Getting behind the wheel is a daily necessity for most residents of Polk County, Iowa. Whether you are commuting to work downtown, heading to a Drake University game, or running errands in West Des Moines, the last thing you expect is a life-altering car collision.
If you have been injured in car accident in Des Moines, IA, you need more than just legal advice; you need a dedicated Des Moines car accident lawyer who understands the local landscape and the intricacies of Iowa personal injury law. At Rouse Law, P.C., led by car accident attorney Ward A. (Sam) Rouse, we provide the aggressive personal injury representation and compassionate guidance necessary to navigate these difficult times.
Why You Need a Des Moines Car Accident Attorney After an Auto Accident
The moments following an auto accident are often a blur of adrenaline, confusion, and pain. While your primary focus should be on your physical recovery, the legal and financial clock begins ticking immediately. Hiring an experienced Des Moines car accident attorney is the most effective way to protect your rights and ensure you are not taken advantage of by powerful insurance corporations.
Des Moines Car Accident Attorney: Experience That Matters
Des Moines Car Accident Attorney: Experience That Matters
Des Moines car accident attorney Sam Rouse has over a quarter of a century of experience handling personal injury claims. This depth of knowledge is critical when dealing with the nuances of Iowa’s “modified comparative fault” rules. When you search for a “car accident lawyer near me,” you aren’t just looking for a name on a building—you are looking for a litigator who has won millions for clients and understands how to counter the tactics used by insurance adjusters to devalue your claim.
Car Accident Attorney Providing Personalized Attention
Unlike large “settlement mill” firms where you may never speak to the actual car accident attorney, Rouse Law, P.C. is a boutique personal injury law firm. We believe that every car accident attorney should know their clients by name. We provide personalized attention to every detail of your injury case, from analyzing the police report for errors to interviewing witnesses before their memories fade.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Des Moines, Iowa
While some car accidents are truly unavoidable due to “acts of God” like darting deer or sudden ice storms on I-235, the vast majority of car crashes in Des Moines, IA, are the result of human error. As a skilled auto accident attorney, Sam Rouse has successfully represented victims in injury cases involving:
- Distracted Driving: This is a leading cause of accidents in Iowa. Whether it is texting, adjusting the GPS, or eating, a split second of inattention can lead to a catastrophic high-speed collision.
- Speeding and Aggressive Driving: We see many accidents on the mixmaster and busy thoroughfares like 86th Street caused by drivers ignoring speed limits or weaving through traffic.
- Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol and drugs remain a significant factor in serious and fatal car crashes across the state.
- Failure to Yield: Many intersection accidents occur because a driver failed to stop at a red light or ignored a stop sign.
- Drowsy Driving: Fatigue can be just as dangerous as intoxication, especially involving commercial vehicle drivers or long-distance commuters.
Regardless of how the car accident happened, our car accident attorney in Des Moines, IA, can help investigate the scene, obtain black box data from vehicles, and reconstruct the accident to prove liability.
Understanding Compensation: What Is Your Car Accident Injury Claim Worth?
One of the first questions clients ask when they call our car accident lawyer is, “How much is my personal injury case worth?” The answer depends on the specifics of your injuries and the impact the accident has had on your life. In Iowa, victims are entitled to seek both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
These are the quantifiable financial losses you have incurred. They include:
- Medical Expenses: This covers emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, X-rays, and ongoing physical therapy.
- Lost Wages: If you cannot work while recovering, you are entitled to the income you lost.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries result in a permanent disability that prevents you from returning to your previous career, an auto accident lawyer can help calculate the future income you will lose.
- Property Damage: The cost to repair or replace your vehicle and any personal items damaged in the crash.
Non-Economic Damages
These are more subjective but often represent the most significant part of a personal injury claim:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the negative impact the injury has on your relationship with your spouse.
- Mental Anguish: This includes PTSD, anxiety, and depression resulting from the trauma of the crash.
As your Des Moines car accident attorney, Sam Rouse works with medical experts and actuaries to ensure that we account for every penny of your future medical needs and lost earnings.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Des Moines, Iowa
What you do in the hours and days following a car crash can significantly impact the success of your legal claim.
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Even if you feel “fine,” the adrenaline of an accident can mask symptoms of internal bleeding, concussions, or spinal injuries. A gap in treatment is the #1 reason insurance companies deny claims.
- Call the Police: Ensure an official accident report is filed. This document is a vital piece of evidence for your car accident attorney.
- Document the Scene: If you are physically able, take photos of the vehicles, the road conditions, and your visible injuries.
- Do Not Speak with Insurance Adjusters: They may sound friendly, but their goal is to get you to admit fault or accept a lowball settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries.
- Consult a Car Accident Attorney: Search for a “car accident attorney near me” as soon as possible to begin the investigation.
No Fees Unless Our Car Accident Lawyer Wins: Our Commitment to You
At Rouse Law, P.C., we understand that a car accident can leave you in a precarious financial position. Medical bills pile up while you are unable to work, creating a cycle of stress. This is why our Des Moines car accident lawyer operates on a contingency fee basis.
When you hire Sam Rouse as your Des Moines car accident lawyer, you pay nothing upfront. We cover all the costs of litigation, including hiring expert witnesses and filing court documents. We only receive a fee if we successfully recover a settlement or a court award for you. If we don’t win, you don’t owe us a dime for our legal services. This ensures that every Iowan has access to high-quality personal injury representation, regardless of their bank account balance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): Car Accidents in Des Moines, Iowa
In Iowa, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including car accidents, is generally two years from the date of the car accident. If you miss this deadline, you will likely lose your right to seek compensation. However, you should contact a car accident lawyer much sooner to ensure evidence is preserved.
Yes. Iowa follows a “modified comparative fault” rule. You can recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault. However, your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault and your damages are $100,000, you would receive $80,000.
If you are hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you may be able to file a claim through your own insurance policy if you have Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. A Des Moines car accident attorney can help you navigate these complex first-party insurance claims.
Almost never. The first offer is typically a “lowball” amount designed to settle the case quickly and cheaply. It rarely covers the full cost of future medical care or long-term pain and suffering. Always have a car accident lawyer review any offer before you sign it.
Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers whose job is to minimize payouts. Without a professional auto accident attorney, you may inadvertently say something that hurts your case or settle for far less than you deserve. Research shows that victims with legal representation typically receive significantly higher settlements than those who go it alone.
Every car accident injury case is unique. Some clear-cut cases can settle in a few months, while complex cases involving severe injuries or disputed liability can take a year or longer, especially if they go to trial. Our car accident lawyer strives to move cases as quickly as possible without sacrificing the value of your personal injury claim.
Accidents involving semi-trucks or delivery vans are much more complex because they involve federal regulations and multiple parties (the driver, the trucking company, the manufacturer). If you are in this situation, you need an auto accident lawyer with specific experience in truck litigation.
Are You Searching for a “Car Accident Lawyer Near Me?” Contact Rouse Law, P.C. Today for a Free Consultation with a Des Moines Car Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured on Iowa roads, don’t wait. The insurance companies are already building their defense against you. Get a Des Moines car accident lawyer in your corner who has the experience and tenacity to fight for the justice you deserve.
Contact Rouse Law, P.C. today at (515) 223-9000 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let Des Moines car accident attorney Sam Rouse help you get your life back on track. We are located at 4940 Pleasant Street, West Des Moines, IA, and we are ready to put our over 25 years of experience to work for you.