Des Moines Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

When you go for a jog or use a crosswalk, you run the risk of negligent motorists causing an accident and serious injuries. In 2024, 31 pedestrians died in traffic accidents across Iowa, up just slightly from 30 in 2023, reflecting a concerning trend. Meanwhile, in the first half of 2024, pedestrian fatalities in the state jumped approximately 36% compared with the same period in 2023, bucking the national trend. While cities, counties and the state Department of Transportation are taking steps to prevent pedestrian accidents, it is difficult to completely put a stop to such accidents.

If you or your loved one suffered in a pedestrian accident, you need an experienced attorney to fight for the financial compensation you deserve. Our attorneys at Galligan Law have decades of experience representing clients throughout Iowa from our Des Moines-area office location. We have a proven track record of success, obtaining millions of damages for our injured clients and their loved ones. You can trust us to fight for the justice you deserve.

Helping You Obtain The Compensation You Need To Move Forward

In an accident between a vehicle and a pedestrian, it is no surprise that the pedestrian is especially vulnerable to severe injuries. Without the body of a car to protect them like in a regular motor vehicle accident, pedestrian accidents may result in traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones and amputations.

Common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

• Distracted drivers
• Speeding
• Failure to yield or stop
• Driving under the influence
• Poor visibility and lighting

Depending on the circumstances of your case, our attorneys may help you file a claim to recover compensation for your medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, lost future income and pain and suffering.

If you lost a loved one due to a pedestrian accident, our lawyers can help you file a wrongful death claim on their behalf. While filing a claim cannot bring your loved one back, financial compensation can help you move forward and cover costs such as funeral expenses and medical bills.

Do Iowa Pedestrians Have A Duty To Avoid Accidents?

Yes, pedestrians in Iowa have certain legal responsibilities when using roadways. While drivers must be cautious and alert, pedestrians also must help prevent accidents. The law expects pedestrians to: 

• Follow traffic signals 
• Use sidewalks when available
• Cross streets at marked crosswalks or intersections 

Pedestrians are expected to act with care, just like any “reasonable person” would in a similar situation. This is known as the reasonable person standard. If pedestrians ignore traffic signals, walk into traffic without looking or cross in dangerous conditions, they could be considered partially at fault for the accident. 

In essence, both drivers and pedestrians must share the road safely. If a pedestrian fails to follow the law, it does not automatically mean they cannot recover compensation, but it can affect how much they receive. 

How Long Do You Have To File A Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit In Des Moines?

In Des Moines, injury victims must act quickly after a pedestrian accident because the statute of limitations sets a strict deadline for filing a claim. Under Iowa law, most personal injury lawsuits, including pedestrian accident cases, must be filed within two years from the accident date. 

Missing this deadline can mean losing the right to seek compensation, no matter how strong the case may be. Since time limits are firm and evidence can fade, it is essential to consult with a pedestrian accident law firm as soon as possible. 

Who Is Responsible For Paying Medical Bills In An Iowa Pedestrian Accident?

Several parties might be responsible for covering medical costs when a pedestrian is hit by a vehicle in Iowa. Generally, the driver’s auto insurance will be the first to step in. If the driver is found at fault, their liability insurance should help cover the pedestrian’s medical bills and other damages. 

In some cases, other insurance coverage might apply, such as: 

• The pedestrian’s health insurance 
• The pedestrian’s auto insurance (if it includes underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage) 
• Personal injury protection (PIP), if applicable 

Insurance companies will investigate who caused the accident and whether both parties shared any blame. If there is a dispute over fault, the insurer might reduce the payout or delay the claim. 

Can You Still Collect Damages If You Were Not Using A Crosswalk In Iowa?

Yes, you can usually still collect damages, even if you were not in a crosswalk at the time of the accident. Iowa uses a comparative fault system, meaning your compensation could be reduced if you are partly at fault, but you can still recover damages if you are not more than 50% responsible. 

For example, if a driver was speeding or distracted and hit you, they may still be mostly to blame, even if you crossed the street mid-block. However, your settlement may be adjusted based on how much your actions contributed to the accident. 

Working with an experienced attorney can help you protect your rights and maximize the compensation to which you are entitled. 

What Is The Role Of A Des Moines Pedestrian Accident Attorney?

After a serious crash, many injury victims question the need for a pedestrian accident attorney. However, an experienced lawyer provides critical support in multiple ways beyond filing paperwork. 

Some of the key ways a lawyer can help in these situations include:

• Investigating the accident: A skilled attorney gathers police reports, witness statements and expert evaluations to build a strong case.
• Explaining Iowa law: Pedestrian accident attorneys clarify how local rules apply and what rights injury victims have under state regulations.
• Handling insurance companies: Lawyers negotiate directly with insurers, pushing back against low settlement offers and fighting for fair compensation.
• Filing a personal injury lawsuit: If settlement talks fail, your attorney can prepare and present your case in court.
• Guiding medical bill recovery: Attorneys help identify responsible parties and seek damages for hospital bills, rehabilitation and long-term care.

Working with a dedicated pedestrian accident law firm helps ensure no step is overlooked. Attorneys protect your rights, give you the legal knowledge you need and stand up to insurance companies so you can focus on healing.

For injury victims in Des Moines, having the right representation can mean the difference between struggling with financial losses and moving forward with the support of a successful claim. That is why speaking with an experienced attorney as soon as possible is one of the most important steps after an accident.

Putting Our Knowledge And Experience To Work For You

At Galligan Law, our attorneys engage in national groups focused on personal injury law and attend regular meetings and education programs nationwide. You can always trust that our team is up to date on the latest knowledge and skills relating to the investigation and prosecution of personal injury and wrongful death cases. To schedule a consultation, call us at 515-316-6179 or complete our online inquiry form.