and witnesses involved. Take photos of any damage to the vehicle.

How To File A Car Accident Claim In Iowa

Filing a car accident claim in Iowa involves several key steps. This process can seem complex, but breaking it down makes it manageable. Here is a detailed guide to help you through it:

Gather information: Collect essential details at the accident scene. Note the date, time and location. Exchange names, contact information and insurance details with the other driver. Gather witness information and statements. Take photos of the vehicles, damages and any injuries.
Report the accident: Contact the police to report the accident. Obtain a copy of the police report, as it will support your claim.
Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, visit a doctor. Some injuries are not immediately apparent after a crash. Keep records of all medical treatments and expenses.
Document everything: Maintain a file with all relevant documents. Include the police report, medical records, repair estimates and any correspondence with insurance companies.
Consult with an attorney: An attorney can provide valuable assistance, especially if the claim becomes complicated. A lawyer can help ensure your rights are protected and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
Contact your insurance company: File a claim with your insurer. Provide them with all collected information. They will guide you on the next steps and may assign an adjuster to your case. It’s important to remember not to talk with your insurance until after you’ve consulted with an attorney. Your attorney may also take on the role of communicating with your insurer or any adjusters assigned to your case in your stead.
Review settlement offer: Once the insurer assesses your claim, they will make a settlement offer. Evaluate it carefully. An attorney can help you understand if the offer is fair and advise if negotiations are needed.
Negotiation: Your attorney will negotiate with the involved parties, including the other party’s lawyer and insurance companies, to seek a favorable outcome that considers the full scope of your injuries. Negotiations may go back and forth until a satisfactory settlement is achieved.
Litigation: However, if a satisfactory settlement is not feasible, your attorney may advise you to take your case to court. They will aggressively represent you at trial to achieve maximum compensation on your behalf.

By following these steps, you will be better prepared to navigate the car accident claims process in Iowa. Our attorneys are here to guide you through these steps toward securing a favorable result.

How Long Do You Have To File A Personal Injury Claim After A Car Accident?

In Iowa, you have two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. It is essential that you contact an experienced accident lawyer as soon as possible to get started on your case in a timely manner.

Why Do I Need An Iowa Accident Attorney After A Car Crash?

The time after an accident is stressful and overwhelming, especially if you face painful injuries and a long recovery time. With so much going on, you should be able to focus on your recovery instead of legal paperwork. Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer can make a huge difference in the outcome of your case and lift some of the burden off your shoulders. We will help you with every detail of your case, from the initial investigation process and gathering evidence to negotiating a fair settlement to get you the compensation you deserve.

When Should You Hire A Des Moines Car Accident Attorney?

It is best to hire an attorney as soon as possible after an accident. Early legal representation:

Helps protect your rights
Gather crucial evidence
Negotiate with insurance companies

If you have suffered injuries, face costly medical bills or are dealing with an uncooperative insurer, hiring a lawyer increases the likelihood of a favorable outcome. Our Des Moines car accident attorney can help you with every step of your case.

How Is Compensation Determined In An Iowa Car Accident Case?

When you are involved in a car accident in Iowa, the compensation you receive depends on various factors, including the severity of your injuries, the extent of property damage and the impact on your daily life. Here are some common types of compensation available:

Medical expenses: Covers hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, medications and ongoing medical care
Lost wages: Compensation for time missed from work due to injuries, including potential future earnings if you are unable to return to work
Pain and suffering: Includes physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident
Property damage: Covers repair or replacement of your vehicle and any personal property damaged in the crash
Loss of consortium: Compensation for the negative impact on relationships with a spouse or family members
Punitive damages: In cases of gross negligence, additional damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault driver

The process begins with filing an insurance claim. Iowa follows a fault-based system, meaning the at-fault driver’s insurance is responsible for covering damages.

If a settlement cannot be reached with the insurance company, a personal injury lawsuit may be necessary.

Who Pays Your Medical Bills After An Iowa Car Accident?

If your injuries were the result of another driver’s negligence, they should be held liable for your bills through Iowa’s fault-based insurance system. They can pay for them through their insurer. If they were uninsured, then you have the option to sue the negligent driver personally. Your own insurer may also pay out for your medical bills if necessary.

What Happens If You Were In An Accident With An Uninsured Or Underinsured Driver In Iowa?

