Personal Injury

Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers

When you are injured in an accident where someone else is responsible, you need legal representation. Our firm represents individuals who have been injured in falls, pedestrian accidents, bike accidents, and other negligent situations. Rush & Nicholson provides free consultation and contingency fee representation for personal injury cases.

More cases than any other firm in Eastern Iowa

Represented dozens of injuries across Eastern Iowa

More than 100 years of combined experience


Negotiating & Litigating for Injured Individuals

When you get injured in an accident, it is important to know who was responsible for the accident. Did the other driver run a stop sign or stoplight? Did a place of business neglect to clean a wet or icy spot off of the property? Eastern Iowans look to our experienced personal injury lawyers to explore who was negligent or what might have caused your injury. 

The goal of personal injury litigation is to present a strong case or to negotiate for compensation for the resulting damages and losses. In the process of developing the case, we consult with trauma doctors, surgeons, and chiropractors as well as mechanics, engineers, and accident reconstruction analysts. These experts deliver clear testimony to state your case for compensation. Contact us to learn more about our experience with personal injury law.

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Contact us to get a free initial consultation with an attorney!

Helping Iowans Who Have Been Injured

Although located in Cedar Rapids, we’ve helped people with personal injury law in cities across the state. Even if your city isn’t listed, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for help.

Personal Injury &
Accident Attorney Tony Olson 

Tony is our firm’s primary personal injury attorney here at Rush & Nicholson. If you were in an accident or had another injury, our team will evaluate your situation and determine the best way forward for you to get the results you deserve.

Recent Cases

Rear-end collision results in $90,000 settlement.

April 15th, 2024

A Benton County woman rear-ended while turning into her driveway suffered neck and back injuries. Result: $90,000 settlement.

$700,000 settlement achieved in UTV crash case

April 15th, 2024

A Black Hawk county woman suffered serious head injuries after she was  struck by a telehandler forklift while driving a UTV.  Result: $700,000 settlement.  

$480,000 settlement in bicycle crash case

April 28th, 2023

A 32 year old man was hit by a car while riding his bicycle. After extensive treatment and time off work, a $480,000 settlement was reached.

$140,000 settlement reached in semi-car crash

January 15th, 2023

A 36 year-old man settled his case against the trucking company for $140,000 after suffering shoulder injuries when a semi crashed into the pickup truck in which he was a passenger.

$1,050,000 car accident wrongful death settlement

December 30th, 2022

The family of a rural Iowa man killed after a garbage truck collided with his pickup truck received a $1,050,000 settlement for claims against the waste disposal company and under insured motorist carrier.

See More Case Studies

Attorneys Experienced in Personal Injury

Tony Olson

Practicing Since 2010

Specialties:

  • Personal Injury
  • Car Accident/Motorcycle Collisions
  • Workers Compensation
View Full Bio
Attorney Matthew Dake at Rush & Nicholson

Matthew Dake

Practicing Since 1997

Specialties:

  • Workers Compensation
  • Mediator
  • Personal Injury
View Full Bio
Attorney Casey Steadman at Rush & Nicholson

Casey Steadman

Practicing Since 2016

Specialties:

  • Workers Compensation
  • Personal Injury
View Full Bio

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Learn More About Personal Injury

Check out helpful articles and guides about Personal Injury law, what to expect during a case, and much more.

Personal Injury FAQs

Do I have to pay to talk to you about my case?

No, initial consultations are free.

What is a contingent fee agreement?

Many people need legal representation but cannot afford to pay a lawyer’s hourly rate. An alternative to paying by the hour is the contingent fee. Most workers’ comp and personal injury cases are handled on a “contingent fee” basis. The lawyer’s fee is a percentage of (or “contingent” upon) the recovery you actually get on your claim.

The contingent fee percentages we use vary depending upon the nature of the case and other factors. Expenses for your claim are the responsibility of the client. We will prepare a written fee agreement for you and the firm to sign.

How long do I have to file my lawsuit?

The time limit to file a lawsuit varies, depending on the nature of your case. In general, an adult’s claim for personal injury must be filed within two years of the injury. Please refer to our discussion of Statutes of Limitations.

Exceptions to the two-year rule include injury to someone under 18 or unknown injuries. However, some claims have much shorter requirements, such as six months to serve notice in a Dram Shop claim involving a tavern. We can help you to identify what claims you may have and what time limits apply.

Should I give a telephone statement to the insurance adjuster?

Insurance companies routinely ask to interview someone who has made a claim or been hurt. It can be done in person or over the telephone. Usually, it will be recorded. Anything you say when giving your statement can be brought up later, even at a trial months later.

As part of our representation, the lawyers at Rush & Nicholson help clients decide if giving a statement is wise. Many factors are considered, including our client’s physical and emotional recovery after an injury. We believe there is no “one-size-fits-all” answer because every person and each claim is different.

Why should I hire a lawyer for my personal injury case?

We think advice from a lawyer is essential, but you are not required to have a lawyer. However, you may not recognize all the potential claims you have or the applicable time limits. You may not know the procedural requirements you need to follow to pursue your claims.

We know what you will need for evidence to prove legal responsibility as well as to prove your damages. We can help you evaluate your case and recognize the strengths and weaknesses in it. Rush & Nicholson can help you assemble, evaluate and present that evidence for settlement or at trial.

If your claim needs to be filed, a lawyer can prepare the papers in the proper form, file them in the correct places, and see that the technical requirements of legal proceedings are followed.

Rush & Nicholson will try to see things from your perspective and give you advice and information free of any bias or conflict of interest. If a trial or hearing is needed, your lawyer can present your evidence and protect your right to a fair decision.

This is just a summary. Much more can be involved. If you have questions about what can be done for your case in particular, please contact us.

How much is my personal injury case worth?

Many factors go into the value of a claim. The more obvious and permanent the physical injury, the more complex and prolonged the medical treatment, the more time off work, the other party’s legal responsibility, the more a judge or jury is likely to award in compensation.

Other factors, such as the personality and appeal of the parties and their witnesses, the ease or difficulty of obtaining necessary evidence, and your willingness and the ability of your lawyer to take your case all the way to trial can affect its value. The experienced lawyers at Rush & Nicholson take all these factors into consideration when evaluating a case.

How do I know if I have a case?

No one is eager to file a lawsuit. Experienced lawyers at Rush & Nicholson can help you make an informed decision. A valid claim requires negligence by another person, corporation, or governmental body that directly caused you physical harm: like violating a traffic rule and causing an accident or renting you a broken tool that injures you. More than one person or thing can contribute to causing an injury.

If you’ve been injured and you feel someone else is responsible, it is wise to get a free consultation with a lawyer at Rush & Nicholson as soon as possible after your injury. The facts will be fresh in your memory and important physical evidence may still be available. With a full description of what happened to you, our lawyers will give you a free and unbiased assessment of your case.