Representing Victims Of Car Accidents Across Iowa

Every day, Iowa drivers take on the risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time and being injured or killed by a negligent reckless driver. In 2023 alone, 377 Iowans were killed, and at least 1,389 Iowans suffered serious injuries in crashes on Iowa roads.  There were 18 fatalities and 91 severely injured people in Des Moines alone.

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed because of motor vehicle negligence we are here to help you stand up for your civil rights and get the civil justice you are entitled to under Iowa law.  Most people do not understand the extent of their legal rights and relying on an insurance company to be fair and do what is right is not the right decision to make.  Whether it’s us or another qualified and experienced law firm, it is important to get legal representation to guide you through the process.

Hixson & Brown Law Firm and Trial Lawyers for Justice are Des Moines and Iowa based law firms that are dedicated to helping accident victims and families get the compensation they deserve and need to recover and move forward with life.  Our two firms combine to provide hundreds of years of combined experience representing clients throughout the state and beyond.

Working hard to win the maximum compensation a person is entitled to is what we are committed to.

Handling All Motor Vehicle Crash Claim Types For Des Moines

Our team of car accident attorneys routinely helps clients recover damages related to incidents like:

• Car accidents: Auto accidents are the leading cause of death for both adults and children in the U.S. Whether you were injured or a loved one was killed in a car accident, learn how we can be of assistance. We handle rear-end collisions and all other crashes.
• Truck accidents: Our law firm represents clients injured in collisions with tractor-trailers, semi trucks, 18-wheelers and other trucks across the state. We also handle truck crashes that result in fatal injuries.
• Motorcycle accidents: Motorcycle crash victims frequently suffer some of the most catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injury (TBI), serious abrasions (road rash) and more. These accidents may also lead to death in tragic circumstances.
• Commercial vehicle collisions: If you are injured through the negligence of a taxicab driver, FedEx or UPS driver, garbage truck driver, or maintenance truck driver, you should consult an attorney regarding your rights.
• Bus accidents: Our lawyers can advise you of your rights and options if you or a loved one was injured aboard a Des Moines city bus, a DART bus, a Greyhound bus, a school bus or any other type of public transportation in Iowa.
• Pedestrian accidents: Whether you were hit by a vehicle while jogging or crossing the street in a crosswalk, we will fight for full and fair compensation for your injuries.
• Bicycle crashes: Bicycle riders have rights on the road just like automobile drivers. We can explain your rights under Iowa law if you were injured by a negligent driver or another party.

Handling A Full Spectrum Of Auto Accidents

Our law firm is available to represent injured individuals and the families of wrongful death victims in all types of accidents caused by another party’s carelessness or wrongdoing. Such cases may involve:

• Drunk driving
• Distracted driving (including texting while driving)
• Rollover accidents
• Head-on or rear-end collisions
• Driving without a license
• Underinsured or uninsured motorists
• Hit-and-run accidents
• Right of Way Violations
• Speeding Violations
• Reckless Driving
• Texting and Driving
• Cell Phone Use and Driving
• Intoxicated Driving
• Falling Asleep at the Wheel
• Driving While Impaired

Negligent and Reckless driving is entirely preventable, but too many people choose to do it anyway. This is why we believe in holding dangerous drivers and their insurance companies fully and financially liable for the harm their negligence causes.

The Most Common Car Accident Injuries

Most of the time, people involved in a car accident suffer nothing more serious than a few bruises or minor muscle soreness. But when more serious injuries happen, the victim could be disabled for months or the rest of their lives – if they survive. Common major injuries that we see among our clients include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal injuries
• Back and neck injuries
• Crushed, mangled, and amputated limbs, feet and hands
• Severe burns
• Broken or Fractured Bones
• Paralysis
• Whiplash
• Head Injury and Concussion

Injuries like these can rob you of your independence and quality of life and leave you in chronic pain. Financial compensation can relieve the burden of affording things like medical bills, lost wages and medical equipment.

Get Professional Legal Advice Before Accepting A Car Accident Settlement

Never sign a settlement agreement from the insurance company before discussing your case with an experienced Des Moines attorney. Although it may appear the insurance company is offering you a significant amount of money, it is often not the full amount you deserve.

Our car accident lawyers can make sure you fully understand your rights and options. If it is in your best interest to settle the matter outside of court, we will negotiate for a fair settlement amount that truly covers your current and future needs.

Car Accidents FAQ

Here are basic answers to some of our clients’ most frequently asked questions:

What should I do after a car accident?

First, get out of traffic if possible. Determine if you or anyone else in your car has been seriously injured. Call 911 and wait for the police and EMTs to arrive. Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver, then use your cellphone or a camera to take photos of the accident scene. Ask any third-party witnesses for their contact information too.

Even if you feel fine, see your doctor for an examination as soon as possible. Many auto accident injuries do not start showing symptoms for hours or days.

What kinds of compensation can I claim for my injuries in Des Moines?

Iowa law sorts most personal injury damages into two categories: economic damages and noneconomic damages. Economic damages include things like your medical bills, the wages you have lost while recovering, and the wages you expect to lose in the future due to your injuries. They involve things with a direct, easily calculated price.

Noneconomic damages are less concrete but can be just as important. They include the pain and suffering you have experienced, your reduced enjoyment of life, and your reduced ability to provide support and companionship to your loved ones. Finally, in extreme cases, a jury might award punitive damages to punish the defendant.

How do you prove negligence caused your injuries?

Establishing a personal injury claim in Iowa starts with showing that the defendant owed you a duty of care. In this context, this usually refers to the duty every driver has to take reasonable steps to avoid causing an accident, such as by watching the road, obeying the speed limit and not driving drunk.

Next, you must prove that the defendant violated that duty in some way. Finally, you must be able, using the evidence, to connect that negligent behavior to your injuries. We have prepared countless cases proving negligence and can do the same for you.

Free Initial Consultation With Our West Des Moines Car Accident Attorneys

To schedule a free initial consultation about your motor vehicle accident and your rights, call the West Des Moines office of Hixson & Brown, P.C., at 515-644-6133. You can also reach us via our online contact form. Because we handle personal injury cases on contingency, we do not charge a fee until we are successful in bringing you your rightful compensation.