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11 Best Accident Lawyers Near Me in Des Moines, IA

Updated May 2026. Ranked by FMAL Score.

Looking for an accident lawyer near you in Des Moines? Every firm below is ranked by an independent FMAL Score — built from Google reviews, Reddit mentions, and behavioral signals from real client feedback. Free consultations available. Most work on contingency — no fee unless you win.

Iowa is an at-fault state with a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims.

This directory is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. FindMyAccidentLawyer.com is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation. Use of this site does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Rankings are based entirely on independent data — no firm has paid to appear or rank higher here. Unlike FindLaw and Martindale, position on FMAL is earned by data alone.

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Filter by accident type

1
88
Excellent
LL

LaMarca Law Group

1820 NW 118th St #200, Des Moines, IA 50325

Google★★★★½4.9(214)
Reddit70 mentions
Communicates well
Keeps clients informed throughout the processFights for fair settlements, even in complex cases
Free Consultation
View Profile →
2
75
Good
BL

Baer Law Office

838 5th Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309

Google★★★★½4.8(123)
Communicates wellNot a millFast settlements
Attorneys provide personalized attention, making clients feel like a priority.Offers thorough trial preparation, including mock trials.
Free Consultation
View Profile →
3
74
Good
MS

Mueller Schmidt Mulholland & Cooling, PLLC

213 13th St, Des Moines, IA 50309

Google★★★★★5.0(414)
Reddit210 mentions
Fights for clientsCommunicates wellNot a mill
Proactively guides clients to appropriate medical treatment and manages medical bills.Aggressively advocates and negotiates for clients to achieve favorable settlements.
4
70
Good
SS

Spaulding & Shaull, P.L.C.

2423 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312

Google★★★★½4.5(23)
Reddit49 mentions
Communicates well
attorneys are kind and caringattorneys are knowledgeable and communicative
Free Consultation
View Profile →
5
68
Good
BL

Beattie Law Firm

4300 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312

Google★★★★4.3(16)
Reddit100 mentions
Fights for clientsCommunicates wellNot a mill
Educates clients about the case and trial processKeeps clients informed throughout the process
Free Consultation
View Profile →
6
64
Good
SL

Spellman Law Firm

319 SW 5th St #201, Des Moines, IA 50309

Google★★★★½4.8
Communicates wellNot a mill
Attorney personally handles client communication and case managementProactive in keeping clients informed at every stage
Free Consultation
View Profile →
7
48
Fair
SJ

Simpson, Jensen, Abels, Fischer & Bouslog

604 Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309

Google★★★★4.3(18)
Reddit182 mentions
Fights for clients
Took on a large retailer and won a worker's comp caseStaff is described as kind and helpful
8
48
Fair
OL

Olson Law Office

3116 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312

Google★★★★★5.0(3)
Reddit108 mentions
9
43
Fair
TL

Trial Lawyer

Des Moines, IA

Reddit237 mentions
10
29
Low
Reddit189 mentions
Free Consultation
View Profile →
11
25
Low
Reddit183 mentions
Free Consultation
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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a car accident lawyer cost in Des Moines, IA?

Most car accident lawyers in Des Moines work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and they only get paid if you win your case. The typical contingency fee is 33% of your settlement before trial, or 40% if the case goes to court. There are no hourly fees or retainers for most personal injury cases.

How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Iowa?

In Iowa, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is 2 years from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to pursue compensation. It's critical to contact a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your claim.

What is Iowa's fault system for car accidents?

Iowa is an at-fault state, meaning the driver who caused the accident is responsible for paying damages. You can file a claim against the at-fault driver's insurance company or file a lawsuit to recover compensation.

Do I need a lawyer for a minor car accident in Des Moines?

Even minor accidents can result in significant medical bills, especially if symptoms like whiplash or soft tissue injuries appear days or weeks later. Insurance companies routinely offer lowball settlements to unrepresented claimants. A free consultation with a Des Moines car accident lawyer costs nothing and can help you understand if your case is worth pursuing.

What should I do immediately after a car accident in Des Moines?

First, call 911 and get medical attention, even if injuries seem minor. Document the scene with photos. Exchange information with the other driver. File a police report. Do not admit fault or give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance. Contact a car accident lawyer in Des Moines before accepting any settlement offer.

How do I choose the best car accident lawyer in Des Moines?

Look for a lawyer who specializes in car accident cases (not a general practitioner), offers a free consultation, works on contingency (no upfront fees), has verifiable case results, and has positive reviews from past clients. Our FMAL Score rates Des Moines car accident lawyers on these exact factors across multiple data sources.

How do I find an accident lawyer near me in Des Moines, IA?

To find an accident lawyer near you in Des Moines, use the rankings above — every firm is local to Des Moines, IA and offers free consultations. Filter by accident type to see lawyers who specialize in your specific case. Call or email any firm directly — most respond same-day and all work on contingency, so there's no cost to reach out.

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