Winter Crash in Iowa? Steps to Protect Yourself After a Crash on Winter Roads.
Iowa winter driving has a way of flipping the switch from “normal day” to “everybody hang on.” One minute you’re just trying to get home. The next minute you’re staring at brake lights in a white haze, gripping the wheel, praying the guy behind you slows down.
During the Feb. 19–20 storm, Iowa State Patrol reported they responded to 277 calls for help from 9 a.m. Thursday to 7 a.m. Friday, including 75 crashes — 64 property-damage crashes and 11 injury crashes according to Iowa’s News Now (Feb. 20, 2026).
That number matters because it tells you something simple: you were not alone. When the roads are slick and visibility drops, even careful drivers can get caught up in a chain reaction.
This article is here to help you do two things:
- Understand what was being reported on Iowa roads during the storm (so the situation makes sense).
- Know what to do after a winter crash, especially if a semi or commercial truck was involved.
(Info only, not legal advice. Every case is different.)
Where crashes were being reported across Iowa
As the storm moved through, reports of crashes and blocked roads popped up across the state.
A truck lost control near the Hwy 141 flyover (I-35/80 westbound)
On Thursday afternoon (Feb. 19), KCCI reported a crash on I-35/80 westbound near the Hwy 141 flyover (Grimes area). Urbandale Police said a truck and trailer lost control due to the weather, hit a light pole, and went into the ditch (per KCCI (Updated Feb. 19, 2026).).
That’s a perfect example of why winter truck crashes are different. When a big rig loses control, the size and weight can turn a “single vehicle crash” into a serious hazard for everyone around it.
Multiple interstate crashes showed up on Iowa DOT maps the next morning
By Friday morning (Feb. 20), KCCI reported that the Iowa DOT was showing crashes on:
- I-35 in Ankeny
- I-35/80 in Urbandale and Clive
- I-80 near Van Meter
- I-80 near Mitchellville
Source: KCCI (Updated Feb. 20, 2026).
That list tells you what most of us already know from living here: when it gets slick, the metro interstates can go from “busy” to “gridlock with wrecks” in a hurry.
Eastern Iowa warnings: “Tow trucks are unable to keep up”
In far northeast Iowa, KCRG reported that local law enforcement urged people not to travel unless necessary. The Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office was quoted saying: “Tow trucks are unable to keep up.” They also warned stranded drivers it “may be a couple hours before law enforcement or a tow truck may get to you.” (KCRG (Published Feb. 20, 2026).)
The Sheriff’s Office also shared photos of cars and semi trucks stranded off Highway 52 north of Decorah and said roads were “100% covered in snow” per to KCRG (Feb. 20, 2026)..
A crash blocked Iowa 130 westbound near Plainview
In eastern Iowa, KWQC reported a crash blocking Iowa 130 westbound Friday morning. They said it was blocked between County Road Y52 and County Road Y40, citing Iowa 511.
First things first: your body comes before the paperwork
Winter crashes have a nasty habit: you can step out of a vehicle and feel “okay” in the moment, then wake up the next morning barely able to move.
That’s not weakness. That’s adrenaline.
If you hit your head, got whipped around, or slammed into a seatbelt hard, it is smart to get checked out, even if you think you’ll “shake it off.” Head injuries can be subtle. Neck and back injuries can show up later. And if you’re stuck out in dangerous weather, exposure becomes its own problem.
If you can’t safely drive after a crash, don’t. Get somewhere warm and get medical help.
The biggest mistake we see after pile-ups: guessing about fault
Crashing on your own is scary enough, but being in a pile-up? That’s a whole other nightmare. When you’re in a pile-up, it’s human nature to start talking out loud:
“I probably slid.”
“I couldn’t stop.”
“It might be my fault.”
The thing is, those words don’t just disappear. They get saved.
Insurance companies look for quick admissions, especially in messy winter situations where nobody can see what happened clearly. And when you give a recorded statement too soon, you can accidentally hand them the storyline they want.
The best move is to talk with a lawyer BEFORE agreeing to give the insurance company a recorded statement.
Proof disappears fast in snow. If you can, capture it early.
Snow changes the scene quickly. Plows push debris. Tow trucks move vehicles. People leave.
That means the best time to gather proof is right away — if you can do it safely.
Instead of trying to build a perfect “evidence folder,” focus on the basics:
Take a few clear photos of the overall scene, the positions of vehicles, road conditions, and visibility. If a commercial truck is involved, grab any identifying info you can safely get — company name, trailer markings, DOT numbers.
If you have dash cam footage, save it. If a witness offers help, get a name and number.