If you are in an accident with a driver who lacks sufficient insurance, Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage can help. Iowa does not require UM/UIM coverage, but it is highly recommended.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Pays for medical bills and other damages if the at-fault driver has no insurance.
Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Covers the gap when the other driver’s insurance is insufficient.

If you lack UM/UIM coverage, our attorneys can help you explore other options, such as filing a personal injury lawsuit against the driver. However, collecting damages may be difficult if they lack financial resources.

What Are The Most Common Causes Of Car Accidents In Des Moines?

Car accidents happen for many reasons. Understanding these can help you stay safe on the road. Here are some of the most common causes:

Distracted driving: This is a leading cause of accidents. It includes eating, texting and calling, or adjusting the GPS or radio. Taking your eyes off the road for even a second can lead to a crash.
Drunk driving: Alcohol impairs your judgment and reaction time. Driving under the influence is illegal and dangerous.
Poor road conditions: Potholes, uneven lanes and lack of signs can contribute to accidents. Be extra careful in unfamiliar areas.
Weather conditions: Rain, snow and fog can make roads slippery and reduce visibility. It is important to drive cautiously in bad weather.
Speeding: Driving over the speed limit reduces your ability to react in time to sudden changes. It increases the severity of accidents as well.
Running red lights: Ignoring traffic signals can cause severe collisions, especially at busy intersections.
Tailgating: Following too closely does not give you enough time to stop if the car in front brakes suddenly.
Fatigue: Drowsy driving can be as dangerous as drunk driving, as it impairs your ability to make sound judgments behind the wheel. If you feel tired, pull over and rest.
Vehicle defects: Faulty brakes, tires or other mechanical issues can lead to loss of control. Regular maintenance checks are crucial.
Inexperienced drivers: New drivers may lack the skills to handle complex driving situations. Extra caution is needed when learning to drive.
Aggressive driving: This includes behaviors such as road rage, weaving in and out of traffic, and not yielding the right of way.

Stay alert, drive safely and always follow traffic laws to reduce your risk of an accident. If you are involved in a crash due to another person’s negligent actions, consulting a car accident attorney can help you understand your rights and options.

What Are The Most Dangerous Roads In Iowa?

Researchers have found Interstate 80 to be the most dangerous highway in Iowa for traffic deaths caused by car accidents. It has high volumes of personal vehicles and large commercial trucks, bisecting the state east to west and traveling at high speeds.

U.S. Route 20 in Iowa is another major east-west roadway with a history of fatal crashes. Though the Iowa section of U.S. Route 20 has been a four-lane divided highway since October 2018, it remains dangerous.

What Are Iowa’s Insurance Laws?

Iowa is a fault-based insurance state, meaning that the negligent party’s insurance must pay for your medical bills and any resulting damages. Iowa also follows a modified comparative fault model, which assigns responsibility for damages based on the percentage of fault caused by each party. However, if the plaintiff’s fault is above 50%, their recovery may be limited or barred.

In Iowa, drivers must carry liability insurance that covers accidents, medical bills and property damage when the policyholder caused the accident. However, liability insurance does not cover the costs if another driver causes the accident. As part of your insurance coverage, you can add MedPay or medical payments coverage to cover those costs.

Helping You Navigate Medical Bills And Insurance Following An Iowa Car Accident

An injury from a motor vehicle collision can result in significant medical bills piling up for diagnosis, care and treatment. It’s natural to become overwhelmed when the bills start arriving in the mail, and billing offices and collections agencies come calling. The car accident attorneys and staff at Galligan Law have years of training and experience helping clients get their medical bills paid through their health insurance, government benefit programs or medical coverage from their auto policy.

Our team at Galligan Law will ease your load and deal directly with medical providers to get your bills paid by applicable insurance coverage, set up a reasonable payment plan or keep collection efforts at bay until you obtain a recovery from the negligent driver that caused your injuries and medical care.

Fighting For Your Rights After A Car Accident In Des Moines

Reach our law offices in Des Moines by calling 515-316-6179 or completing our online inquiry form. Our investigation of your motor vehicle collision case is free. If we don’t take your case or obtain a successful recovery for you, we don’t charge you a fee for our professional services or ask you to pay back the costs we’ve incurred. You will only be charged if there is a successful outcome in your case and a financial recovery on your behalf.