Auto Accident Injury in Lincoln, NE

Have you suffered an injury due to a car accident in Lincoln? If so, your life may never be the same again. Injuries from a car accident can interfere with your ability both to work and to enjoy everyday activities. They can also be incredibly painful. As such, you need an auto accident attorney who understands the laws in and around Lincoln, NE that will fight for your legal rights and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Lincoln, Nebraska

According to the National Safety Council, in 2019 about 4.4 million people suffered serious injuries in motor vehicle accidents and an estimated 38,000 were killed. The Nebraska Department of Transportation reports that Lancaster County had the second-highest number of crashes in 2019. Lincoln and the surrounding area saw 6,253 incidents out of 36,706 in the state in 2019. Simple, everyday driving mistakes, like failing to yield to the right-of-way or following to close, led to most of these incidents. According to the CDC, motor vehicle accident deaths alone in Nebraska cost $349 million statewide.

What to Do After an Auto Accident

It’s important to be prepared in the event you are a victim of a car accident. Below are the steps to remember immediately after your crash.

Receive Immediate Medical Attention

What is the most important step that you need to take after an auto accident? You need to receive immediate and proper medical treatment. You may believe that the injuries sustained after an auto accident are minor. Proper medical treatment helps ensure that you have not sustained any internal injuries that you may not be aware of.

File a Police Report

Even if no one sustained injuries, you still need to call 911 and request law enforcement assistance. When officers arrive, jot down each one’s name and badge number. Answer their questions honestly, but don’t volunteer any unasked-for information, especially your thoughts on exactly what happened or who caused the car accident. Be sure to ask the officers for the number of their police reports. Also ask when and where you can get a copy of it, including how much it will cost you.

The Lincoln Police Department provides an online portal to submit traffic collision reports. The state’s Department of Transportation says anyone involved in an accident should submit a report within 10 days of the incident. While it’s natural to want to see the other party’s statement, these are kept confidential by government agencies.

Gather the Appropriate Documentation

While waiting for officers to arrive after a car accident, collect information from all other drivers involved in the accident, including the following:

• Full name, address, phone number, and email address
• Driver’s license state and number
• Auto insurance company name, policy number, and phone number

Use your cell phone to take pictures of each driver’s license, auto insurance card, your vehicle and each additional vehicle involved in the car accident. Don’t rely on verbal communication. Having as much information as possible will only help you and your case later on. Try to keep this exchange as civil and friendly as possible. However, do not apologize for causing the accident or indicate in any way that you think you may have caused it. 

Recovering Damages After an Auto Accident Injury

After surviving a car accident, the emotional and economic toll it takes can be staggering. You are not only dealing with the mental anguish that comes with being involved in a crash, but you may also be experiencing severe physical harm as well.

Common injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents include:

• Burn injuries
• Back and neck injuries, such as whiplash
• Brain and head injuries
• Broken bones
• Spinal injuries
• Soft tissue injuries

A report on The Economic and Social Impact of Motor Vehicle Crashes in 2010 estimates $1.29 billion in economic costs due to accidents. Adjusted for inflation to 2021, that’s around $2.1 billion in preventable financial injury paid by Nebraskans. The cost of your medical bills, time away from work, and even mileage can add up quickly. If you’re suffering lifelong injuries, you’re eligible for both financial compensation and permanent disability.

Hiring a car accident lawyer ensures you have the financial ability to cover any losses that have occurred as a result of a crash. An auto accident attorney will also help you handle the paperwork that you will have to complete from insurance companies. This boosts your odds of receiving the insurance compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Laws in Nebraska

Liability Laws for Lincoln

When car accidents happen, it is essential to determine who bears responsibility for the resulting damage and medical bills. Determining fault impacts everything from your insurance claim and level of liability to the amount of confusion you may endure during the claims process.

The Nebraska Legislature has passed contributory negligence laws which mean you can find yourself held accountable for a portion of the damages. In some cases, you can even become barred from recovering any compensation from the lawsuit. If you’re found 40% at fault, for example, you can only recover 60% of the damages awarded by the court. Assuming a judgment of $100,000, you would only receive $60,000. Only your lawyer should counsel you about the best course of action based on the circumstances around the accident.

Statute of Limitations in Lincoln

Each state has its own tort laws that determine the statute of limitations on a claim. In some states, this gives you just one year to file a claim in court, while some others may give you up to six years.

The Nebraska Legislature passed laws that give victims of car accidents up to 4 years to take civil action. Failure to report the incident on time or filing a suit after the statute of limitations may result in the court throwing your tort out the window. The Nebraska Department of Transportation also provides a storefront where you can purchase a copy of your report.

This is why it is important to consult with an attorney immediately after your car crash. Don’t wait and risk losing out on any compensation they can recover.

Work With an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer Near Lincoln, NE

After a car accident, you have enough to worry about. We can help you find an auto accident attorney for your unique case. Get the financial restitution that you deserve if you’re the victim of someone else’s conduct.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in Nebraska!