Decorah, IA Truck Accident Lawyer

Hire a Decorah, IA Truck Accident Lawyer for claims involving serious truck crashes

Truck Accident Attorney in Decorah, IA

You may be driving to work or going to pick up your children from school when suddenly you are struck by a truck driver. As you undergo medical care and deal with the mental distress of being injured, you may begin to look for a Decorah, IA, truck accident lawyer. By obtaining legal representation, you can find out if there are any legal claims you can pursue under Iowa law. 

Why Choose Craig Steger

Craig Steger has over 20 years of experience handling truck accident cases throughout Iowa. Our team works with clients to help make them whole after suffering injuries, economic loss, and property damage in a trucking accident. We can give personal attention to your case, no matter how complex, and provide the support you need during this difficult time in your life. 

Types of Damages Related to Truck Accident Claims in Decorah, IA

Truck accidents can result in life-altering harm, and the damages in these cases can be substantial. Thousands of traffic collisions happen in Iowa each year–approximately 5,604 traffic accidents in 2022–and in 2024, approximately 357 people died in the state due to traffic collisions.

Depending on the circumstances of the case, injured victims may be entitled to compensation for economic damages and non-economic damages. 

Economic damages can include medical costs, lost income, and property damage. Non-economic damages are not easily quantifiable and include loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress, and psychological suffering. 

In Decorah, Iowa, injured parties have two years to take legal action to pursue these damages in a personal injury case. If no case is opened within two years after your injury, you could ultimately lose the right to recover compensation from the at-fault party.

Your Road to

Recovery Starts Here

Evidence in a Truck Accident Claim

Medical records and medical bills are two of the most important forms of evidence when it comes to any personal injury claim. You should ensure your attorney is aware of any ongoing medical care and future medical treatment you may need to recover from your injuries. If you are experiencing long-term physical pain or symptoms due to your injuries, even after treatment, you need to communicate this to your doctor and attorney.

Other relevant forms of evidence in truck accident cases include:

  • Traffic collision reports 
  • Blackbox data
  • Driver logs and records
  • Maintenance records
  • Cargo documentation

Our skilled attorney can examine all the documents and evidence, and speak to any witnesses who observed the incident. You can work with us to understand and assess the contents of these documents and how they apply to your claim.

Multiple Entities May Be Liable for Your Injuries 

Trucking companies often lease equipment and inventory to one another, and therefore, more than one trucking company may be named as defendants in a truck accident case and held responsible for paying for your damages. Your lawyer may need to negotiate with multiple insurance adjusters from different insurance companies to secure an adequate settlement. 

Due to the multiple parties often involved in truck accident cases, it can seem confusing to assess how you need to frame your case. The trucking company employing the driver who caused the accident may have an insurance policy with higher policy limits than another trucking company linked to the accident. In a case like this, your attorney may try to settle all of your claims with one entity. 

Why You Should Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer 

When you hire a truck accident lawyer, they can relieve some of the pressure and stress of the legal aspects as you recover from your injuries. Our skilled lawyer can subpoena records, examine evidence, and negotiate with insurance adjusters. If a case goes to trial at the Iowa District Court for Winneshiek County, Craig Steger can be your advocate, arguing on your behalf at hearings and asserting your legal claim for damages. 

It is often more difficult to bring a case before a judge on your own. Not only can you miss valuable evidence, but you can also make costly mistakes that affect your settlement amount. 

In Iowa, personal injury cases follow a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can only recover compensation if you are not more at fault than all defendants combined. So, if you are found at least 51% at fault in your case, you will not receive compensation. However, if you are no more than 50% at fault, recovery is still possible, but the total amount will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

If you retain legal counsel, you will have someone supporting you who knows what evidence to look for, how to avoid any errors, and how to prove you were not at fault for the accident. Our knowledgeable lawyer can explain arcane legal concepts and help you understand how your case is progressing. 

FAQs 

Is Iowa a No-Fault State for Truck Accidents? 

Iowa is not a no-fault state for truck accidents. The individual driver who is found responsible for causing an accident in which you suffer injuries is liable for paying for property damage, lost income, and medical costs. Typically, the trucking company’s insurance company will provide compensation for all losses incurred.

Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident in Decorah, IA? 

In Decorah, truck accidents can have multiple liable parties, including the driver and the trucking company. The trucking company may lease equipment from another trucking company, meaning two or more business organizations may be liable for your damages. Trucking accidents generally involve complex liability. It’s important to discuss this with your lawyer to determine how many parties you can seek recovery from.

How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements in Decorah, IA? 

All truck accident cases are unique, and the circumstances of the accident, as well as the physical injuries you suffer, will often influence the final settlement amount. An attorney cannot provide an exact settlement amount for your truck accident case. Some truck accident claims proceed to trial, and a judge or jury may decide the final damages the trucking company will be required to pay. 

What Should I Do if a Truck Driver Hits Me? 

If a truck driver hits you, the first thing you should do, if possible, is call emergency services. Seek medical care, even if you don’t feel you’re injured, and make sure the police file an accident report. This will be key evidence in a legal claim. If you can, also exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver. Be sure to contact a Decorah truck accident attorney to find out what you should do next.

Contact Craig Steger, The Trucking Lawyer 

Truck accidents are often catastrophic and leave victims feeling frightened, violated, and alone. You may have medical issues requiring ongoing treatment, and you may have suffered severe property damage that limits your ability to travel. A truck accident attorney can help you seek financial compensation for your damages and losses. If you are searching for a truck accident lawyer with proven experience against large trucking companies, reach out to Craig Steger today to schedule a case review so we can assess your potential legal claim.

When the
Stakes Are High

Call Craig Steger