As much as we would like to rely on our doctors and nurses to provide us with the care and treatment we need, there are occasions where mistakes are made. And unfortunately, not everyone who is impacted by these mistakes is able to walk away alive. [Read more…] about Iowa Family Awarded $29.5 Million in Medical Malpractice Case for the Death of Their Loved One
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Iowa Child Suffers a Gash to the Face After Out of Control Drone Hits Him While at the Playground
While many find Drones, also known as a UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle), to be intriguing and exciting, others are learning about the dangers associated with these flying “toys.” Just last month, a mother and her one-year-old son were playing at Crow Park in Bettendorf, Iowa when something unexpected occurred. [Read more…] about Iowa Child Suffers a Gash to the Face After Out of Control Drone Hits Him While at the Playground
Recently Retired OB-GYN in Iowa Sued for Medical Malpractice
When you choose a doctor to receive treatment from, regardless of what their specialty is, you expect that the care you receive meets the standard level. That is, you should receive the same level of care you would no matter what doctor you choose to go to. Sadly, not all physicians meet this standard as some engage in behavior that is not required for a patient’s treatment or neglect to provide treatment despite the diagnosis that has been given. And when a physician is found guilty of negligence or failing to provide a patient with adequate care that results in them developing a more severe condition or even an injury, they risk being sued for medical malpractice. [Read more…] about Recently Retired OB-GYN in Iowa Sued for Medical Malpractice
Is Your Child a Distracted Walker?
By now, it is clear that distracted driving increases the chances of an accident occurring and has claimed thousands of lives to date. But, were you aware that distracted walking is also a contributor to fatal accidents? That’s right. Did you know that every day in the U.S, more than 40 kids are hit while walking? Of course, some of these incidents occur because of a careless or inattentive driver, but others do happen on account of a distracted walker. And according to the Mississippi Department of Transportation, “teens now account for half of all pedestrian deaths among children 19 and under.” [Read more…] about Is Your Child a Distracted Walker?
McDonald’s Salads May Contain a Parasite that Causes Intestinal Illness
If you live in Iowa and are a fan of McDonald’s or dine in at the fast-food establishment on occasion, you may want to avoid ordering a salad or any meal that contains lettuce for the time being. According to CNN, health departments in both Illinois and Iowa are now investigating several cases involving individuals who may have become sick from eating McDonald’s salads. The cyclospora parasite, which is what health officials are saying may be present in the salads, causes intestinal illness and many other discomforting symptoms. [Read more…] about McDonald’s Salads May Contain a Parasite that Causes Intestinal Illness
Semi-truck drivers – no place to rest
The recent announcement by the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) regarding possible closings of nearly one-third of the state’s rest stops has angered semi-truck drivers and could potentially create additional hazards for motorcycle and motor vehicle drivers. [Read more…] about Semi-truck drivers – no place to rest
Legislative changes for medical malpractice
The rights of Iowans recently took a beating with the passage of legislation by the Iowa Senate that will limit and cap certain types of damages in medical malpractice lawsuits.
The statute of limitations for injured patients who may have medical malpractice cases to file their claim is currently set at two years – the clock starts ticking when the harmful acts are committed. [Read more…] about Legislative changes for medical malpractice
National Insurance Awareness
The month of June has been selected by the insurance industry as National Insurance Awareness month. Motorists across the nation are encouraged to review and update their automobile insurance policy to reflect their current needs. Quite often, policies become stagnant and no longer reflect drivers’ current lifestyle situations. [Read more…] about National Insurance Awareness
Advanced technology for drivers
Car and truck manufacturers are constantly designing the next ‘big thing’ in vehicle luxury, ease and safety – often in the form of advanced technology.
Flying cars may not be around the corner just yet, but 360-degree cameras and GPS devices that can store hundreds of destinations are here – and here to stay. Prototypes for cars that drive themselves in the form of adaptive cruise control have even begun to circulate. As exciting as all this new technology may seem, it can also be extremely dangerous. [Read more…] about Advanced technology for drivers
4 Tips to Reduce Your Car Insurance Premiums in Iowa
In an attempt to protect motorists financially in the event of a collision, 48 states have implemented coverage requirements for liability insurance. Additionally, the Insurance Information Institute reports that 45 states have minimum limits for motorcycle riders.
[Read more…] about 4 Tips to Reduce Your Car Insurance Premiums in Iowa
10 Types of Evidence to Support a Car Accident Injury Claim – Cedar Rapids Injury Lawyer Insights
The personal injury claims process is riddled with legal complexities, and recovering fair compensation is rarely straightforward. Insurance companies often attempt to undervalue or deny claims without justification. If you sustained a permanent disability or lost a family member in a crash, you may be entitled to non-economic damages, but assigning a monetary value to pain and suffering requires intricate calculations. This is where an accident attorney can help.
