A car accident injury can be devastating and the road to recovery can be overwhelming. Accordingly, it is important to know how a car accident case works and what you can do to protect yourself during this difficult time. Specifically, it is important to know: How to Collect Evidence at the Accident Scene: The evidence that is at the scene of the crash can be very important in determining why the crash occurred and who was liable for the accident. What Not to Do at the Scene of the Crash: It is important to avoid certain actions at the time of your accident so that you don’t inadvertently create additional problems for yourself later. What to Do If You’ve Been in a Crash With a Young Child: Babies and young children should always be seen by a medical professional after a crash, since they cannot accurately report pain or injury. How to Get a Copy of Your Police Report: You can request a copy of your police report from the Iowa Department of Transportation or from a local municipality’s police department after a crash. If the Statute of Limitations Has Expired: You have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit after a car accident. In Iowa, that time limit is typically two years, though exceptions to that general rule may apply. Whether You Have Standing to Sue: Before you file a lawsuit, you should know if you have the legal authority to sue. If you are a mentally competent adult then you have the right to sue for your own personal injuries. Special rules apply for children, for adults who need a legal guardian, and for wrongful death cases. If Comparative Negligence Will Block Your Recovery: You may be able to recover damages even if you were partly at fault for the accident. Your damages will be reduced by the amount of fault attributed to you if you were 50% or less responsible for the crash. If you bear 51% or more of the fault for the crash, then you will not be able to recover damages. How to Deal With Insurance Adjusters: Insurance adjusters are looking out for the interests of their employers and can use what you say and do against you. Thus, it is important to know how to effectively deal with insurance adjusters so that you can protect your rights. How Settlements Work: You can’t count on the insurance company to provide you with a fair settlement unless you know how settlements work and how to successfully advocate for your own recovery. Whether You Need Expert Witnesses: Different types of expert witnesses may be important to your Davenport car accident case. You may need expert witnesses, for example, to help prove how the crash occurred or what your fair damages should be for your injuries. If You Need an Attorney: There are benefits to contacting an experienced Davenport car crash attorney after an accident. Most importantly, an experienced lawyer can help you get the recovery that you deserve with as little stress as possible. It is also important to know about Iowa car seat laws and minimum car insurance requirements both before you get in a crash and, if relevant, after you’ve been injured. Together, these tips and resources are important to your potential recovery.