Lincoln is a fast-growing city — more people, more cars, and, sadly, more accidents. Nebraska’s capital is a wonderful place to live, but with 300,000 people going every which way, it can be dangerous.
From the Haymarket to Havelock, whether north or south of O Street, crashes can happen anywhere and at any time, and when they do, having an experienced Lincoln car accident lawyer from Steffens Law Offices on your side can make all the difference.
If you or a loved one suffered serious injuries in a car accident, it's important to find the right car accident attorney in Lincoln to ensure your rights are protected, and you recover the compensation you need and deserve.
Why Choose Steffens Law Offices for Your Lincoln Car Accident Claim?
Choosing Steffens Law Offices for your car accident case means selecting a team with a proven track record of success, unwavering dedication to your best interests, and a deep understanding of the intricacies of personal injury law in Lincoln and throughout Nebraska.
Our experienced attorneys have a wealth of expertise in handling car accident claims, and we have consistently secured favorable settlements and verdicts for our clients. We prioritize your well-being, offering personalized, client-centered service that ensures your unique needs and concerns are addressed at every step of the legal process.
At Steffens Law Offices, we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay us if we win your case, alleviating financial worries during an already challenging time.
With clear and open communication, compassionate support, and a commitment to maximizing your compensation, we are the trusted choice to help you seek justice and recovery after a car accident.
Contact us for a free consultation today, and let us fight for your rights and future.
Do I Have a Car Accident Case?
When you've been involved in a car accident, it's essential to understand that not every accident automatically qualifies for a legal claim. To have grounds to bring a car accident claim, you must demonstrate that the other driver was negligent. Negligence is a fundamental legal concept.
To prove negligence, you must establish four key elements:
- Duty of Care: The first element of negligence in a car accident claim is establishing that the other driver owed you a duty of care. In the context of driving, all motorists owe a duty of care to others on the road. This duty means they must operate their vehicles responsibly and safely, following traffic laws and exercising caution to prevent harm to others.
- Breach of Duty: The second element involves demonstrating that the other driver breached their duty of care. This breach occurs when the driver fails to meet the standard of care expected in a given situation. Examples of breaching the duty of care can include speeding, running a red light, texting while driving, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Causation: Establishing causation is the third element of negligence. You must prove that the other driver's breach of duty directly caused the car accident and your injuries. This can be a complex aspect of a car accident claim, as it requires demonstrating a clear link between the negligent actions and the resulting harm.
- Damages: Finally, you need to show that you suffered actual damages as a result of the car accident. Damages can include medical bills, property damage, lost wages or income, pain and suffering, and other losses you incurred due to the accident. Pursuing a successful car accident claim without measurable damages is challenging.
If you can prove these four elements, you may have a strong legal basis for pursuing a car accident claim to seek compensation for your injuries and losses.
Consult our experienced Lincoln car accident lawyers to navigate the complexities of such claims and help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Who Pays the Medical Bills in a Lincoln Car Accident Claim?
Nebraska follows a traditional fault-based system regarding financial responsibility for damages resulting from a car accident. So, the person who caused the accident is responsible for the medical bills and other damages to the person they hit.
Nebraska requires all registered drivers to carry insurance.
The minimum required is:
- $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident bodily injury liability insurance
- $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage
- $25,000 property damage per accident
If you are injured in a car accident, you should seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Don’t think that it’ll be easy. Insurance adjusters have their own bottom lines in mind and will try to settle for the minimum amount possible.
This is one reason you should never accept a settlement from an insurance company without first consulting a lawyer to ensure you’re fairly compensated for the damages you suffered.
More serious injuries can result in higher medical bills and related losses that often exceed the limits of the at-fault driver’s policy. In this case, you have the option to file a car accident lawsuit against the at-fault party. This is another scenario where having a car accident lawyer proves beneficial.
Keep in mind that once you accept an offer from an insurance company, you cannot go back and ask for more money if your injuries require more medical attention or your losses are greater than you realize. A lawyer will ensure you are compensated for all your losses — the ones you’re suffering from now and the ones you will in the future.
What Compensation is Available to Lincoln Car Accident Victims?
Car accident victims may be eligible for various types of damages, both economic and non-economic, depending on the circumstances of the accident and the extent of their injuries.
The specific damages available to car accident victims can vary, but here are common categories of damages that may be available:
- Medical Expenses: This includes costs related to medical treatment, such as hospital bills, surgery costs, doctor's fees, prescription medications, rehabilitation, and any necessary medical equipment or devices.
- Property Damage: Car accident victims can often seek compensation for repairing or replacing their damaged vehicle and any personal property inside the vehicle at the time of the accident.
- Lost Wages or Income: If the accident results in the victim being unable to work, they can seek compensation for lost income, including past and future earnings that they would have received had the accident not occurred.
- Pain and Suffering: This category encompasses the physical and emotional distress experienced as a result of the accident. Pain and suffering damages are often more challenging to quantify and may vary significantly from one case to another.
- