Des Moines Car Accident Lawyers
Helping Crash Victims Across Polk County and Central Iowa
When a car crash changes your life, you need a legal team that knows how to respond. At Fay & Associates, we help crash victims throughout Des Moines and the Upper Midwest stand up to insurance companies and secure the compensation they deserve.
Backed by a team of award-winning trial lawyers, we’ve spent over two decades building a reputation as a trial-ready firm that puts clients first. We’ve recovered millions of dollars for people harmed in preventable accidents and are trusted across the region for our integrity, communication, and courtroom skill.
Call (612) 888-8354 or contact us online for a FREE consultation. We charge no legal fees unless we win your case.
Auto Accident Cases We Handle
We represent clients in a wide range of motor vehicle accident cases across Des Moines and the surrounding region. These include:
- Highway and Interstate Crashes. We handle collisions on major routes such as I-235, I-80, and I-35, including high-speed crashes and chain-reaction pileups.
- Crashes Involving Impaired Drivers. We pursue maximum compensation in cases involving intoxicated drivers who put lives at risk.
- T-Bone and Intersection Accidents. These broadside crashes can cause serious injuries, especially when they occur at busy urban intersections.
- Head-On Collisions. Among the most dangerous types of accidents, often resulting in catastrophic or fatal injuries.
- Rear-End Crashes. We represent drivers and passengers who suffer whiplash, back injuries, and other harm in rear-end accidents.
- Rollover Accidents. Often caused by speeding, overcorrection, or unsafe road conditions, these crashes can lead to serious trauma.
- Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Claims. When the at-fault driver lacks adequate coverage, we help clients pursue compensation through their own UM/UIM policies.
- Fatal Accidents and Wrongful Death Claims. We provide compassionate legal support to families seeking accountability and justice after a tragic loss.
Regardless of how your accident occurred, we have the experience and resources to conduct a thorough investigation, determine liability, and pursue full and fair compensation on your behalf.
Why Choose Fay & Associates?
At Fay & Associates, we combine the regional resources of an established injury law firm with local knowledge and personal service. Our clients choose us because:
- We’ve served injured Iowans since 1997
- We’ve recovered millions for crash victims and their families
- Our Des Moines office is centrally located in the Hub Tower downtown
- We take cases to trial when insurance companies refuse to pay fairly
- We never charge upfront — we only get paid if we win your case
Here’s what our clients say about working with us:
"They always fought to get me what I deserve."
I have worked with Michael twice now regarding motor vehicle accidents and he has always fought to get me what I deserve. Very good communication. Wouldn’t recommend anyone else. He is the best! – Auto Accident Client
"Communication was excellent."
I’d like to thank Fay & Associates for taking on my case. It was a slow process but they got the result they were aiming for. Communication was excellent between client and customer. I’m very satisfied with the service and outcome. – Former Client
What Should I Do After a Crash in Iowa?
Even if your accident happened days or weeks ago, there are important actions you can take now to protect your rights and strengthen your case:
- Continue all medical treatment and closely follow your doctor’s recommendations. Gaps in care can be used by insurers to question the severity of your injuries.
- Keep detailed records of your symptoms, treatment progress, missed work, and out-of-pocket costs. This documentation will help demonstrate the real impact of the crash.
- Secure and organize paperwork such as medical bills, diagnostic reports, insurance correspondence, and police reports.
- Avoid posting on social media about your accident, injuries, or activities. Insurers often monitor claimants’ accounts for posts that can be taken out of context.
- Let an attorney manage communications with insurance adjusters and opposing parties. This helps avoid mistakes that could jeopardize your claim.
Even if you’ve already filed a claim or spoken to the insurance company, it’s not too late to get legal help. The right lawyer can step in, protect your interests, and fight to maximize your financial recovery.
Iowa Car Accident Laws: What You Need to Know
Understanding your rights under Iowa law is essential. Here are the key legal principles that could affect your claim:
- Iowa is an at-fault state, meaning the driver who caused the crash is responsible for covering damages. Victims can file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance or bring a lawsuit.