An experienced injury lawyer can investigate your collision, interview witnesses, and help you gather evidence to prove negligence, liability, and the value of your damages. The amount of compensation you ultimately recover will hinge on the strength of your evidence, and one minor oversight could severely harm your claim.
If you were injured by a drunk, distracted, or negligent driver in Iowa, turn to Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC. A Cedar Rapids accident attorney will help you fight for the maximum compensation. Call 319-393-1020 today to schedule a free initial consultation.
Let’s examine 10 types of evidence that your lawyer may use to support your claim:
Proving Negligence and Liability
It is not uncommon for a driver who caused an accident to deny liability. Iowa uses a comparative fault system to determine awards in personal injury cases, which means that your final recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Also, if the court determines that you were at least 51 percent at-fault for the crash, you will not be able to recover any compensation.
As such, your attorney will attempt to gather evidence to prove that the other driver was either entirely or mostly responsible for your collision. This evidence may include:
- Pictures of the accident scene;
- The police report;
- Toxicology reports – if the at-fault driver was under the influence when the collision occurred;
- Witness testimonies; and
- Testimonies from accident reconstruction experts.
Proving the Value of Your Damages
If you were injured by a negligent driver in the state of Iowa, you may be entitled to compensation for past and future medical expenses, property damage, lost income, loss of future earning capacity, loss of function of the body or mind, pain and suffering, and punitive damages. Your lawyer may use the following evidence to prove the value of your damages:
- Receipts for home modifications that were necessary to accommodate a disability caused by the accident;
- Hospital bills, pharmacy receipts, and other evidence to prove the value of your medical expenses;
- Testimonies from financial and medical experts;
- Pay stubs, tax returns, and other proof of lost income and benefits; and
- Receipts for vehicle repairs.
An injury lawyer from Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC can calculate your damages and help you avoid costly mistakes during the claims process. Call 319-393-1020 today to discuss your case with an accident attorney in Cedar Rapids.
“The Bachelor” Star Chris Soules Charged with Felony Hit and Run in Iowa – Cedar Rapids Accident Lawyer Insights
Chris Soules, former start of ABC’s hit reality show “The Bachelor,” has been charged with felony hit and run. According to The Washington Post, Soules was driving a pickup truck when he rear-ended a tractor driven by 66-year-old Kenneth Mosher, causing the tractor to roll into a roadside ditch. Police say that Soules fled the scene, and Mosher later died from his injuries at a local hospital.
Although a conviction for felony hit and run comes with severe penalties, this crime is alarmingly common in Iowa. Each year, there are approximately 1,700 hit and runs in the city of Des Moines alone.
If you were injured or lost a family member in a hit and run accident, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim. An injury attorney from Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC can help you navigate the claims process and fight for the maximum compensation. If your case goes to trial, we have the litigation experience to represent your interests in court. Call 319-393-1020 today to schedule a free consultation with an accident lawyer in Cedar Rapids.
Read on to learn the answers to three frequently asked questions about hit and run collisions:
- What percentage of hit and run fatalities are pedestrians?
Data from the Insurance Information Institute shows that nearly 60 percent of all hit and run fatalities are pedestrians. Nearly 1 in 5 pedestrians who die in traffic accidents are victims of hit and runs.
- What should I do after a hit and run accident?
After any crash, your top priority is to seek medical attention. You should never try to chase a vehicle that is fleeing the scene; this will only make the situation worse. Rather, call the police, and if you are physically able, ask witnesses if they saw the vehicle that hit you. Take photos of the crash scene, write down everything you remember about the incident, and contact an injury attorney to discuss your case.
- How many people die in hit and run collisions each year?
According to USA Today, the number of hit and run fatalities is on the rise. In 2009, 1,274 people died in hit and runs. That number increased to 1,393 in 2010 and to 1,449 in 2011.
The 13.9-percent increase in hit and run fatalities is somewhat surprising given that the overall number of car crash deaths has been gradually declining. In 2009, there were 33,883 traffic deaths, and this dropped 4.5 percent to 32,367 in 2011.
What these numbers do not convey is the tremendous emotional and financial hardship endured by hit and run victims and their families. If you were injured or lost a loved one due to a negligent driver, contact Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC to discuss your case.
A Cedar Rapids injury attorney will gather evidence, interview witnesses, calculate your damages, and help you fight for the maximum compensation. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 319-393-1020. You can learn more about car accident claims in Iowa by visiting https://usattorneys.com/car-accident/iowa/.