Accidents & Injuries in Iowa

Iowa Code Section 614.1(2) provides a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. For claims against the State of Iowa, you must comply with the Iowa Tort Claims Act (Chapter 669). Local government claims may require shorter notice under Iowa Code Section 670.4A. Failing to meet these deadlines may permanently bar your claim.

Under Iowa Code Section 668.3, Iowa uses modified comparative fault with a 51% bar. If you are 50% or less at fault, you may recover damages proportionally reduced. If you are 51% or more at fault, you are completely barred from recovering damages from the other party. Iowa also requires allocation of fault to all parties, including those who have settled.

No. Iowa is a traditional tort (fault-based) state. The at-fault driver's liability insurance compensates injured parties. Iowa does not require mandatory personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, though uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is available and advisable.

Iowa does not impose a general statutory cap on compensatory damages in most personal injury cases. However, government entity claims may be subject to limitations under the Iowa Tort Claims Act. Punitive damages in Iowa are subject to review and may require a finding of actual malice or deliberate disregard.