Before you can decide whether or not you should file a car accident case in Iowa, you need to know more about your potential recovery. You need to understand what your potential damages may be if you pursue a settlement with the insurance company or a personal injury case in court, so that you can decide whether or not you want to take action.
Here’s What Fair Damages Include in Iowa
If you are successful in proving that someone else is mostly at fault for your accident, then you may be able to make a recovery through settlement negotiations or in the courtroom. Your recovery may include compensation for past, current, and future:
- Medical expenses. This includes doctors’ appointments, medications, surgeries, hospitalizations, assistive medical devices, and any other medical expenses related to your injuries.
- Lost income. Lost income may include your wages, the value of your benefits, and the value of the income you were unable to earn if you are self-employed.
- Out-of-pocket costs. This includes property damage from the accident and any other costs related to the accident, which may include child care expenses, transportation costs, and other incidental categories.
- Pain and suffering. Your physical pain and emotional suffering should be compensated.
Your recovery will be reduced, however, by the percentage of the accident that was your fault. For example, if it is determined that the accident was 25 percent your fault and 75 percent the fault of the other driver, then your damages would be reduced by 25 percent so that the other driver does not pay for your negligence.
Take Action Now to Get the Fair Damages You Deserve
If you want to recover these damages, then you have a limited amount of time to take action. Iowa law gives you two years to file a lawsuit after a car crash results in your injury; however, you don’t need to wait that long to get started. Instead, contact an experienced Iowa car accident attorney for a free consultation as soon as possible after your crash. You can start a live chat with us or call us directly at 1-800-800-5678 any time.
