Des Moines Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
Fighting For Pedestrian Accident Victims in Iowa
If you have been struck by a motor vehicle or a loved one was killed as a result of a vehicle collision in the greater Des Moines area or anywhere else in Iowa, an attorney from LaMarca Law Group, P.C. can help your family overcome the legal hurdles that separate you from the compensation to which you are entitled. At our firm, we are committed to protecting victims’ rights, and our attorneys focus their full attention on their clients’ cases. You can rest assured that the staff at our firm will work with your best interests in mind.
To schedule a free consultation and case review, contact our Des Moines pedestrian accident attorney by calling us today at (515) 705-0233.
Why You Need a Lawyer
While reaching out to a lawyer may seem like an added stressor in an already turbulent time, it is tough to win suitable compensation without an experienced injury lawyer at your side. Winning a case requires a well-developed understanding of injury law and negligence. If you attempt to manage your claim alone, you may make vital mistakes that could ultimately cost you valuable time and money.
When you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, you don’t have any time or money to spare. An attorney will provide much-needed experience when compiling evidence, interviewing witnesses, and building your case. Unless you have what it takes to win a case, hiring an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer will benefit you throughout the legal process.
In addition to providing general support, your injury lawyer can keep you informed of critical court dates and deadlines, talk with witnesses, and conduct a thorough investigation. An injury lawyer can also negotiate settlements on your behalf or argue for you in court. While reaching out-of-court settlements typically yields more expedient payouts, your lawyer will take the necessary actions to secure the compensation you need.
Don’t make the mistake of bogging yourself down with more work than you can realistically take on. Hiring a lawyer whom you trust is the best decision you can make to ensure you win your case.
Why Choose LaMarca Law Group, P.C.?
At LaMarca Law Group, P.C., we have a long history of winning cases and helping clients move forward with their lives after terrible accidents. If you’ve been hit by a motor vehicle as a pedestrian, you’re undoubtedly dealing with a stack of medical bills and an ongoing physical recovery. Our lawyers have met with enough victims of pedestrian accidents to know that you’re dealing with plenty of obstacles. We’ve made it part of our mission as a firm to prioritize you as a person, not just a client.
We believe that you deserve quality representation, no matter what your financial situation looks like. As a result, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means that unless we secure a favorable settlement for you, you don’t owe us for our services. Our contingency fee is just one of the ways LaMarca Law Group, P.C. prioritizes clients. We will always be available to you to discuss the realities of your case, promising to be honest and open every step of the way.
Our firm is so well-respected that our attorneys are often invited to speak at seminars for the continued education of Iowan legal professionals. We also support many aspiring lawyers by funding scholarship programs for local students. Giving back is part of who we are as a firm, so you can be sure that we’ll always devote the energy and time to your case that it deserves.
Pedestrian Accident Lawsuits
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 5,000 pedestrians were killed in traffic collisions in 2007. Pedestrians face real risks, especially in heavily trafficked areas, as even a minor collision at slow speeds can prove devastating to a pedestrian. An individual can easily suffer broken bones, abrasions, open wounds, and even catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and death, in a vehicle collision.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a pedestrian accident in the greater Des Moines area or anywhere else in Iowa, an attorney from our firm has the experience, dedication, and legal knowledge you are seeking. We can review your case and determine liability. Though the driver of the vehicle is typically considered liable in pedestrian accidents, if it can be shown that you were crossing the street illegally or you were in any other way violating the rules of the road, it can jeopardize your claim eligibility.
You can depend on a Des Moines pedestrian accident lawyer from LaMarca Law Group, P.C. to thoroughly investigate and review your case and advise you of your options. If we feel you are eligible for compensation, we will work tirelessly to see that you obtain the full measure of compensation to which you are legally entitled.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
The following negligent actions by motorists are some common causes of pedestrian accidents:
- Failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk
- Failing to recognize a pedestrian’s right-of-way
- Driving recklessly or speeding, especially in areas with heavy foot traffic
- Pulling in front of a pedestrian from a driveway
- Intentionally disregarding the rules of the road or “road rage”
If you have been hurt in an accident caused by a reckless driver, you may be eligible for compensation for your pain, suffering, medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs associated with the accident.
Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable to severe injuries because of the direct impact of a vehicle. Some of the most common injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, their head may hit the pavement or the vehicle itself, leading to concussions, skull fractures, or other traumatic brain injuries. TBIs can cause lasting cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Harm to the spinal cord could lead to partial or full paralysis, especially altering a person’s life and requiring long-term care.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: Pedestrians often suffer broken bones, particularly in the legs, arms, and ribs, because of the force of the impact.
- Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma from a vehicle collision can cause internal bleeding and damage to vital organs, which may not be immediately apparent but require urgent medical attention.
- Lacerations and Contusions: Cuts, scrapes, and bruises are common in pedestrian accidents and can vary from minor to severe. Deep lacerations may require stitches or surgery.
- Amputations: In some severe cases, the force of the accident may result in traumatic amputation of limbs or require surgical amputation later on due to the extent of the injuries.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and torn ligaments are common, especially in the neck and back, and can cause long-term pain and mobility problems.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
Iowa is only 1 of 3 states that showed declining pedestrian fatalities between 2017 and 2018, according to the GHSA’s preliminary data for 2018. However, that doesn’t mean that pedestrians are not at risk. The same report states that 2,876 pedestrians died in motor vehicle accidents in the first half of 2018 across the country, which is a 3% increase from the year before. According to the CDC, people who are most at risk of being killed or injured in a pedestrian accident are those individuals who are 65 years or older and those who are under the age of 15. Pedestrians who are impaired by alcohol or drugs are also especially at risk of being involved in an injury-causing or fatal accident.
Pedestrian Laws and Statutes
In the state of Iowa, a pedestrian has the right-of-way when leaving an alley, parking lot, driveway, or when crossing a street with a crosswalk. Vehicles are required to yield at crosswalks, but pedestrians should be careful and never assume that a driver is going to follow the law. Even when a pedestrian is entirely within their rights to cross a road, drivers who are distracted or impaired may not stop. Pedestrians must also be aware of cyclists just as they would watch out for motorists.
When crossing a street without a crosswalk or a pedestrian bridge, pedestrians must yield to oncoming cars. When walking along the side of the road, pedestrians are required to walk on the left-hand side of the road so that oncoming drivers can spot them easily. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Iowa is two years. So, injury victims must file their claim within two years of an accident. Some exceptions to the statute of limitations apply, so be sure to discuss your case with a knowledgeable attorney.
Contact Our Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Des Moines Today
A Des Moines pedestrian accident attorney from LaMarca Law Group, P.C. can help ensure that you obtain the compensation you deserve if you or someone you love is struck by a vehicle.
To schedule a free consultation and case review, contact our Des Moines pedestrian accident lawyers from LaMarca Law Group, P.C. today by calling (515) 705-0233.
Frequently Asked Questions
When a collision involving a pedestrian occurs, catastrophic injuries are likely to happen. Even if the collision occurred at a relatively low speed, the victim may be severely harmed or killed. Following an accident, the victim and their family will be looking desperately for answers to their questions, so we’ve provided answers to some of the most common questions we receive about being a pedestrian in an accident.
What are my rights as a pedestrian?
If you are walking on a sidewalk or are crossing the street in a designated crosswalk, you have a right to expect that motorists will be aware of your presence and exercise due caution while on the road. Pedestrians have the right-of-way when they are crossing the street in a legal manner, and if a motorist fails to see you, fails to stop or yield, or is driving in a reckless or negligent manner and causes you harm, you may be eligible to hold them accountable through an injury lawsuit.
How much money can I receive for my claim?
There is no set amount that we can tell you that you’ll get for your claim. There are many factors in play that will determine the amount of compensation you may be eligible for. An example is the total amount of your medical costs—this includes the amount of your original hospital bill, the predicted amount for follow-up visits, the money it would cost to go to therapy, etc. Another example could be non-economic amounts, such as a determined dollar amount tied to your pain or suffering. A third example includes the time you had to take off work or even the time you will miss from work in the future, including the possibility that the accident hurt you so bad you may never return to work. There are many variables in determining this amount, so speak to an attorney as soon as possible to get started.
When should I get in touch with an attorney after an accident?
It is of utmost importance that you get in touch with an attorney immediately. There are many reasons for seeking assistance as quickly as possible. For one, you cannot even start to get help with your bills until you’ve spoken with an attorney and gotten on the path to compensation. It’s always better to face finances with money in your pockets instead of going into debt and trying to pay them down, so the sooner you get compensation, the better your financial future will look. Moreover, there is always a set limit on how long you can wait before you bring in a case. In Iowa, that time is 2 years.
Act Now, Before it’s Too Late
You should be aware that the statute of limitations (the deadline imposed by law within which you may bring a lawsuit) may severely limit the time remaining for you to file any potential claim.
Protect your rights by contacting an attorney as soon as possible. An experienced trial attorney can also provide timely advice and service regarding preservation of evidence and other time-sensitive matters that can affect your rights.
If you don’t see the answer you need below, call us at (515) 705-0233 today.
We have dedicated our lives to protecting the rights and futures of injured Iowans. We work to ensure that your case is handled while you focus on your recovery.
