Rain doesn’t feel as dangerous as snow. There’s no ice. No accumulation. No sense of losing control before you even start driving. For many people, rain feels manageable — something you drive through, not something you plan around. But wet roads create a different kind of risk, and it often goes underestimated. When rain first…
Read MoreDo Most Personal Injury Cases Go to Trial in Des Moines? What Central Iowa Drivers Should Know VanDerGinst Law proudly serves clients throughout Des Moines and the surrounding Central Iowa communities, including West Des Moines, Ankeny, Urbandale, and across Polk County. After an accident, one of the most common questions people ask is: “Will my…
Read MoreWhy Cold-Weather Truck Accidents Cause Greater Harm—and Require Immediate Legal Help Winter driving is dangerous for everyone, but when semi-trucks are involved, the results are often catastrophic. Across the Midwest, snow, ice, freezing rain, and reduced visibility create conditions that dramatically increase the risk of serious tractor-trailer crashes. Because commercial trucks are significantly larger and…
Read MoreCan You Sue a Family Member After a Car Accident? This is one of the most uncomfortable questions we hear. The accident happens—maybe on I-235 during rush hour, on Fleur Drive near the airport, or in a neighborhood street in West Des Moines or Ankeny. Everyone is shaken but alive. Then someone quietly asks, “We’re not actually suing them… are…
Read MoreCrush Injuries Crush injuries can cause catastrophic damage, leading to long-term physical and emotional consequences. At VanDerGinst Law, we help victims of severe crush injuries get the compensation they need to move forward. What is a Crush Injury? A crush injury occurs when a part of the body, such as an arm, leg, or torso, is…
Read MoreUnderstanding Winter Crash Liability in Illinois & Iowa Winter in the Midwest brings its own brand of chaos—freezing rain, drifting snow, and black ice that can turn even the most cautious commute into a dangerous situation. Every year, we hear the same concern from clients involved in cold-weather collisions: “I slid into another car… does…
Read MoreWhat to Do Immediately After a Rideshare Accident: A Guide to Protecting Your Rights Experiencing a rideshare accident can be overwhelming and stressful. Whether you’re a passenger, driver, or pedestrian, knowing the right steps to take immediately following an incident is crucial to protect your health, gather important evidence, and safeguard your legal rights. Here’s…
Read MoreKids Are Watching: How Your Driving Habits Shape the Next Generation Did you know that every time you’re behind the wheel, especially when passengers are in your vehicle, you’re teaching more than just traffic laws—you’re setting an example for the next generation? Children and teens who ride with us are constantly watching how we handle…
Read MoreUnderstanding Dram Shop Laws — Holding Alcohol Vendors Accountable Most people know they can hold a drunk driver responsible if they cause an accident. But did you know that in certain cases, the bar, restaurant, or other business that served that driver alcohol may also be held legally responsible? That’s where Dram Shop laws come…
Read MoreIn recent months, ride-sharing companies Uber and Lyft have been hit with a significant class action lawsuit related to allegations of sexual assault involving drivers. The lawsuit accuses both platforms of negligence and insufficient safety measures, raising serious concerns about passenger safety. What You Need to Know The lawsuit involves numerous reports of sexual misconduct…
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