Traffic collisions are among the major causes of injuries, hospitalizations, ER visits, and deaths in Nebraska and across the United States. According to the Nebraska Traffic Crash Facts Annual Report, there were 19,354 total traffic crashes statewide in 2020, causing 14,100 injuries and 233 fatalities. If you or someone close to you were hurt in a motor vehicle crash caused by a negligent party, you may be entitled to recover damages through a claim or lawsuit.
At Harris & Associates, P.C., L.L.O., we’re committed to offering personalized attention and skilled representation to clients in their car crash cases. Our experienced Nebraska personal injury attorney can analyze the conditions of the situation and explore your options to seek damages. In addition, we will fight compassionately for your rights and help you pursue deserved financial compensation to cover your injuries, damages, and losses.
Harris & Associates, P.C., L.L.O., proudly represents clients throughout Omaha, Nebraska, and the surrounding counties, including Dodge, Sarpy, and Douglas, Lancaster County.
Nebraska is an at-fault state for auto collisions. Under the state’s fault laws, the driver who caused the traffic crash (the at-fault party) will be held civilly and financially liable for medical costs, property damages, and other crash-related expenses and losses suffered by the victims. To pursue damages, you can do any of the following:
A seasoned Nebraska car collision attorney can tell you about the state’s insurance requirements and help determine the right way to proceed with your claims or lawsuit.
According to Nebraska laws, motorists across the state are legally required to have a minimum amount of liability with the following coverage limits:
The basic liability policy will help cover the medical expenses, property damages, and other crash-related losses incurred by the victims up to coverage limits.
Here are some Nebraska laws addressing auto collision reporting, time limits for filing injury claims, and the amount of damages that may be recovered.
Under Nebraska law, all drivers involved in a traffic crash which causes an injury, death of a person, or property damage of at least $1,500 must file a Driver’s Motor Vehicle Crash Report with law enforcement within ten days of the incident.
The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Nebraska, including motor vehicle crashes, is four (4) years from the date of the incident. That means that you must commence a civil action within this specified timeframe (4 years) to recover financial compensation for your injuries and damages.
It is important to note that Nebraska follows the modified comparative fault system, with a 50% bar. According to the principle, you may be eligible to recover damages if the other party was equally or mostly (50% or more) responsible for the incident. In addition, the amount of compensation you can receive will be reduced in proportion to your degree of fault.
For example, if the court awarded $40,000 in damages against the at-fault party but discovered that you were 10% liable for the auto crash, your damages would be reduced by $4,000. Hence, you may only recover $36,000 out of the initial award. Under Nebraska’s modified comparative fault rule, you will be barred from seeking damages if you were 50% or more responsible for the vehicle crash or injury.
However, if the car collision results in the victim’s death, their surviving loved ones may be entitled to recover damages through a wrongful death claim or lawsuit. Under Nebraska law, a wrongful death claim must be filed by the legal representative of the decedent’s estate. This may be the spouse, adult child, or parent.
Getting hurt in a negligent auto crash can be unsettling and might affect your physical, emotional, and financial well-being. Nonetheless, you don’t need to bear the financial challenges and liability all by yourself. Therefore, if you were involved in a traffic collision, hiring a seasoned personal injury attorney is beneficial for clear guidance and to protect your best interests.
For over 50 years, our firm has been handling personal injury cases and representing traffic crash victims and their loved ones in their injury claims. With our extensive knowledge, we can direct you through the complex procedures involved in filing claims and recovering damages. Also, our trusted lawyer will advocate for your rights, hold the negligent party liable, and help you seek your rightful financial justice.
If you or a family member were hurt in a traffic collision, you may seek fair compensation. Contact us at Harris & Associates, P.C., L.L.O., today to schedule a simple case assessment. Our skilled attorney can represent you in your case and help you negotiate a fair settlement with the insurer. We proudly serve clients throughout Omaha, Nebraska, and the surrounding counties, including Dodge, Sarpy, and Douglas, Lancaster County.