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Des Moines Car Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car crash in the Des Moines metro area, The Iowa Advocates are here to help

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A Car Accident Attorney Can Help Your Case

After a car accident, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed, upset, and worried about your future. Injuries, property damage, and the inability to work can make life feel uncertain.
The personal injury attorneys with The Advocates are committed to protecting accident victims’ rights. We will build your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
If you need a competent, caring attorney for your personal injury claim, contact The Advocates law firm today for a free consultation.

The Next Steps In Your Iowa Car Accident Case

Injury

Immediately after your accident, check for injuries

Hire Attorney

Contact The Advocates as soon as possible to begin the road to recovery

Treatment

Seek medical treatment as soon as you can

Property Damage

Get the damage on your car assessed and fixed

Completed Treatment

Once you’ve completed treatment, your attorney will compile your medical records

Demand

Your Advocate will send a demand letter to the other party

Frequently Asked Questions

You will pay nothing out-of-pocket when you hire an Advocate.
Your initial consultation with us is always 100% free. There are never any upfront costs or hidden fees.
Our attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means that our attorney fees are calculated as a percentage of your settlement. We don’t get paid unless we win your case and you receive a settlement.
For more information on how settlements and payment work, please see our contingency fee information page.

Not every accident requires an attorney. However, if the accident resulted in injuries or significant property damage, it is a good idea to contact a lawyer. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the claims process, which can be lengthy and complex.
Your attorney will build your case, keep track of your medical records, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. Studies have shown that accident victims who hire a personal injury lawyer can receive settlements up to 3.5 times larger than if they settled on their own.

The best way to know if you have a case is to speak with an attorney. The Advocates offer free consultations—you can speak with a qualified legal team to understand what your case is worth without paying a dime. Once you have decided to hire an Advocate, we will investigate your accident to firmly establish liability.

Every personal injury case is different. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to accident claims. The length of the claims process will depend on the severity of your injuries, the willingness of the other party to settle, the court’s caseload, and more.
In general, personal injury cases can take anywhere from several months to a few years. It’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to get your case started. Each state has a statute of limitations for personal injury cases, after which you will lose your right of action.

When you hire The Advocates, we will begin investigating your accident immediately while you finish medical treatment. Once all evidence and medical records have been compiled, your attorney will send a demand letter to the other party’s insurance company. At this point, negotiations will begin.
In many cases, a settlement can be reached during negotiations. If the other party refuses to make a fair offer, you may choose to file a suit. In the litigation phase, your attorney will represent you in court in front of a judge, jury, and/or arbitrator.

A Team of Car Accident Professionals Assigned to Your Case 

For nearly 30 years, The Advocates have helped thousands of personal injury victims receive the compensation and care they deserve after their accidents, and we are prepared to do the same for you. 
We can help you:

  • Understand the claims process
  • Investigate your accident
  • Build your case
  • Negotiate with insurance adjusters

We only get paid if we win your case!

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Iowa Car Accident Statistics

Des Moines, the capital of the state of Iowa, United States of America

Des Moines metro area statistics and information

  • The Des Moines metro area consists of six counties: Polk, Warren, Dallas, Jasper, Madison, and Guthrie.
  • More than 700,000 people live in the Des Moines metro area. 
  • Nearly 215,000 of these people live in the city of Des Moines. West Des Moines and Ankeny have the next highest populations, with more than 65,000 in each city.
  • In the 10-year period from 2013 to 2022, Polk County saw an average of 29.6 traffic fatalities each year, the most of any county in the state of Iowa.
  • In 2022, the six-county metro area accounted for about 16% of all car accident fatalities in the state.
  • Statewide, the months of May-September have the highest numbers of fatal crashes annually.

All statistics come from the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Statistics and Research Studies and the 2020 United States Census.

Common causes of car accidents

  • Distracted driving: Motorists become much more dangerous and unpredictable when texting or talking on the phone.
  • Impaired driving: Car accidents are far more likely to happen when one or more drivers is under the influence.
  • Adverse weather conditions: Iowa is prone to snowy and icy conditions that can lead to accidents.
  • Failure to yield the right-of-way: If motorists are unfamiliar with the traffic laws in the area, they may enter intersections when it is not safe to do so, endangering those around them.
  • Improper passing: Illegal passing on two-lane highways can lead to head-on collisions, which often cause devastating injuries.
Close-up Of Woman Sitting Inside Car Typing Text Message On Mobile Phone

Common car accident injuries 

Depending on the nature of your accident, car accident injuries can range from mild to life-threatening. Some common vehicle collision injuries include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries and other head injuries
  • Spinal cord, neck, and back injuries
  • Internal organ damage
  • Broken bones
  • Whiplash
  • Lacerations and bruising

Iowa Personal Injury Law FAQs

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What should I do after a car accident in Des Moines?

Any driver who knows or should have reasonably known that they have been involved in an accident that caused property damage, injury, or death must stop as close to the scene of the accident as is safe. The driver has a duty to render reasonable assistance (such as calling for medical attention) and exchange information with the other driver. 
Failure to remain at the scene may be considered a hit-and-run. In Iowa, a hit-and-run may be charged as a simple misdemeanor, serious misdemeanor, or felony, depending on the circumstances.
If you’ve been involved in a motor vehicle accident, be sure to do the following:

  • Move your car out of traffic (if possible).
  • If anyone has serious injuries, call 911.
  • File a police report.
  • Exchange contact information and insurance information with the other party.
  • Seek medical care, even if you do not believe you are injured.
  • File a car accident claim with your own car insurance provider.
  • Consider contacting an auto accident attorney.

What damages can I seek in a personal injury case?

Every personal injury case is different and must be judged on its own merits. There is no one-size-fits-all formula for calculating a settlement or potential damages.
As a general guideline, some common damages from car accidents include:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages, including loss of future earnings
  • Vehicle repairs
  • Non-economic damages, like pain and suffering
  • Funeral expenses (in the case of wrongful death)

The best way to know how much your potential case may be worth is to speak with an injury attorney. They will be able to more accurately assess your damages, explain your legal rights, and get started on your accident lawsuit.

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Insurance agent writing on clipboard while examining car after accident claim being assessed and processed

Can I seek compensation even if I am partially responsible for the accident?

Iowa follows the modified comparative negligence rule. This rule states that more than one person may be found responsible for a car accident. An injured person can seek compensation for their damages as long as they are not assigned more than 50% of the fault for the accident.
If you are found partially responsible for the accident, any settlement you receive will be reduced according to the percentage of blame assigned to you.

What is the statute of limitations for accident cases in Des Moines?

For any personal injury case, a plaintiff only has a certain amount of time to file their claim. After that time period is up, they lose their right of action. This is referred to as the statute of limitations.
Under Iowa law, the statute of limitations for car accident cases is generally two years. There are several factors that can impact this time frame, so it’s a good idea to speak with a personal injury lawyer to determine how long you have to file.

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When Should I Hire a Car Accident Attorney?

If you are facing physical injuries, property damage, and medical bills after your car accident, it is a good idea to at least consult an attorney to discuss your options. The Iowa Advocates offer free initial consultations with our legal team to help you determine the best course of action for your case.

Our auto accident lawyers have years of experience negotiating with insurance providers and fighting for our clients’ right to fair compensation under the law. We represent victims all over the state of Iowa, including Des Moines, Council Bluffs, Cedar Rapids, and everywhere in between.
Contact The Advocates’ Iowa law office today for a free case evaluation. You deserve an entire team committed to your recovery. You deserve an Advocate.

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