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Des Moines Bicycle Accident Lawyer

The Advocates are experienced attorneys ready to help bicyclists file a personal injury claim after a bike accident. We are a law firm based in Des Moines and are here for any cyclist in Iowa.

Three attorneys in a meeting room.

A Bike Accident Attorney Can Help Your Case

The roadway is a dangerous place for cyclists. A minor car accident for a driver can cause serious injuries for someone on a bike. The Advocates are bicycle accident lawyers with years of experience in personal injury law, so we know firsthand the pain and stress of a bike accident.

You will have to deal with insurance companies, undergo medical treatments, and file a personal injury claim to get the compensation you deserve. It is a lot for one person. Our legal team will give you sound legal advice and the proper representation through every part of the process.

We are proud of the thousands of bicyclists we have helped to get proper compensation. Everyone deserves a fair chance before the law, which is why we offer a free initial consultation. If you decide to hire us, we will work on a contingency fee basis — meaning we only get paid if we win your case.

Contact us today for your free case evaluation.

The Next Steps In Your Iowa Bike 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 bike assessed and repaired

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 Legal Professionals Assigned to Your Case

For over 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:

  • Investigate your accident
  • Build your case
  • Negotiate with insurance companies

We only get paid if we win your case!

Talking to a Professional

Talk to a professional

Iowa Bike Laws and Accidents FAQ

An unidentified man riding a bicycle passing cars on the road in

Rules of the road for bicyclists

  • Ride in the areas designated for bikes: Bikes are not allowed in certain places such as interstates, highways with posted minimum speed limits, and streets where local ordinances prohibit cyclists.
  • Move with the traffic flow and stay on the right: Stay on the shoulder of the right lane. The general rule is for bikers to ride with traffic while pedestrians walk against it.
  • Pass on the left: Always pass on the left side of a vehicle. Once you are a safe distance from it, return to the right lane.
  • Signal for stopping and turning: Use your left hand to signal upcoming turns, lane changes, or stops you are about to make. If your arm is horizontal with your body, this signifies turning left, bent upwards at the elbow means turning right, and bent downwards means stopping.
  • Make yourself noticeable at night: Road conditions at night are more dangerous for cyclists. Use a white light on the front of your bike and a red light or reflector on the back. Both should be noticeable from at least 300 feet away.
  • Obey all the laws and markings for vehicles: Bikes are not exempt from traffic laws. You must stop at red lights, respect the right of way of vehicles, stop for school buses with flashing signal lights, and use a four-way intersection just like any other vehicle.

Common causes of bike accidents

  • Dooring: When someone opens a parked car door right in the path of a cyclist.
  • Failure to yield: Motorists might not yield the right of way to bikers at intersections or crosswalks. It is often because they do not see them.
  • Distracted drivers: Drivers often do not see bicycles because they are distracted. This can happen when using phones, poor visibility due to weather, or driving under the influence of alcohol.
  • Road conditions: Potholes, debris, and poorly kept roads can cause cyclists to lose control and crash.
  • Mechanical failures: Bikers who do not keep their bikes in good condition will eventually experience brake failures and chain or gear issues.
Close-up Of Woman Sitting Inside Car Typing Text Message On Mobile Phone
Bike Helmet profile on light blue background

Common bicycle accident injuries

Always wear a helmet. A broken bone can be mended, but head injuries from a car crash often result in permanent damage or death. You can and should seek legal compensation regardless of the severity of your personal injury.

Some common types of injuries, from least to most severe, include: 

  • Lacerations and bruising
  • Ligament tears or strains
  • Broken or missing teeth
  • Broken bones
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries

These are just the physical injuries that can occur. Psychological damage is just as likely. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety, and depression are common after you or a loved one experience a bike accident. They are not lesser injuries and deserve fair compensation.

Do DUI laws apply to bicycles?

No, you cannot get a DUI on a bicycle. These laws apply to all vehicles with a motor attached to them, such as a moped. However, that does not mean you should ride a bike while intoxicated. 

Cyclists can still get arrested for public intoxication, reckless driving, and disorderly conduct. Plus, if you do get into a bike accident while intoxicated, the fault will almost certainly be placed on you. 

suspected drunk driver taking a breathalyzer to test for BAC
Medical bill from the hospital, concept of rising medical cost.

What damages can you seek in a Des Moines bicycle accident case?

The types of damages you can file a claim for depend on factors such as the severity of your case and what you lost from the accident. 

Some common damages include:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
  • Property damage
  • Emotional distress or loss of quality of life
  • Funeral expenses in the case of a wrongful death

In Iowa, the statute of limitations  for filing a personal injury lawsuit is generally two years from the accident date. The sooner you get legal representation and file your claim, the easier it is to recover from the accident, gather evidence, and make your case.

The Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident

Emergency sign on side of the road

Ensure safety

Your personal safety is the priority. Move to a safe location. Getting away from traffic and other hazards must happen before anything else.

Check for injuries

Assess yourself and anyone else in the accident. It is essential to stay calm. Emotions will be high, and you must do what you can to remain calm and collected. Ensure an ambulance comes if anyone has serious injuries.

Woman check phone after a car accident
Policeman writing up report on incident where their was a person injured

Report the accident

Contact the police. Once they are on the scene, file a report with them. You should always file a report; even if you seem okay now, a year later, you may have severe back pain from the accident.

The police report is the first piece of evidence that proves the accident happened and will help to establish the other driver’s fault. Obtain a copy of it for your records.

Exchange information

Collect the names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance information of all parties involved. You can do this before the police show up or wait until they arrive.

Other parties may be hostile. If this is the case, avoid confrontation, wait for law enforcement, and discreetly note the make, model, and license plate of the other party’s vehicle.

Man and woman filling an insurance car form
Person takes photos of damaged car with smart phone

Document everything about the accident

Take pictures of the accident scene, any visible injuries, and property damage. Write down the circumstances of the accident, such as time, location, and how it happened. Documentation of this kind will be used in your personal injury claim.

Seek medical attention

Go get checked out. Wait to do this until the situation is under control unless the injury requires immediate attention. Some injuries do not appear right away because of adrenaline or other factors. If you feel fine, go anyway. You do not know the entirety of your injuries after an accident.

Doctor comforts patient with hand on shoulder
Insurance agent writing on clipboard while examining car after accident claim being assessed and processed

Tell your insurance company

Inform your insurance company about what happened. Provide them with the names and information of the people involved. Also, provide any other documentation they may ask for.

Seek legal advice

Consult an experienced personal injury lawyer to understand your rights and options moving forward. 

Attorney shows client paperwork.

When Should I Hire a Des Moines Bicycle Accident Attorney?

You should hire a lawyer soon after the accident. The at-fault party’s insurance will try to get you to accept their first offer. It will likely be far under what you deserve. A bike accident attorney will stand up for your rights, working to get you fair compensation.

We know the pain that comes with a bike accident. Allow our lawyers to deal with the legal side of a personal injury while you focus on recovering. Our team will help you pay for medical bills, get your transportation if your bike was damaged, and give you legal advice stemming from decades of experience.

The Advocates are available for everyone in Iowa. Contact us today, and we will start with a free case evaluation. From there, you can decide if you want us to represent you. No matter what you choose, just know you deserve full restitution for your bicycle accident. We are the law firm that can make that happen. 

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