Determining Who is at Fault in a School Zone Car Accident - Iowa Law

Introduction to School Zone Accidents

A school zone accident can be devastating. They can result in serious injuries and property damage, making determining liability and fault essential.

Iowa is a comparative fault state. What does that mean? In Des Moines and throughout Iowa, fault can be shared in a car accident. The victim themselves might even be held liable, which can affect the amount of damages they can collect. On top of this, insurance adjusters and insurance companies will do everything they can to blame someone else and pay the least amount of money to the other driver or pedestrian as possible.

This is why a personal injury attorney is so essential. They can help navigate the claims process and ensure fair compensation. This includes paying medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. They also have information on who is at fault in a school bus accident Iowa.

Types of Accidents in Des Moines School Zones

There are certain types of accidents that occur more commonly in school zones than others. For instance, rear-end collisions are common. They are often caused by high speeds and failure to stop.

Other common accidents include pedestrians getting hit, bicyclists accidents, and accidents involving other vehicles.

School bus accidents might also occur in a school zone. This is especially the case when a school bus driver doesn't follow the speed limit or they fail to yield.

A crash in a school zone can occur at any time. Drivers in Iowa have a responsibility to ensure the safety of their passengers and those around their vehicle. They must also react in a reasonable way when faced with the possibility of a car accident.

When a car accident occurs, the injured person, and any other parties involved, have a right to compensation.

It doesn't matter if only one driver was involved or there were multiple drivers involved, the accident scene must be fully investigated and fault must be determined.

Typically, this starts with the first responders who report to the scene. This often includes police and paramedics. However, victims and/or their family members should also document the scene if they can, as they can use that evidence to prove that the other parties involved were at fault in the accident.

Sometimes this is simple. For instance, if a car comes speeding through a school zone and hits another car, the speeding car is probably the guilty party. However, most times its not that easy, and there may be circumstances that change the situation following a full investigation. Also, its important to keep in mind that, in Iowa, fault can be shared.

Causes of Accidents

The most common types of school zone accidents are those caused by speeding. Drivers may fail to adjust their speed, even though the speed limit may drastically drop.

Another cause is distracted driving. This means that the driver was using a phone, eating, or adjusting the radio. Even looking away for a moment can cause that driver to lose focus and become responsible for an accident.

Failure to follow traffic laws can also cause an accident in a school zone. For example, if the road has turned into a no-passing zone, and the driver tries to pass a school bus or other vehicle, they would have to take responsibility in the accident.

Weather conditions might cause a school zone accident, too. This could cause a car to skid into oncoming traffic, create a chain reaction, or due to road conditions, totally slide off of the road into a pedestrian or bicyclist.

The Importance of Medical Treatment

Following a car accident in a school zone, it's imperative to call emergency services as soon as possible. Police and medical professionals should get to the scene quickly, and even if injuries are minor, it's best to be seen by a doctor. Medical records are essential in a lawsuit for a car accident.

A doctor will document injuries and provide a report to support the claim.

In Iowa, victims are entitled to compensation to pay medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other losses.

Navigating the Car Accident Claim Process

Following a car accident in a school zone, several things must happen. First, the accident must be reported to the Iowa Department of Transportation. Everyone involved in the accident should reach out to their insurance company, too.

Negligence usually isn't assigned immediately, so there could be some time between the time the accident happens and the time a claim can be filed.

The claim process is complex. So, as soon as the accident happens, victims should seek out legal representation to ensure fair compensation.

In Iowa, an attorney can help victims negotiate their claims, examine the scene, collect evidence, and represent their clients.

Insurance companies are notorious for attempting to pay as little as possible, and accident attorneys will work to negotiate with the insurance company. If that doesn't work, the attorney can fight for their client in court.

Seek Legal Representation in a Car Accident Case

Anyone who has been injured in a car accident in a school zone has the right to claim fair compensation. However, this isn't easy. The victim would need to prove that they are not responsible, or at least only partially responsible, before they can claim compensation.

To do this, a lawyer will need to work with authorities to determine fault, and when that happens, they will then work with the at-fault party's insurance company to secure a settlement. The compensation can be used to recover damages, including lost wages, medical bills, and property damage.

In Iowa, Tom Fowler Law has been working with victims of car accidents for many years. The team understands how to deal with insurance companies, and they know Iowa laws in regard to school zone accidents. They will fight aggressively to get their clients the compensation they deserve. Victims or a loved one can call Tom Fowler Law for a free consultation.