» Cars, Truck & Motorcycle Accidents

I was injured in a Cedar Rapid car accident when my seatbelt came unlatched. Who is responsible for my seatbelt failure?

When a seatbelt fails, you can sustain serious injuries through no fault of your own. The manufacturer of the seatbelt, most likely the vehicle manufacturer, could be held liable for your injuries.

Seatbelts have been known to be defective and malfunction in a number of different cases each and every year - causing injuries to many. There are many reasons why a seatbelt could fail, including: unlatching, failure of the seatbelt's retractor, torn or ripped seatbelt webbing, faulty automatic seatbelts, and other additional causes.

After your Cedar Rapids car accident, you need to talk to a skilled personal injury lawyer who can help get your seatbelt and vehicle inspected to collect and preserve the evidence proving your seatbelt failure, in order to hold the manufacturer liable for your injuries.

Call an experienced Cedar Rapids accident attorney today at Brady Preston Gronlund at for a free legal consultation at (319) 866-9277.

You can also order a copy of our book Answers to Iowa Car Crash Victims' Top 10 Questions, which is available on our website as a free download.

I was in a bad car crash in Cedar Rapids when another driver ran a red light and hit my car. I am severely injured and don't know what my prognosis is. What is my case worth?

I am so sorry to hear about your serious injuries from this Cedar Rapids car accident. It sounds like you were a victim of a negligent driver who may have been racing another car, driving distracted, or driving under the influence. Because the driver's careless actions have caused you injuries, you need to pursue compensation for your pain and suffering, medical bills, physical therapy, ongoing care, lost wages, and more.

Your case worth will depend on a number of issues, but the primary factor is the severity of your injuries and medical diagnosis. Sometimes Iowa personal injury cases can be complicated and it is wise to talk to an attorney who is knowledgeable about these types of cases. A skilled Cedar Rapids accident attorney will be able to talk to your doctors, understand your medical reports, gather evidence for your case, negotiate with the insurance company, and fight for your rights.

Call the Law Offices of Brady Preston Gronlund for a free legal consultation at (319) 866-9277. If your injuries prevent you from coming to our Cedar Rapids law office, we can come to you.

You can also order a copy of our book Answers to Iowa Car Crash Victims' Top 10 Questions, available on our website as a free download.

I was hit by a drunk driver in Cedar Rapids, and I want to make sure he gets punished. What are the normal fines and charges for DUIs?

Anytime a driver is arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Iowa, there are penalties and fines in place. Punishment includes steep fees, jail time, driver's license revocation or temporary suspension, and in some cases the installation of an ignition interlock device. The fees can range up to $1,250, plus the driver's auto insurance rates will increase.

The drunk driver who hit you will have to live with a DUI conviction on his driving record, and may face a minimum of 48 hours in jail. His driver's license will most likely be revoked for 180 days or be given a temporary suspension. In addition, he will be required to complete courses regarding substance abuse.

If you were injured in an Iowa drunk driving crash, you need to make sure your financial needs are met. Talk with an experienced Iowa personal injury attorney to find out how a lawyer can help you get just compensation. An attorney will be able to make sure the driver who hit you is being charged to the fullest degree, and will look out for your best interest. Call a Cedar Rapids personal injury lawyer at Brady Preston Gronlund for legal advice today at (319) 866-9277.

I rear-ended another car because the vehicle's brake lights and taillights were out. I also suffered injuries and want to pursue a claim, but am I liable since I hit him?

Although you hit his car, you might have a personal injury case for compensation for your injuries, instances of pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages and more. Because it is illegal in Iowa to not have working lighting equipment on the vehicle, the other driver may be found negligent of your Eastern Iowa car crash.

All lighting equipment on motor vehicles must meet the standards set forth in Iowa Code 321.384 to 321.423. All lights and lamps provided by the manufacturer have to be maintained in working condition or be replaced with equivalent lighting equipment according to Iowa Code section 321.23.

For more information on your rights to a financial recovery, you should talk with one of our skilled Cedar Rapids personal injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Brady Preston Gronlund. We need to find out what type of injuries you and the other driver sustained and if the police report noted that the other driver's lights were out in the rear, in order to determine what type of case worth you have. Call (319) 866-9277 for a free legal consultation to find out more about your potential legal and financial rights.

I heard there is a new cell phone law in Iowa for drivers. Is this true?

As of July 1, 2011, Iowa did adopt a no texting law on the roads to reduce the number of distracted drivers and Iowa car accidents. However, on December 13, 2011, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) called for a nationwide ban on using cell phones – hand-held and hands-free – behind the wheel.

If this law is adopted by state lawmakers, it would affect all age groups, all types of vehicles, and essentially all drivers would only able to use their cell phones in case of emergency. This law would include:

  • No talking on hand-held or hands-free cell phones
  • No texting while driving
  • No emailing or searching the Internet while driving

The NTSB cannot put this law into place, but they are strongly recommending this law be passed by state lawmakers.

Distracted driving, especially the use of cell phones, takes a driver’s mind off the task at hand, eyes off the road, and hands off the wheel. When this occurs, drivers are much more likely to cause an Eastern Iowa car crash than if they were paying full attention to the road.

If you have been injured by a distracted driver on Iowa roads, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your medical bills, physical therapy, lost income, and instances of pain and suffering. Call an experienced Cedar Rapids personal injury lawyer at the Law Offices of Brady Preston Gronlund for more information and a free legal consultation today at (319) 866-9277.

I got in a car accident in Cedar Rapids and have back pain and muscle spasms. I heard this might be fractured vertebrae. What are the symptoms of spinal fractures?

Car accidents in Iowa can lead to many serious injuries including fractured vertebrae, spinal fractures, spinal cord injury, and more. If you have been injured in a car accident, you should seek medical attention immediately.

If you may have fractured your vertebrae, you should visit your doctor or the emergency room. Symptoms of fractured vertebrae and spinal fractures include:

  • Pain in the back
  • Pain in the neck
  • Tingling or numbness
  • Muscle spasms
  • Weakness of the muscles
  • Paralysis

More fractures occur to the lower back region generally due to the force a seatbelt places on your body during the impact of a collision. If the fracture is severe, it sometimes can lead to spinal cord injury. However, not all fractured vertebrae will result in a serious injury. Sometimes these injuries can heal within a couple of months with the use of a neck or back brace.

If you believe you have suffered from a back injury during an Iowa car accident, contact Cedar Rapids car crash attorneys at the law offices of Brady Preston Gronlund today. Call (319) 866-9277 today and find out your legal options.

Can a trucking company be held liable for a wreck?

After a truck accident in Iowa, there are several parties that may be held liable for your injuries and damages. Although the truck driver is first to come to mind after a tractor-trailer wreck in Cedar Rapids, the truck company may also be responsible for the crash and potentially liable for your injuries.

The truck company may have been negligent and may have had something to do with your accident. Ultimately, they are responsible for everything their employees do. The truck accident could have occurred because of improper loading of the truck, lack of maintenance, or lack of proper rest breaks. Although the driver may be liable for working too many hours and not taking the proper breaks according to the law, the truck company may share in this liability and may be responsible for your injuries, lost wages, medical bills and more.

It is a truck company's responsibility to make sure their truck driver is following the rules and to make sure that the truck is safe while on the road.

For more information about your specific legal case, call a skilled Cedar Rapids truck accident attorney at the Law Offices of Brady Preston Gronlund today to schedule a free legal evaluation at (319) 866-9277.

Are chains and snow tires allowed in Iowa?

Yes, however snow tires are only allowed during the cooler months of the year. Iowa law allows the use of chains on tires when required for safety because of snow, ice, or other conditions that cause a car to skid. Snow tires, or winter tires, are allowed by in Iowa, but only from November 1 through April 1. For more information on winter driving, see our article on Iowa winter weather driving.

After my car accident an insurance adjustor keeps calling me asking for a recorded statement. What should I do?

Insurance adjustors are trained professionals who are in the business to save their company money. After an Iowa car accident, they will start calling you immediately so that they can try and settle your case as quickly as possible. They hope that you will admit some fault in the recorded statement you give them. This way they will be able to lessen your claim amount. Remember, they are not looking out for you, but rather they are trying to lessen their company's liability. It is never a good idea to give the insurance company a recorded statement or sign any papers until you have spoken with a Cedar Rapids personal injury attorney. If you would like us to review your case, please call us today at (319) 866-9277 for a free legal evaluation.

A truck rear-ended my car and sent me to the hospital with injuries. The insurance company is trying to settle this claim quickly. When should I settle?

When cars and trucks collide, occupants in the passenger vehicles typically are seriously injured or even die as a result of having an 80,000-pound truck crash into their car. Thankfully, you survived this Eastern Iowa truck crash; however, you should be rightfully compensated for your injuries.

Insurance companies know that Iowa truck accidents can produce serious injuries, and often injuries can still surface months later. This is why you may find that the insurance company is trying to settle your claim as soon as possible, so they won't be liable for your injuries later down the line.

It is best to never accept their first offer. You should also talk with a skilled Cedar Rapids personal injury lawyer at the Law Offices of Brady Preston Gronlund to find out what financial rights you are entitled to. Call (319) 866-9277 for a free legal consultation to find out how much your claim may be worth.