State highways play a pivotal role in the transportation infrastructure of Des Moines, Iowa. While they facilitate the smooth flow of traffic, they’re also prime locations for accidents that result in severe personal injuries. When such accidents occur, consulting the skilled Des Moines car accident lawyer at Hupy and Abraham becomes crucial to ensuring your legal rights and interests stay protected so you get the compensation you deserve.
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Types of Accidents That Commonly Occur on State Highways
Accidents on state highways in Des Moines can result in life-altering injuries and financial hardships. There are several dangerous routes in Des Moines that have higher accident rates due to high volumes of traffic.
For example, I-235 experiences heavy traffic and bottlenecks, especially during rush hour, leading to potential accidents. Additionally, the mix of local and long-distance traffic on Interstates 35 and 80, especially at key junctions, leads to congestion and accidents.
Some common types of car accidents that can occur on state highways include the following:
Rear-End Collisions
These accidents happen frequently on state highways in Des Moines, typically when one vehicle follows another too closely and fails to brake in time, resulting in a crash from behind. These accidents can cause significant injuries, particularly if the cars involved are traveling at high rates of speed or don’t notice varying traffic speed limits.
Head-On Collisions
These are among the most catastrophic accidents on state highways. They often result in severe injuries or fatalities due to the sheer force of impact when two vehicles collide front-to-front. Factors such as impaired driving, distracted driving, or fatigue can contribute to these devastating accidents.
Side-Impact Collisions
Side-impact collisions, commonly known as T-bone accidents, happen when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another. These collisions frequently occur at intersections on state highways and can lead to severe injuries, especially for occupants on the side of the impacted vehicle.
Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents involve a vehicle overturning onto its roof or side. Various factors contribute to these incidents, such as excessive speed, reckless driving, or swerving to avoid obstacles. Rollover accidents often result in severe injuries, and occupants may be ejected from the vehicle.
Multi-Vehicle Pileups
State highways in Des Moines are sometimes the sites for multi-vehicle pile-ups during adverse weather conditions like fog, rain, or snow, which makes it challenging for drivers to maintain control of their vehicles. Since these accidents involve numerous vehicles, the result is a complex web of insurance claims and legal issues.
What to Do After State Highway Crashes in Des Moines
After an accident on a state highway, prioritizing your safety and the safety of others involved is essential. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location, such as the shoulder of the highway, to avoid further accidents. Here are some other steps to take.
- Check for Injuries. Assess yourself and others involved in the accident for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately to request medical assistance. Even if you don't appear seriously affected, seeking medical attention promptly is essential since some injuries may not appear immediately.
- Notify Authorities. In Iowa, it's a legal requirement to report accidents to the police if there are injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage.
- Exchange Information. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties involved in the accident. Gather names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance policy details. If there are any witnesses to the accident, obtain their contact information as well.
- Document the Scene. If it’s safe to do so, take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any relevant road signs or signals. This documentation can be valuable when filing insurance claims or pursuing legal action.
Why You Need a Personal Injury Attorney
Navigating the aftermath of a state highway accident can be daunting, especially when dealing with insurance companies, medical bills, and legal procedures. Hiring a Des Moines personal injury attorney is essential, as they deeply understand Iowa's laws and regulations related to accidents, liability, and insurance claims. They can assess the unique circumstances of your case and provide expert advice. Here are some other ways they help you.
- Investigative Support. A knowledgeable attorney thoroughly investigates the accident, gathers evidence, interviews witnesses, and reconstructs the events leading to the collision. This information can be critical when negotiating with insurance companies or presenting your case in court.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies. Insurers often aim to minimize payouts. Your attorney can handle all communications with insurance adjusters, ensuring that you receive fair compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
- Litigation Support. If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, your experienced personal injury attorney can represent you in court and fight for the settlement you deserve.
- Peace of Mind. Dealing with the aftermath of a state highway accident is emotionally and physically draining. A skilled attorney helps reduce the stress of the legal process so you can focus on your recovery.
Contact Our Car Accident Lawyer in Des Moines
If you were injured in a state highway crash, contact our Des Moines car accident lawyer at Hupy and Abraham. We offer a complimentary consultation to review your case without any obligations.
To schedule a confidential appointment, please fill out our convenient contact form by clicking the button above or call us at 515-984-0091.