Iowa Car Accident Settlement Process and Timeline

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.

Regardless of where you live in Iowa, there’s always a chance of getting into a motor vehicle accident. Unfortunately, nobody thinks of teaching us about Iowa’s car accident settlement process when we're learning to drive. You don’t learn this until you’re filing your insurance claim.

Here, we’ll explain how Iowa law impacts your car accident claim. We’ll also discuss how to improve your chances of recovering damages. If you still have questions about your car accident case, contact a personal injury lawyer near you.

Do I Need to Report a Car Accident in Iowa?

If law enforcement files a crash report, you don’t have to file anything separately. However, if the police don’t investigate the accident, you must submit an Iowa Accident Report form. You must do so within 72 hours of the crash, or the State may suspend your driver’s license.

Even if the law doesn’t 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. Ideally, they’ll have a copy of the police report. If not, your crash report is the next best thing.

Iowa Car Insurance Laws

Iowa drivers must show proof of financial responsibility after an accident. Iowa law doesn’t require motorists to carry auto insurance. They can prove financial responsibility in several ways:

• Having insurance
• Paying for the other party’s damages
• Posting a bond

The Iowa legislature’s primary concern is having accident victims rely on the State for medical treatment. The government is happy as long as the at-fault driver can pay the victim’s medical expenses and other out-of-pocket losses. This concern lies at the heart of all states’ car insurance laws.

Consult a personal injury attorney if you choose to work things out directly with the other driver. They’ll help ensure your agreement with the other driver protects your interests.

If you decide to carry an auto insurance policy instead of dealing with bonds or cash payments, you must maintain a minimum amount of liability insurance coverage:

• $20,000 for bodily injuries per person
• $40,000 total coverage if there are multiple victims
• $15,000 for property damage

You may have to file suit if the at-fault party’s insurance coverage doesn’t pay your entire claim. Your attorney will file a personal injury lawsuit directly against the other driver. Once they file your complaint, they will try to negotiate a settlement amount with the defendant’s insurance company.

How Do Car Accident Settlements Work in Iowa?

Many people have no idea that more than 95% of all car accident lawsuits settle out of court. A settlement is usually in the best interests of all parties, including car accident victims. If you go to trial, there’s a chance you may lose and walk away with nothing. Plus, trials can be expensive and time-consuming.

The benefit of a settlement is that it allows the parties to control the outcome. When you file your lawsuit, you must list your demand for damages. This may include some or all of the following:

• Medical bills
• Future medical treatment
• Lost wages
• Lost future income
• Pain and suffering

Once the defendant’s attorney receives a copy of your complaint, they will file an answer. They will also contact your personal injury lawyer to discuss a potential settlement.

Iowa law doesn’t require parties to attend a settlement conference through the court. Instead, the local courts have discretion when deciding whether to require parties to participate.

For example, Linn and Johnson Counties have required parties to attend mandatory settlement conferences since September 19, 2011. Even if your local courts do not require formal conferences, expect your attorney to discuss settlements with you and the other party before trial.

What is the Average Car Accident Settlement in Iowa?

It’s impossible to say what Iowa's average car accident settlement is worth. Every case is unique, and there’s no way to know what your case is worth ahead of time.

Many factors can impact the size of your settlement. These include:

• Insurance coverage (insurance companies won’t pay more than policy limits)
• Medical records showing the nature and extent of your injuries
• Facts available from the police report and other sources
• The impact the crash has on your life

Ideally, the insurance adjuster handling your claim will pay it without issue. However, even if this doesn’t happen, your attorney will work hard to negotiate a fair settlement.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Iowa?

Every state has a statute of limitations that dictates how long you have to file a car accident lawsuit. In Iowa, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years from the date of the accident.

If you don’t file your claim before the statute of limitations expires, the court will dismiss your case.

Talk to an Iowa Attorney About the Car Accident Settlement Process

A settlement is typically binding and final. If you're not careful, you could end up with an insufficient amount to cover medical bills and expenses down the line or waive claims altogether. Avoid these mishaps and get peace of mind from an experienced Iowa car accident attorney.