It’s that time of year again, the weather is nice and people are outside enjoying the warm weather. Iowans love riding bicycles, but an alarming fact is that there are an increasing number of bicycle crashes every year on Iowa’s roads. The majority of bicycle accidents are caused because drivers do not see the bicyclist before the collision or did not see the bicyclist until it was too late to avoid the crash. Intersections are the most likely place for bicycle accidents.

If you, a loved one or friend have been bitten or attacked by a dog at some point you may wonder if you need to hire an attorney.  You definitely do not need an attorney for every case. For example, if your injuries are minor then it is probably in your best interests to try and handle your case on your own.  Sometimes in cases where you have not sustained permanent injures attorney fee and costs might leave little or nothing for you after your medical bills are paid which would not be fair to you.  However, if you do have serious or permanent injuries there are many benefits of hiring an attorney.   

The answer to this question is sometimes.  The most typical scenario to try to settle a case on your own is:  1) If your total medical expenses are less than $5,000 (including the total medical bills paid by your insurance company, the bills paid by you and the bills that are unpaid) and 2) You do not have permanent injuries.  If you decide to proceed in your car accident case without an attorney, we’d like to share three things you should know:  

 1) Negotiate with the insurance adjustor

·        Be prepared and  know the facts  ·   Have a confident, but polite attitude with the insurance adjustor ·   Do no interrupt the insurance adjustor·        Listen and ask questions about their positions ·  Do not lose your temper or show emotion as that will likely damage your case  

1. Lifelong Medical Care: Your employer and/or their insurance company are responsible for paying for all medical care necessary to treat your work related injury.  This includes all forms of care and treatment, whether hospital, medical, therapy, nursing, diagnostic testing, surgery, physical rehabilitation or pain management.  However, generally your employer and/or their insurance company get to choose your medical providers.  The right to medical care and treatment may continue for the rest of your life for conditions related to your work injury or occupational disease.

2. Right to Medical Treatment: You always have the right to seek medical care from any medical provider that you choose.  However, please keep in mind that your employer and/or their insurance carrier will generally only pay for medical care that they have authorized or approved.  Also, if you have health insurance they may reject the claim as being a work related condition.

3. Payment of Medical Care Including Mileage: