Ames Car Accident Lawyer
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Schedule Your Free Consultation With Our Ames Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer Today
At Baer Law Office, our Ames car accident lawyer invests the time, resources, and attention to detail to help injured victims secure the absolute maximum financial compensation. With more than 30 years of experience, our firm takes on the full spectrum of motor vehicle accident cases. If you or your loved one was hurt in a bad accident, we are here to help. Contact us today for a free, no obligation initial appointment with a top-tier Ames car crash attorney.
Steps to Take After a Motor Vehicle Collision in Ames, Iowa
Were you hurt in a bad crash in Ames? It is imperative that you take immediate action to protect yourself. Do not rely on an insurance company to look out for your best interests. Here are four steps to take after a traffic collision in Story County:
- Halt Your Vehicle and Report the Collision: Under Iowa state law, all parties to a collision are required to halt their vehicle and remain at the scene unless there is an emergency. You should report the traffic collision to the Ames Police Department.
- See a Doctor Right Away for Any Injuries: All injuries should be assessed. It is crucial to visit a hospital or a healthcare provider for a thorough examination. Often, hidden injuries like concussions or internal bleeding can go unnoticed. You need medical care.
- Carefully Document the Car Crash: Use your smartphone or camera to take comprehensive photos of the accident site, capturing different angles of the vehicles, damage, any skid marks, traffic signs, and overall road conditions. Be sure to gather and write down personal and insurance information from all drivers involved.
- Speak to an Ames Auto Accident Lawyer: Do not go through the personal injury claims process alone. A top-tier Ames auto accident attorney can provide guidance on how to deal with insurance companies and help compile the necessary documentation for a strong case.
Know the Law: Car Crash Liability in Ames
Car accident claims in Ames are subject to Iowa state law. In Iowa, liability for a car crash is based on fault. The system allows the injured parties to seek compensation directly from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. It is essential for drivers to prove fault through evidence like accident reports, witness statements, and other documentation. Every crash should be carefully investigated.
Under Iowa’s modified comparative fault rule (I.C.A. § 668.3(1)(b)), each party involved in a car crash is assigned a percentage of fault and their recovery is based, in part, on their degree of fault. For instance, if you are involved in an accident in Ames and found to be 25 percent at fault and the total damages are $100,000, you can only recover $75,000. Iowa law bars recovery if you are at fault for 51 percent or more of your own accident.
Recovering Full and Fair Compensation After a Bad Crash
How much compensation can you expect to recover through a car accident injury claim in Ames? The answer depends on the specific circumstances of your case, including the severity of your injuries. Sadly, insurance companies cannot be relied upon to look out for your best interests. A top-tier attorney can make the difference. Our Ames car accident attorney helps injured victims seek the maximum financial compensation, including for:
- Property damage, including automotive repairs;
- Ambulance costs and emergency room care;
- Hospital bills and other health care expenses;
- Loss of wages and loss of earning capacity;
- Pain and suffering & emotional distress;
- Disability or disfigurement; and
- Wrongful death of a family member.
How Ames Car Accident Attorney Kim Baer Can Help
Hurt in a bad crash in Ames or elsewhere in Story County? It is normal to have a ton of questions about the claims process. Baer Law Office was ranked as the best law firm for 9 years. We are here to hold the insurance company accountable and help get the best possible outcome. More specifically, our Ames auto accident lawyer is ready to:
- Hear your story and answer questions about car accident injury claims;
- Carefully investigate your crash, gathering relevant evidence;
- Handle the legal paperwork and represent you in settlement negotiations; and
- Develop a personalized strategy to help you maximize your compensation.
Car Accident Injury Claims in Ames: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes. If you sustained any type of injury in a crash in Ames, it is crucial that you see a doctor as soon as possible. A medical professional can identify injuries that may not be immediately apparent. Beyond that, your doctor will provide medical records that are necessary for a legal claim.
The statute of limitations sets the deadline to bring a legal claim. Under Iowa law (I.C.A. § 614.1 (2)), the deadline for filing a car accident injury claim in Ames is two years from the date of the accident. Very limited exceptions apply. Do not fall behind in the claims process. Consult with an Ames auto accident lawyer right away after a bad collision.
Yes. Iowa follows a modified comparative fault rule. How does it work? If you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. You can still recover compensation as long as your fault does not exceed 50 percent.
It depends on many case-driven factors, including the severity of your injuries. Figuring out the value of a car accident case is never easy. An experienced Ames auto accident attorney can help assess all damages and negotiate the maximum available financial compensation.
Contact Our Ames, IA Auto Accident Attorney for Your Free, No Obligation Case Review
At Baer Law Office, our Ames car accident attorney has the professional expertise that you can rely on when it matters most. Hurt in a bad crash? We are here as a legal resource. Reach out to us by phone at (515) 279-2000 or contact us online for a free, no obligation review of your case. We represent auto accident victims in Ames, Story County, and throughout the region.