According to reports from the Iowa State Patrol, there were at least five fatal bicycle accidents in this state last year. Although it's down from six fatalities in 2022, the number of reported incidents involving bicyclists has increased to 1,230.
Bikers can get into accidents with other vehicles even if they take every precaution and respect traffic laws, especially if other drivers are careless or reckless when on the road. Unfortunately, these crashes often result in severe injuries and even death.
Since bicycles don't provide the same level of protection as other vehicles, bikers are more likely to get hurt during a collision.
In these cases, victims can file a personal injury claim against the other party to recover fair compensation for their damages and losses. However, the legal process can be intricate.
Injured bicyclists must prove that the driver of the other vehicle was at fault in order to win the case. Therefore, it's important for them to understand their legal rights and have a bicycle accident attorney on their side who can explain how to prove fault in a motorcycle accident in Iowa. Below is more information about this.

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
Due to the lack of safety features of bicycles and the nature of collisions with four-wheeled vehicles, bike accidents can cause several injuries, including the following:
Broken bones
Internal bleeding
Lost or broken teeth
Facial injuries
Skull fractures
Road rash
Lacerations
Contusions
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Wearing a helmet can significantly reduce the risk of severe head injuries. However, that doesn't mean bikers won't get involved in a traffic crash.
Many accidents are caused by negligent drivers. Therefore, injured cyclists have the right to initiate a legal process to recover compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, affected present and future earning capacity, and other damages. For more information, a Des Moines bicycle accident law firm may be able to help.
Common Causes of Bike Accidents
A bike accident can have different causes, but the most common are:
Drivers change lanes without checking side view mirrors and hit bikers.
Bicyclists encounter hazardous road conditions, such as slippery surfaces, potholes, oil spills, and dangerous curves.
Drivers don't yield to bicyclists when required.
Vehicle operators drive under the influence or get distracted.
Inexperienced riders or drivers fail to operate their vehicles correctly.
Factors That Can Contribute to Bicycle Accidents
Some external factors can contribute to bicycle accidents, and it's crucial to consider them when determining fault. Below are the most important ones:
Was the road wet or slippery, uneven, or poorly maintained?
Were there obstacles or hazards on the road?
Was it raining or snowing when the accident occurred?
Did weather conditions affect visibility or road safety?
Were there any malfunctions with the bicycle or vehicle that contributed to the accident?
Were there construction zones or detours?
All of the factors that may have contributed to the bicycle accident must be taken into account by the victim and their legal team, whether the injured party plans to settle the case out of court or file a lawsuit.
Legal Options for Injured Bicyclists
Although bicyclists have to comply with several traffic laws, operators of other vehicles have some extra rules to follow when driving near two-wheelers and pedestrians. Tom Fowler Law has insight on how to prove fault in a pedestrian accident in Iowa.
Failure to comply with such guidelines may result in penalties, driver's license revocation, and even jail time.
How to Prove Fault in a Bicycle Accident in Iowa
Iowa bikers injured in accidents caused by others have two legal options. First, they can try to settle the case out of court with the at-fault driver's insurance company, which involves negotiating a financial settlement to compensate for the injuries and damages.
If negotiations fail, the injured biker can file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. This legal process involves presenting evidence in court to prove fault and seek compensation for their damages.
Evidence Used to Prove Fault in a Bicycle Accident Claim
In order to prove who was at fault in a bicycle accident, injured bicyclists should present the following pieces of evidence:
Photos and videos of the accident scene: If possible, bikers must present audiovisual material of the place where the crash occurred, the vehicle that hit them, the damages to their bicycles, and any side marks on the road.
The affected bike: The bicycle rider shouldn't get the bike repaired before the legal process is resolved but rather take it for a proper inspection and file the report.
Medical records: Bicycle accident victims should seek medical attention immediately. After their injuries are treated, they should get copies of their medical records from their doctors, making sure these documents include information about the severity of their condition and present or future treatment requirements.
Witness statements: Anyone present during the bicycle accident can testify on behalf of the victim in court.
Besides that, injured bicyclists can gather and provide the following:
A police report
Traffic camera footage
Any property damage receipt
Expert testimony, such as analysis from accident reconstructionist
Proving the Elements of Negligence
In Iowa, injured bicyclists must prove that the vehicle driver was negligent by showing that they:
Owned a duty of care to bicyclists, as they were required to follow specific rules when sharing the road with others.
Breached the duty of care by driving negligently or recklessly.
Caused the accident by breaching the duty of care.
Injured bicyclists or caused them financial losses and other damages.

What Should Injured Parties Do in Bicycle Accident Cases?
When involved in a bicycle accident, victims must determine whether they or another party violated any relevant regulations. Therefore, it's essential to research and understand traffic laws, including those that dictate where bicyclists can ride, when to yield or stop at intersections, and speed limits.
Moreover, injured bicyclists should know the traffic signs and signals that apply to two-wheelers, such as traffic lights, be familiar with helmet laws, and learn about any other state or country regulations.
After understanding the applicable laws and regulations, injured bicyclists can assess who has violated them and determine the best course of action for the bicycle accident case.
Since this process can be intricate, it's always a good idea to contact a personal injury attorney with experience in bicycle accidents. Victims who seek legal guidance will have a better chance of recovering maximum compensation for their injuries and damages.
How a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help Injured Bicyclists
This is what an experienced lawyer can do to help injured bicyclists:
Provide legal advice to victims
Investigate the accident
Gather evidence, such as the accident report from a police officer
Handle insurance claims and negotiate with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement
File a lawsuit against the at-fault driver on behalf of injured bicyclists
Represent victims in court if the case goes to trial
Final Thoughts
Bicycle accidents can be devastating for victims and their families. Plus, they're difficult to handle due to all the legal aspects involved in the process.
Fortunately, victims can seek help from an experienced attorney from a reputable law firm, such as Tom Fowler Law.
At Tom Fowler Law, located in Des Moines, Iowa, our legal professionals are committed to helping victims recover maximum compensation for their damages.
We'll get your medical bills paid, help you recover from your losses, and protect your well-being. Contact us and schedule a free consultation today!
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