Bordering six other US states, Iowa is landlocked and based in the American Midwest. Popularly referred to as the “Food Capital of the World”, Iowa is famous for its corn and pork production, the nationally renowned Iowa State Fair, and thousands of miles of stunning countryside scenery.
For Canadian and US Snowbirds travelling through The Hawkeye State, they should know that Iowa follows “modified comparative fault” law. This means that your percentage level of fault directly impacts the amount of money you can recover for your injuries. Additionally, if you are more than 50% at fault for the accident, you will receive no compensation.
This is a concern for only the drivers of a car. In most cases, passengers are rarely responsible for an accident. This is somewhat true when referencing pedestrians and bicyclists.
What Should You Do If You’re Involved in An Accident Outside Your Home Province?
- Your top priority is always the health and safety of you and your family. Be sure to seek out medical attention immediately.
- Make sure the police are contacted.
- If possible, take a picture of the other driver’s licence and insurance, and a picture of the licence plate.
- Call your insurance company and report the accident.
- Contact the Snowbird Helpline as soon as possible for advice.
For Iowa Car Accidents, When Can You Pursue A Claim Against The At-Fault Driver?
Importantly, you have two years from the date of your Iowa car accident to file a lawsuit against an at-fault driver. This is also the timeframe in which you need to settle your personal injury claim. If you file outside this period, your claim will be barred. As such, you lose your right to sue and recover damages.
If you have suffered serious or catastrophic injuries arising from an Iowa car accident, you always need to speak to experienced personal injury lawyer. Ultimately, the facts of the accident need to be reviewed. Your lawyer will determine if this is a case you should proceed with.
Iowa Car Insurance
Iowa car drivers must carry at least the minimum liability coverage listed below.
- $20,000 of bodily injury to or death of one person in any one accident.
- $40,000 of bodily injury or death of two or more persons in any one accident.
- $15,000 because of injury to or destruction of another’s property in any one accident.
Canadians and most other US car drivers will likely need to look to their own car insurance policy for protection. For example, if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, a lawsuit or claim must be filed against your Canadian car insurance policy.
You must submit claims to your car insurer for SAB or PIP benefits. This is a complicated situation but revolves around your contractual rights. SEE ‘Canadian Snowbird Information’.
Why You Need Snowbird Car Accident Help For A Personal Injury Claim In Iowa For Cross-Border Accidents?
For over 35 years, Snowbird Accidents has been assisting Canadian Snowbirds and US Snowbirds involved in car accidents and other personal injury accidents across North America. Very few lawyers and attorneys understand the complexity of cross-border accidents. After a serious Iowa car accident, you will probably need a lawyer in the state where the accident occurred, and in your home province. To properly protect your rights and remedies, it’s crucial that lawyers work collaboratively.
We understand it is not only the injured party that may require assistance. Loved ones can face significant challenges also.
Snowbird Accidents arrange for you to speak to some of the best personal injury lawyers in Iowa who are experienced with cross-border accidents. They work collaboratively with other lawyers and attorneys in various states and provinces to protect you and your family’s legal rights and remedies.
