Car Accident Claims in Iowa
Minimum car insurance in Iowa, whether the state is no-fault, how fault is shared, and the deadline to sue after a crash.
Short answer: A driver in a crash that causes injury or death must immediately notify, by the quickest means available, the county sheriff, the nearest Iowa State Patrol office, or another peace officer as near the scene as practical. Iowa Code § 321.266(1)
| Reporting a crash to police | A driver in a crash that causes injury or death must immediately notify, by the quickest means available, the county sheriff, the nearest Iowa State Patrol office, or another peace officer as near the scene as practical. In a fatal crash, a surviving driver who leaves to get help or report must leave identification at the scene, promptly report to law enforcement, and return or tell authorities where they can be found (§ 321.263(2)). Source: Iowa Code § 321.266(1) |
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| Crash report to the DMV | A driver in a crash causing injury, death, or apparent total property damage of $1,500 or more must send a written report to the Iowa Department of Transportation within 72 hours after the crash. No driver report is required if a law enforcement agency investigated the crash; in that case the officer sends a report to the department within 24 hours after completing the investigation. Driver reports are confidential, are made without prejudice, and cannot be used as evidence in a civil or criminal case; involved persons can learn the identity and address of others involved (§ 321.271). Source: Iowa Code § 321.266(2)-(3) |
| Leaving the scene (hit and run) | A driver who knows or has reason to believe their vehicle was in a crash causing injury or death must stop and stay at the scene, give name, address and registration number, show a license on request, and give reasonable help to anyone injured, including arranging transport for medical treatment. A driver who later learns their vehicle may have been involved must make a good-faith effort to call 911 as soon as reasonably possible. In a damage-only crash with an attended vehicle, the driver must move an operable vehicle off the traveled roadway when safe, then stop and exchange information. For an unattended vehicle, the driver must find the owner or leave a written note. Leaving an injury crash is a serious misdemeanor; a serious-injury crash, an aggravated misdemeanor (class D felony if the driver caused it); a fatal crash, a class D felony (class C felony if the driver caused it). The license is revoked on conviction. Leaving a damage-only crash or an unattended vehicle is a simple misdemeanor. Information/aid duties: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/321.263.pdf ; damage-only: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/321.262.pdf |
| Minimum car insurance | Drivers must have financial liability coverage in effect. The minimum amounts are $20,000 for injury or death of one person, $40,000 for injury or death of two or more people in one accident, and $15,000 for property damage (20/40/15). Source: Iowa Code §§ 321.20B, 321A.1(11) |
| Fault rule (comparative negligence) | Modified comparative fault (51% bar). An injured person's own fault does not bar recovery unless it is greater than the combined fault of the defendants, third-party defendants and released persons; damages are reduced by the injured person's percentage of fault. Source: Iowa Code § 668.3 |
| Deadline to sue for an injury | A lawsuit founded on injuries to the person (or reputation), whether based on contract or tort, must be filed within two years after the claim accrues. Source: Iowa Code § 614.1(2) |
| Deadline to sue for property damage | A lawsuit for injuries to property must be filed within five years after the claim accrues. Source: Iowa Code § 614.1(4) |
More Iowa personal injury & wrongful death
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FAQ
When do you have to report a car accident to the police in Iowa?
A driver in a crash that causes injury or death must immediately notify, by the quickest means available, the county sheriff, the nearest Iowa State Patrol office, or another peace officer as near the scene as practical.
Do you have to report a car accident to the DMV in Iowa?
A driver in a crash causing injury, death, or apparent total property damage of $1,500 or more must send a written report to the Iowa Department of Transportation within 72 hours after the crash. No driver report is required if a law enforcement agency investigated the crash; in that case the officer sends a report to the department within 24 hours after completing the investigation.
What are your duties after a car accident in Iowa?
A driver who knows or has reason to believe their vehicle was in a crash causing injury or death must stop and stay at the scene, give name, address and registration number, show a license on request, and give reasonable help to anyone injured, including arranging transport for medical treatment. A driver who later learns their vehicle may have been involved must make a good-faith effort to call 911 as soon as reasonably possible. In a damage-only crash with an attended vehicle, the driver must move an operable vehicle off the traveled roadway when safe, then stop and exchange information. For an unattended vehicle, the driver must find the owner or leave a written note. Leaving an injury crash is a serious misdemeanor; a serious-injury crash, an aggravated misdemeanor (class D felony if the driver caused it); a fatal crash, a class D felony (class C felony if the driver caused it). The license is revoked on conviction. Leaving a damage-only crash or an unattended vehicle is a simple misdemeanor.
What is the minimum car insurance required in Iowa?
Drivers must have financial liability coverage in effect. The minimum amounts are $20,000 for injury or death of one person, $40,000 for injury or death of two or more people in one accident, and $15,000 for property damage (20/40/15).
Can you recover damages if you were partly at fault in Iowa?
Modified comparative fault (51% bar). An injured person's own fault does not bar recovery unless it is greater than the combined fault of the defendants, third-party defendants and released persons; damages are reduced by the injured person's percentage of fault.
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in Iowa?
A lawsuit founded on injuries to the person (or reputation), whether based on contract or tort, must be filed within two years after the claim accrues.
How long do you have to sue for property damage in Iowa?
A lawsuit for injuries to property must be filed within five years after the claim accrues.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.