Des Moines Bicycle Accident Lawyer

After a bicycle accident, the path to recovery can feel steep and uncertain. At Galligan Law, we understand the struggles that come with the recovery process. You may face pain, mounting medical bills and the stress of lost income. However, you do not have to face this process alone. Our Iowa bicycle accident lawyers are here to offer the support and guidance you need at this critical time.

For years, Galligan Law has fostered a tradition of service in the Des Moines community. We are known for our unwavering commitment to service and for relentlessly pursuing justice for our clients. Our mission extends beyond the courtroom as we work to prevent future injuries by advocating for safer roads in Iowa. With a strong history of obtaining significant compensation for our clients, we stand ready to take on the legal challenges you face so that you can concentrate on your recovery.

Why Hire A Des Moines Bicycle Accident Lawyer From Galligan Law?

After getting hurt in a bicycle accident, you are likely not in a position to effectively advocate for yourself. Our team has the experience and tenacity necessary to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

We have years of litigation and negotiation experience that have led to us recovering multimillion-dollar settlements for injured clients. Examples of our firm’s success in personal injury advocacy include:

• Securing a $7 million verdict after a fatal crash
• Litigating a commercial vehicle crash, leading to a $1.6 million verdict
• Recovering tens of millions in settlements for injured clients

Whether you need support negotiating with an insurance provider or gathering evidence of damages for a lawsuit, we can manage the process on your behalf and help optimize your financial recovery.

Bicycle Accidents Can Have Devastating Consequences

Bicyclists often suffer severe injuries in accidents, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage and fractures. Medical treatment for these injuries can be incredibly expensive, and you shouldn’t have to manage these costs on your own.

Without the body of a vehicle, bicyclists can easily become injured due to the negligence of others on the road. Common causes of bicycle accidents include:

• Distracted or inattentive driving
• Drivers failing to yield the right of way
• Unsafe road conditions
• Poor visibility
• Car doors

Bicycle accidents can be life-altering, and the legal process that follows can be complex. Working with an experienced attorney can help protect your rights and navigate the intricacies of filing a personal injury claim.

What Rights Do Bicyclists Have In Des Moines?

As a Des Moines cyclist, you have the same basic rights and responsibilities as those operating motor vehicles. Under Iowa state statutes, you have the right to share the road with larger vehicles, with exceptions for limited-access highways that have minimum speed requirements.

You also have the right to occupy an entire lane of traffic, although cyclists should remain in the right lane unless passing or turning. You have the right to take legal action against those who cause bicycle accidents through negligence or illegal conduct in traffic.

You should comply with all traffic laws and signage, as well as local rules of the road. In Des Moines, you have the right to ride on the sidewalk in most places, other than business districts. You must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians as necessary if traveling on sidewalks.

Additionally, if you ride at night, you must ensure your bicycle has white front lights and red rear reflectors. Compliance with the law strengthens your right to compensation if a crash occurs.

You Have A Right To Compensation In Iowa

In Iowa, you may file a personal injury claim for various forms of compensation following a bicycle accident. Economic damages can help cover tangible costs like medical expenses, rehabilitation fees, lost wages and the potential loss of future earning potential.

Noneconomic damages are awarded for the more subjective impacts of your accident, which can include pain and suffering, disfigurement and mental anguish. An experienced personal injury attorney from Galligan Law can guide you in pursuing the full compensation you deserve to aid in your journey to recovery.

What Immediate Steps Should You Take After A Bicycle Accident in Iowa?

Immediately after a bicycle accident, do the following:

• Get to safety and check for injuries: Move out of traffic if you can and assess your injuries. Even if you feel fine, adrenaline can mask symptoms.
• Call 911: Always report the accident. Ask for both police and medical responders so the crash is documented.
• Exchange information: Get the name, contact details, insurance info and vehicle license plate of the driver or any other parties involved.
• Document the scene: Take photos of your bicycle, the vehicle(s), your injuries, road conditions and any traffic signs or signals.
• Gather witness statements: If anyone saw the crash, ask for their name and contact info. Their account may support your version of events.
• Seek medical attention: Even if you are not taken to the hospital, visit a doctor as soon as possible. This creates a medical record linked to the crash.
• Do not admit fault: Avoid making any statements that suggest you caused the accident. Stick to the facts.
• Speak to an attorney: A bicycle accident lawyer can help protect your rights and guide you through your claim.

Taking these steps helps ensure your well-being while preserving key evidence for your case.

Which Parties May Be Held Liable For An Iowa Bicycle Accident?

Liability in a bicycle accident depends on the cause and facts of the crash. In Iowa, more than just the vehicle driver may be responsible. Potentially liable parties include:

• Motor vehicle drivers: Especially if they were speeding, distracted or failed to yield
• Other bicyclists or pedestrians: If they acted negligently
• Bike manufacturers: In cases where a defect or malfunction caused the accident
• Property owners: If hazardous conditions on private property contributed to the crash
• Government entities: When poor road design, potholes or a lack of signage contributed to the accident

What Happens If You Are Partially At Fault For An Iowa Bike Accident?

In Iowa, the legal system follows modified comparative fault rules. This means you can still recover compensation if you are partially at fault, as long as your share of the blame is less than 51%.

However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault. For example, if you are found 30% at fault and your damages total $10,000, you would receive $7,000. If you are 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages.

What Are Common Danger Zones For Cyclists In Des Moines, Iowa?

Cyclists face the most danger at high-traffic intersections, where drivers may overlook them. The most dangerous locations in Des Moines include:

• Intersections along Grand Avenue, especially 2nd Avenue and 9th Street
• University Avenue and 6th Avenue
• SE 6th Street and Pioneer Road
• I-235 and School Street/MLK Jr. Parkway
• SE 14th Street and Maury Street
• The High Trestle Trail crossing at NW 44th Street
• Raccoon River Valley Trail intersections with roads

Drivers at busy intersections may fail to check for cyclists, perform rolling stops or choose not to yield the right-of-way.

Get The Experienced Legal Guidance You Need

If you suffered injuries in a bicycle accident, you must file your personal injury claim within two years to recover the compensation you deserve. It is vital that you contact us as soon as possible to get started on your case. To schedule a free consultation, call us at 515-316-6179 or send us a message by filling out our online contact form.