Even a couple minutes of documentation can make a big difference later.
Don’t give a recorded statement
until you talk to a lawyer.
Why truck crashes are not “just another car crash”
When a semi or commercial vehicle is involved, there’s often more going on behind the scenes than most people realize.
A truck crash can involve multiple responsible parties, not just “the driver.” Depending on the situation, you may be dealing with:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The owner of the trailer
- A freight broker or shipper
- Maintenance vendors
- Multiple layers of insurance
And in the background, there may be company logs, maintenance records, dispatch instructions, training issues, route pressure, and safety policies.
That’s why truck claims often turn into more investigation, more blame-shifting, and more delays.
And because of the size and weight involved, truck crashes also tend to cause more severe injuries.
If you’re stranded in a winter road emergency
After a winter crash, adrenaline fades and reality sets in. What you say and do next matters.
A winter crash isn’t always the worst part.
Sometimes the scariest part is sitting on the shoulder, running low on phone battery, watching snow stack up around your tires.
If you’re stranded and it’s safe to stay with your vehicle, stay put. Your car is shelter. Turn on hazards, conserve battery, and call for help. If you run the engine, do it in short bursts — and keep the tailpipe clear.
And if conditions are dangerous and help is delayed (which is exactly what the Winneshiek County Sheriff warned about), your goal is simple: stay warm, stay visible, stay alive.
We did a whole article about “Tips for Dealing with Winter Storm Road Conditions in Iowa”. When you have time, check it out!
When should you talk to a lawyer after a winter crash?
Not every winter crash needs a lawyer.
But it is worth getting answers if:
- A semi or commercial vehicle was involved
- You were in a pile-up with multiple vehicles
- You’re being pressured for a recorded statement
- You’re being blamed and it doesn’t match what happened
- Your injuries are getting worse over time
This isn’t about “suing everyone.” It’s about protecting your health, your income, and your future.
Personal Injury FAQs We Hear Every Winter
Here are a few personal injury FAQs that come up every winter season:
Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurer?
Not without legal guidance. You know how they say anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law? It’s similar here. Anything you say can be taken out of context and used to reduce or deny your claim. That is usually the point when people realize they need someone on their side who knows how to deal with trucking cases.
How long do I have to file a claim in Iowa?
Deadlines matter. Waiting can kill a valid case. In most Iowa injury cases, you generally have two years to take legal action. If you wait too long, even by a day, there may be nothing anyone can do to help.
What if my injuries seem minor right now?
Winter injuries often worsen over time. Get checked out by a medical professional early. And don’t settle too soon.
Do I have a case if the roads were bad?
Bad weather does not automatically excuse negligence. Drivers still have a responsibility to slow down, keep a safe distance, and stay alert.
Other Quick FAQs
Click the (+) on any question below.
How many crashes were reported during the 2026 mid-February winter storm?
Iowa State Patrol reported that from 9 a.m. Thursday (Feb. 19) to 7 a.m. Friday (Feb. 20) they responded to 277 calls for help, including 75 crashes: 64 property-damage crashes and 11 injury crashes, according to Iowa’s News Now (Feb. 20, 2026).
Where were crashes showing up in central Iowa?
KCCI reported the Iowa DOT was showing crashes on I-35 in Ankeny, I-35/80 in Urbandale and Clive, and I-80 near Van Meter and near Mitchellville (Feb. 20, 2026).
What if I was in a pile-up and I’m not sure who hit who?
That’s common. In winter pile-ups, visibility and spacing are a mess. Focus on your medical care and documentation, and avoid guessing about fault in recorded statements.
Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance company?
Be careful. Early calls often happen before you know your injuries or the full story. Stick to the basic facts and consider getting advice before giving a recorded statement.
What makes truck crashes different?
Commercial truck claims can involve more parties, more insurance layers, and more investigation. They also tend to cause more severe injuries because of the size and weight involved.
What if I’m partly at fault?
Don’t guess. Fault can get complicated fast in winter conditions. A short conversation can help you understand how the facts apply to Iowa’s fault rules.
Do I need to call police after a winter crash?
If there are injuries, blocked roads, or uncertainty about what happened, call police. If it’s a minor bump with no injuries, it depends, but you should still document the scene and exchange information. Regardless, if you’re hurt in a crash, contact The Biker Lawyers.
No pressure. Just real answers.
If you were injured in an Iowa winter crash, reach out to The Biker Lawyers.
We’ll help you understand your options and what the next steps should look like.
(Info only, not legal advice. Every case is different. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.)
Request a FREE Personal Injury Consultation