A pedestrian struck by a vehicle has virtually no protection. From downtown crosswalks in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids to rural roadsides and parking lots, pedestrian crashes in Iowa frequently cause catastrophic or fatal injuries.
Where and Why Pedestrian Crashes Happen
Pedestrian crashes cluster at intersections, mid-block crossings, parking lots, and along roads without sidewalks. Distracted driving, failure to yield at crosswalks, speeding, turning without looking, and impaired driving are leading causes. Low light, winter darkness, and snow-narrowed shoulders increase the danger in Iowa.
Iowa law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in marked and many unmarked crosswalks. When a driver violates that duty, they can be held responsible for the resulting harm.
Serious Injuries and Full Compensation
Because the human body absorbs the impact directly, pedestrian victims often suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, multiple fractures, internal organ damage, and permanent disability. These injuries demand compensation for extensive medical care, long-term rehabilitation, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Even if a pedestrian was crossing outside a crosswalk, Iowa's comparative fault rule may still allow recovery. The driver's speed, attention, and opportunity to avoid the collision all matter.
Protecting Your Rights After Being Struck
Get medical care immediately and follow through with all treatment. If possible, identify witnesses and preserve any video from nearby businesses or traffic cameras before it is erased. Avoid giving a recorded statement to the driver's insurer until you have spoken with an attorney.
Call 973-566-5599 for a free, confidential case review. We connect injured pedestrians with experienced Iowa attorneys, and there is no fee unless you win.
Injured in Iowa? Get a free, confidential case review today. There's no obligation, and you pay no fee unless you win. Call 973-566-5599.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nothing upfront. The attorneys in our network work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fee unless they recover compensation for you. Your case review is always free and completely confidential.
Iowa's statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of injury under Iowa Code § 614.1(2). Claims against a city, county, or the state are governed by separate notice rules and shorter deadlines, so it is important to act quickly before evidence disappears.
Iowa uses a modified comparative fault rule under Iowa Code § 668.3. You can still recover compensation as long as you were not more than 50% at fault, though your award is reduced by your own percentage of fault. Many people who assume they have no case are surprised to learn they can still recover.
You may still have a claim. Iowa's comparative fault rule allows recovery as long as the pedestrian was not more than 50% at fault. Drivers always have a duty to keep a proper lookout and avoid hitting people in the road when they reasonably can.
This page is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, consult a licensed Iowa attorney.