{"id":373329,"date":"2016-12-05T14:08:34","date_gmt":"2016-12-05T19:08:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/iowa-law\/iowa-car-accident-settlement-process-and-timeline.html"},"modified":"2025-05-19T10:03:29","modified_gmt":"2025-05-19T15:03:29","slug":"iowa-car-accident-settlement-process-and-timeline","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/iowa-law\/iowa-car-accident-settlement-process-and-timeline.html","title":{"rendered":"Iowa Car Accident Settlement Process and Timeline"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Iowa Car Accident Settlement Process and Timeline<\/h1>\n
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\n By Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/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

Most states have specific laws about reporting auto accidents. Iowa is no different. Iowa law requires motorists to report any collision that causes bodily injury, death, or more than $1,500 in property damage.<\/blockquote>\r\n

Regardless of where you live in Iowa, there\u2019s always a chance of getting into a motor vehicle accident. Unfortunately, nobody thinks of teaching us about Iowa\u2019s car accident settlement process<\/a> when we’re learning to drive. You don\u2019t learn this until you\u2019re filing your insurance claim.<\/p>\r\n

Here, we\u2019ll explain how Iowa law impacts your car accident claim. We\u2019ll also discuss how to improve your chances of recovering damages<\/a>. If you still have questions about your car accident case, contact a personal injury lawyer near you.<\/p>\r\n

Do I Need to Report a Car Accident in Iowa?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

If law enforcement files a crash report, you don\u2019t have to file anything separately. However, if the police don\u2019t investigate the accident, you must submit an Iowa Accident Report form<\/a>. You must do so within 72 hours of the crash, or the State may suspend your driver\u2019s license.<\/p>\r\n

Even if the law doesn\u2019t require you to file a report, you should still do so. Your car accident lawyer will need an accident report to prove your personal injury claim<\/a>. Ideally, they\u2019ll have a copy of the police report. If not, your crash report is the next best thing.<\/p>\r\n

Iowa Car Insurance Laws<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Iowa drivers must show proof of financial responsibility after<\/i> an accident. Iowa law doesn\u2019t require motorists to carry auto insurance. They can prove financial responsibility<\/a> in several ways:<\/p>\r\n