Kearney Car Accident Attorney

Kearney Best of 2024

We Handle Personal Injury Claims

The Kearney car accident lawyers of Steffens Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC, serve clients throughout the state of Nebraska. Call us today at 308-737-4702 to schedule a free consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys.

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Our Nebraska personal injury attorney handle auto accident cases on a contingency fee basis. Our fee will be a percentage of your total recovery for personal injuries suffered from the accident. If we are not successful in recovering compensation, you will owe us no attorney's fees.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Nebraska

Understanding the common causes of car accidents can help prevent them and provide important context for determining liability. Some of the frequent causes we see include:

  • Distracted Driving: Texting, eating, or other distractions can lead to devastating incidents.
  • Drunk Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs remains a leading cause of severe accidents.
  • Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit reduces reaction time and increases the severity of collisions.
  • Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, or fog can decrease visibility and make roads slippery, leading to crashes.
  • Failure to Yield or Follow Traffic Laws: Running red lights, ignoring stop signs, or unsafe lane changes can result in serious accidents.

If your accident was caused by any of these factors, our team is here to ensure the responsible party is held accountable for their actions.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Kearney

The steps you take after a car accident can significantly impact your ability to file a claim and recover compensation. Here's what to do if you're involved in an accident in Kearney, NE:

  1. Ensure Your Safety: Check for any injuries and move to a safe location if possible. Call 911 immediately for assistance.
  2. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t feel injured, see a doctor as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
  3. Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident site, damage to both vehicles, and any visible injuries.
  4. Exchange Information: Collect the contact and insurance information of the other parties involved.
  5. File a Police Report: Ensure an official report is created, which can be valuable evidence in your claim.
  6. Contact an Attorney: Consult with our experienced Kearney auto accident lawyers to protect your rights and build your case.

The insurance company is not on your side, but we are. By contacting us early, we can help you avoid common pitfalls and strengthen your case.

Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled To

If you've been injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation, depending on the specifics of your case. These may include, but are not limited to:

  • Medical Expenses: This includes current and future costs related to hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and physical therapy.
  • Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can recover compensation for income lost during your recovery.
  • Pain and Suffering: This accounts for the physical discomfort and emotional distress caused by the accident.
  • Property Damage: You can receive compensation to repair or replace your vehicle and other damaged belongings.
  • Wrongful Death Damages: If you lost a loved one in a car accident, you might be entitled to compensation for funeral costs and loss of companionship.

Our skilled team will work tirelessly to secure the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Why Choose Steffens Law Accident Injury Lawyers

When it comes to navigating the complexities of Nebraska car accident claims, choosing the right legal representation can make all the difference. Here's why Steffens Law Accident Injury Lawyers should be your top choice:

  • Experience You Can Trust: We have years of experience handling auto accident cases, and we know what it takes to win.
  • Personalized Attention: You'll receive one-on-one attention from our attorneys, who will keep you updated at every step of the process.
  • Proven Results: Our track record speaks for itself. We’ve helped clients recover substantial compensation for their injuries.
  • No Fees Unless We Win: Our contingency fee structure means you don’t pay unless we successfully recover compensation for you.
  • Dedication to Your Recovery: We focus on handling the legal details so you can prioritize your physical and emotional healing.

At Steffens Law Accident Injury Lawyers, we are committed to fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve. Call us today at (308) 737-4702 to get started.

Understanding the legal process can ease some of the stress following an accident. At Steffens Law Accident Injury Lawyers, we guide you through each step, including:

  1. Initial Consultation: We discuss the details of your accident, answer your questions, and evaluate the strength of your case.
  2. Investigation: Our team gathers evidence, such as police reports, medical records, and witness statements, to build a strong case.
  3. Filing the Claim: We handle all communications with the insurance company and file your claim for compensation.
  4. Negotiation: We negotiate aggressively with the responsible party’s insurer to reach a fair settlement.
  5. Litigation (if necessary): If a settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court and fight for justice.

You’re never alone in this process. We work tirelessly on your behalf so you can focus on healing and moving forward.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long do I have to file a claim in Nebraska?

Nebraska law allows you to file a car accident claim within four years of the accident. However, acting promptly can strengthen your case by preserving evidence and witness statements.

What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?

If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you may still recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage. We can help you explore all available options.

How is fault determined in Nebraska car accidents?

Nebraska follows the comparative negligence rule, meaning each party's level of fault is assessed. You can recover compensation as long as you are less than 50% at fault.

Do I need an attorney if the insurance company offers a settlement?

Yes. Insurance companies often offer low initial settlements to save money. An experienced attorney can evaluate the offer, negotiate on your behalf, and ensure you receive fair compensation.

The Importance of Acting Quickly

Timeliness is critical after a car accident. Evidence like skid marks, surveillance footage, and witness memories can fade over time. Filing your claim quickly helps preserve crucial proof and ensures you meet Nebraska’s legal deadlines.

Additionally, delaying medical treatment or contacting an attorney could hurt your case, as insurers may argue that your injuries are unrelated—or less severe—than they are. Acting now can protect your rights and strengthen your claim.

Nebraska Car Accident Laws

Navigating Nebraska car accident laws can be challenging, but knowing the basics can help you understand your rights. Key laws include:

  • Comparative Negligence: If you are partially at fault, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
  • Statute of Limitations: You have four years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Property damage claims may have shorter deadlines.
  • Minimum Insurance Requirements: Nebraska requires drivers to carry liability insurance of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injuries.

Our team understands Nebraska’s legal landscape and uses this knowledge to maximize the outcomes for our clients.

Common Injuries in Car Accidents

Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries that impact your daily life. Some of the most common include:

  • Whiplash: A neck injury caused by sudden jerking motions, often in rear-end collisions.
  • Bone Fractures: Broken arms, legs, ribs, or other bones from the force of impact.
  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): These serious injuries can lead to memory loss, mood swings, or long-term impairment.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spine can result in partial or complete paralysis.
  • Soft-Tissue Injuries: Bruising, sprains, or other non-visible injuries can still cause significant pain and limitation.

These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. We work to ensure you receive compensation to cover these costs.

How Insurance Companies Handle Claims

Insurance companies are businesses—focused on minimizing payouts rather than looking out for injured victims. Common tactics insurers use include:

  • Quick Settlement Offers: Low initial offers that fail to cover the full extent of your damages.
  • Blaming the Victim: Attempting to shift partial or full fault onto you to reduce their liability.
  • Prolonging the Process: Delaying payments or responses to pressure you into accepting a lower settlement.

Our attorneys anticipate these strategies and fight back. We negotiate aggressively to ensure you receive the settlement you deserve and take the case to court if necessary.

Contact a Kearney Car Accident Attorney Today

Don’t wait to get the help you deserve. Every moment after an accident is critical, and our experienced Kearney car accident lawyers are ready to fight for your rights.

Contact Steffens Law Accident Injury Lawyers at (308) 737-4702 today for a free, no-obligation consultation. There's no fee unless we win your case. Take the first step toward justice and the compensation you’re entitled to—call us now!