- Comparative fault applies. You can still recover compensation if you were partially at fault, as long as your share of fault is 50% or less. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
- Insurance companies may try to shift blame to reduce payouts. Our attorneys know how to gather strong evidence and argue liability effectively.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Iowa?
The statute of limitations in Iowa is generally two years from the date of the crash for personal injury lawsuits. However, this deadline can vary based on the specifics of your case:
- Wrongful death: Two years from the date of death
- Claims involving minors: May have an extended deadline
- Claims involving government vehicles or employees: Often require a notice of claim within a shorter timeframe
Waiting too long to take action can severely weaken your case. Crucial evidence may be lost, and insurance companies may become more aggressive in denying your claim. Consulting a lawyer early ensures your rights are preserved and deadlines are met.
What Compensation Is Available?
You may be eligible to recover compensation for a wide range of economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical bills (ER visits, surgery, therapy, prescriptions)
- Future medical expenses and rehabilitation
- Lost income and loss of future earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
- Funeral expenses and loss of companionship (in wrongful death cases)
We’ll conduct a full damages analysis to ensure no aspect of your losses is overlooked.
Standing Ready to Be Your Advocates
EXPECT THE INDIVIDUALIZED ATTENTION YOU DESERVE
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Invested in You
Our relationship with clients begins with a consultation and continues through your case and life outside the courtroom. We are invested in your case, but also you.
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Advocates for the Injured
We choose to focus our firm in a few areas of law so we can stay in the forefront of legal changes and gain in-depth legal knowledge that our clients can benefit from. Our attorneys never represent insurance companies or large corporations.
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Treating Clients Like PartnersWith Fay & Associates, you have the entire backing of our firm, including the breadth and depth of our resources standing behind you.
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“Micheal Fay hears his client's concerns, and worries and works to win”
- Micheline M.Great Lawyer. Very professional. Micheal Fay hears his client's concerns, and worries and works to win. First time needing a lawyer and I’m beyond impressed with the service and the outcome of my service. Thank you so much for all that you and your team have done in order to help settle my case.
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“They went above and beyond to help me with my case.”
I will highly recommend Fay & Associates. They were very professional. They kept me informed of all the details.They went above and beyond to help me with my case. Thank you, Fay & Associates- Makesha V. -
“Hands down Eric Nelson is the best attorney in the state of Minnesota”
- Darren S.I’m from Dallas Texas and I got hurt during a job in Minnesota. Hands down Eric Nelson is the best attorney in the state of Minnesota. I told him what was going on with my case and he fought tooth & mail for me. Trust me you are in great hands
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“I would recommended Eric in a heart beat”
- Melissa M.I would recommended Eric in a heart beat he handle my case he was there for me all the way and he fights for the rights for his clients he helped me all the way I couldn't ask for any other attorney but him he is an excellent attorney if anyone needs a work comp/injury attorney hire Eric he is the best attorney my work comps case we won the case he will fight for you no matter what , thank you Eric for everything you did for me and my family I rate Eric 10 plus more stars!
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“Michael and his staff were always there to answer any questions”
- Zachary P.I was in a Motorcycle accident the day before my wife’s birthday. It was a dark couple of days until Michael got involved. He and his staff were always there to answer any questions I had. Helped smooth this rough patch out.
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“Fay and Associates accepted my case and got me the maximum compensation”
- Fikofiko E.4 attoneys refused to take my case, a worker compensation claim. Fay and associates accepted it and got for me the maximum that I was not even expected. All my thanks to them.
Request a Free Consultation. Call (612) 888-8354.
If you were hurt in a car accident, don’t try to navigate the insurance system alone. Let Fay & Associates guide you forward and fight for the recovery you deserve.
Call (612) 888-8354 or contact us online to get started. We’re ready to help.
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