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Helping the Injured in Southeast Iowa
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FAQ

  • Social Security Disability

    • How long does it take to get approved for Social Security Disability?

      Initial decisions typically take several months, though it can take longer. If your claim is denied and you appeal, the process can add several more months, which is why getting your application right the first time matters.

    • What if my claim has already been denied?

      A denial isn't the end of the road. Most successful claims are approved on appeal, not on the initial application. We can review why your claim was denied and help you build a stronger case for reconsideration or a hearing.

    • Can I work while receiving SSDI or SSI?

      In limited circumstances, yes, but earning above a certain monthly threshold can affect your eligibility, and SSDI and SSI apply different rules to working while receiving benefits. We can walk you through what applies to your specific situation.

    • Do I need a lawyer to apply for Social Security Disability?

      No, but claims with legal representation are statistically more likely to succeed, particularly at the appeals stage. We handle the documentation, deadlines, and legal procedure so a technical error doesn't cost you benefits you're entitled to.

    • How much does it cost to hire a Social Security Disability attorney?

      We work on a contingency fee basis for these claims; you don't pay anything unless we win your case. Contact us for details on how fees work for your specific situation.

  • Truck Accidents

    • What should I do immediately at the scene of a truck crash on a rural Iowa highway?

      Call 911 immediately so local law enforcement (such as the Henry County Sheriff or Iowa State Patrol) can dispatch emergency services and generate an official crash report. If safe, take photos of vehicle positioning, road conditions, skid marks, and cargo spills. Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel uninjured, as symptoms like concussions or internal bleeding may be delayed.

    • How long does a trucking company have to keep crash evidence?

      Under federal rules, carriers are only required to retain specific digital data, such as engine control module ("black box") logs and Electronic Logging Device records, for short periods, sometimes as little as 30 days. Danny can immediately send a formal letter demanding that the carrier preserve all physical and electronic evidence related to the crash.

    • Can I recover compensation if the crash involved a seasonal farm driver or an independent contractor?

      Yes, but the claim structure depends on employment status and policy terms. Independent contractors and farm operators carry different insurance structures than national interstate fleets, requiring targeted investigation into farm ownership, logistics brokers, or third-party fleet managers.

    • How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Iowa?
      Under Iowa Code § 614.1(2), the standard statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. Filing promptly allows our firm to collect fresh evidence, interview witnesses, and preserve electronic logging data before it is lost.

  • Car Accidents

    • How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Iowa?

      In Iowa, the legal deadline (statute of limitations) for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a car crash is generally two years from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, you lose your legal right to pursue compensation through the court system. Promptly contacting our firm allows us to preserve critical evidence before it disappears.

    • What if the other driver claims the accident was partially my fault?

      Iowa follows a modified comparative fault rule (51% bar). As long as you are determined to be 50% or less at fault for the crash, you can still recover financial compensation. However, your total award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

      For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but found 20% at fault, your final recovery will be $80,000. If you are 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover damages.

    • Should I give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance adjuster?

      No. Insurance adjusters are trained to ask misleading questions designed to get you to admit fault or downplay your physical injuries. You are not legally required to provide a recorded statement to the at-fault driver's insurance carrier. Let your attorney handle all communications to protect your rights.

    • What if the driver who hit me doesn't have insurance?
      If an uninsured driver strikes your vehicle, we can examine your own auto insurance policy to see if you carry Uninsured Motorist (UM) or Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage. This coverage allows you to seek compensation directly from your own policy up to your policy limits.

  • Personal Injury

    • Do I have a personal injury case if i do not feel hurt?
      Many injured victims go into shock after being in an accident. If you do not feel hurt at the scene of the accident, there is a good chance you could have injuries that are not immediately obvious. The adrenaline rush that most people experience after being injured can mask many of the symptoms of your wounds, including pain. If you have been in an accident, always seek medical attention to ensure you are okay. Many serious conditions take hours or even days to emerge.
    • How long can I wait before pursuing a personal injury claim?
      Personal injury claims are subject to a statute of limitations. Every state has its own statute of limitations for various personal injury cases. Once the statute of limitations has expired, individuals can no longer seek compensation through the court system. In Iowa, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. Certain exceptions may apply if your injuries or damages were not immediately obvious. In general, it is recommended that you begin building your personal injury case as soon as possible.
    • Should I talk to my insurance company after an accident?
      If you are making a claim through your insurance or another party’s insurance, it is very likely an insurance adjuster will reach out to you. In most cases, it is not advisable to speak with an insurance company representative without legal counsel. Most insurance adjusters are attempting to find ways around paying you the compensation you deserve. Even if the adjuster works for your own insurance company, they are likely looking for a way to fault you for the accident and avoid a payout.
    • Can I seek damages even if i had a pre-existing condition?
      Some injured individuals are worried about making a personal injury claim because of their pre-existing medical conditions. Fortunately, you can still recover compensation for your damages even if you have a medical condition already. If someone else was at fault for the accident and your injuries aggravated your condition, the at-fault party can be held accountable for your medical costs. The damages you receive may be reduced to account for your pre-existing condition. It is recommended to seek legal assistance if you have a personal injury case with a pre-existing medical condition.
    • Can I seek damages if i was partly at fault?
      Some accidents happen because of the actions of both parties involved. The damages you can recover after a partial-fault accident depend on your state. In Iowa, you can typically recover damages as long as your fault does not exceed 50%. Your damages may be reduced depending on the amount of damage you are found to be at fault for. Insurance companies typically examine the evidence from the accident to determine fault levels. Because partial-fault cases can be complex, it is recommended you seek legal guidance as soon as possible.
    • How long will it take to receive compensation?
      No two personal injury cases are the same, which means the time it takes to reach a settlement can vary greatly. The good news is that very few personal injury claims go to trial. Many personal injury cases can be negotiated and settled outside of court with the insurance company or the other party. Generally, claims that involve significant amounts of money and extensive injuries will take longer to settle, as the insurer and defendant will likely fight harder. Hiring a professional attorney is the best way to speed up the process.
    • How do I receive compensation for an on-the-job injury?
      If you were injured while working, there are a few different ways to receive compensation. Depending on your employer, you may be eligible for worker’s compensation. This compensation will cover your medical bills plus a portion of your lost income while you are unable to work. If a party other than your employer caused your injuries, you can file a claim against the third party. A personal injury claim will likely give you more compensation than relying on worker’s compensation alone.
    • What is a release in a settlement?
      When you receive a settlement, you will be asked to sign a release. A release is a form that individuals sign in exchange for receiving their settlement money. Upon signing the release, individuals state that they release or let go of all legal claims against the defendant and their insurer. Release statements usually cover the defendant you sued and any other potential defendants, including parties not involved in the personal injury claim. It is always recommended to have a lawyer look over a release before you sign it. Your spouse may also need to sign the release if you are married.
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