{"id":373327,"date":"2016-10-10T17:03:14","date_gmt":"2016-10-10T22:03:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/iowa-law\/iowa-car-accident-compensation-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-02-28T09:00:16","modified_gmt":"2025-02-28T14:00:16","slug":"iowa-car-accident-compensation-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/iowa-law\/iowa-car-accident-compensation-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Iowa Car Accident Compensation Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Iowa Car Accident Compensation Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Amber Sheppard, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

One of the first things accident victims ask their personal injury lawyers is how much their car accident<\/a> claim is worth. Unfortunately, this isn’t an easy question to answer. Most car accidents are minor. The biggest bruise is often to the driver’s ego and wallet. But, you may be entitled to significant compensation if your car crash results in serious injuries.<\/p>\r\n

You must understand the car accident<\/a> compensation laws in the State of Iowa. Just because you were in a car crash doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed to get damages. Your car accident attorney must prove that the other driver was at fault. You’ll also have to submit proof of your injuries and out-of-pocket losses.<\/p>\r\n

Here, we’ll discuss the damages you can get in your auto accident claim<\/a>. We will also explain what happens if you’re partially at fault for the collision. Finally, we’ll describe some of the limits Iowa law places on compensation in personal injury cases. <\/p>\r\n

Iowa Car Accident Compensation Laws: At a Glance<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

The chart below summarizes Iowa’s personal injury compensation laws and offers more information on Iowa’s car accident laws.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Statute of limitations<\/th>\r\n

Two years for personal injury lawsuits (Iowa Code Ann. \u00a7 614.1<\/a>)<\/p>\r\n

Five years for property damage lawsuits (Iowa Code Ann. \u00a7 614.1<\/a>)<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Limits on damages<\/th>\r\n

None<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Other limits<\/th>\r\n

Modified comparative fault can prevent or limit recovery, depending on the driver’s percentage of fault for the accident (Iowa Comparative Fault Law<\/a>)<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

Note: State laws are subject to change through new legislation, higher court rulings, ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information, consult an Iowa car accident lawyer or conduct legal research to verify your state laws.<\/i><\/p>\r\n

Iowa’s At-Fault and Modified Comparative Fault Rules<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Very rarely is one driver 100% responsible for a vehicle accident. Usually, one driver is primarily responsible, and the other is minimally liable for the accident<\/a>. Iowa is an "at-fault" state for car insurance claims. <\/p>\r\n

You must prove the other driver was negligent<\/a> to file a successful claim with the insurance company. <\/p>\r\n

To do this, your auto accident attorney must prove the following four things:<\/p>\r\n