West Des Moines Car Accident Lawyer

Schedule a Free Consultation
With Our West Des Moines Car Accident Attorney

At Baer Law Office, our West Des Moines car accident lawyer is committed to providing top-tier legal representation to the people who need help the most—victims and families. Our team knows how to hold large insurance companies accountable after a crash. Were you or a family member involved in a motor vehicle crash in West Des Moines? We are here to help. Contact us today for your free consultation.

Four Steps to Take After a Car Accident in West Des Moines

Knowing what to do after a car crash in West Des Moines can make the process a lot less challenging. Here are four steps to take if you were involved in a collision in West Des Moines:

Halt Your Vehicle, Notify Law Enforcement: Under Iowa law, all motorists must stop their vehicle, exchange details, and remain at the scene unless there is a medical emergency. Contact law enforcement, such as the West Des Moines Police Department.
See a Doctor If Hurt in the Collision: Did you suffer any physical trauma in the crash? It is imperative that you see a doctor right away. Many common injuries are not immediately apparent at the scene. Further, you need medical records to bring a claim.
Document the Scene of Your Crash: Carefully document the entire scene with your camera—capturing images of the damaged vehicles, any visible injuries, and overall traffic conditions. Also, make sure to get the names and contact details of witnesses.
Speak to a Lawyer Before an Insurance Adjuster: An insurance company will likely request a recorded statement after an accident in West Des Moines. Before you provide a statement, you should consult with an experienced attorney.

Your Guide to Liability in Iowa

Iowa is a fault-based motor vehicle accident jurisdiction. Fault is foundational to liability in Iowa. Hurt in a crash in West Des Moines? You must prove another driver—or other party—was negligent in order to hold them liable. Negligence is defined as the failure to exercise reasonable care. It is crucial that your accident is investigated by a West Des Moines auto accident lawyer so you have all of the evidence that you need to prove negligence. Examples of negligence that can cause crashes:

Speeding;
Tailgating;
Failure to yield;
Traffic violations;
Distracted driving;
Impaired driving; and
Manufacturer defects.

Under Iowa’s modified comparative fault rule (I.C.A. § 668.3(1)(b)), each party to a crash will be held legally responsible for their “share” of the blame. If you are responsible for less than 51 percent of your crash, you can bring a claim. However, your recovery will be reduced proportionately. As an example, imagine that you were found 20 percent liable for a crash in West Des Moines. You can still recover—but you will be liable for 20 percent of your own crash damages.

Car Accident Victims in West Des Moines Deserve the Maximum Compensation

Hurt in a collision in West Des Moines? You may be able to recover compensation for both your economic losses and non-economic damages. Insurance companies can make the legal process very difficult for victims and families. Our West Des Moines auto accident lawyer is prepared to help you fight for the maximum settlement. Your may be able to recover compensation for:

Automobile repairs;
Ambulance costs;
Emergency room care;
Hospital bills;
Medical expenses;
Loss of wages;
Diminished earnings;
Pain and suffering;
Long-term physical disability; and
Wrongful death.

Why Hire West Des Moines Car Crash Attorney Kim Bear

A car wreck can happen when you least expect it—and it can radically disrupt your life. Our founder attorney Kim Baer and Baer Law Office was voted the best local law firm for 9 consecutive years. She puts time, resources, and attention to the small details into each and every case. Along with other things, our West Des Moines car accident lawyer will:

Listen to what you have to say and explain the next steps in the process;
Investigate your collision—gathering all relevant evidence and information;
Advocate for you in any settlement negotiations with insurance companies; and
Take aggressive action to protect your rights and your interests.

West Des Moines Car Accident Claims: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Car Accident Statute of Limitations in Iowa?

Two years. Under Iowa law (I.C.A. § 614.1 (2)), you must bring any claim for a motor vehicle collision within two years of the date of the crash. There are only narrow exceptions. The deadline applies to both personal injury and property damage claims. Do not fall behind in the legal claims process: Speak to a West Des Moines auto accident lawyer right away after a wreck.

What is Negligence and How Could it Impact My Claim?

Negligence in a car accident context refers to the failure to exercise reasonable care in a manner that results in harm to another party. In Iowa, your claim’s success often depends on proving that the other driver’s negligence caused the accident and your resultant injuries. Iowa follows a comparative fault rule. However, if found partially at fault, your compensation will be reduced.

What are My Legal Options after a Hit-and-Run Crash?

After a hit-and-run crash in Iowa, your legal options include filing a claim with your own insurance company under uninsured motorist coverage, if available. You should report the accident to the police—such as the West Des Moines Police Department—as soon as possible. Doing so will help to facilitate an investigation that could identify the fleeing driver. An attorney can help you explore every potential option for recovering financial compensation for your damages.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our West Des Moines Auto Accident Lawyer Today

At Baer Law Office, our West Des Moines car crash attorney is standing by, ready to protect your rights and your interests. Hurt in a wreck? We are here to help. Give us a phone call at (515) 279-2000 or contact us online to set up your free, no obligation initial consultation. Our firm handles motor vehicle accident injury claims in West Des Moines, Polk County, and Dallas County.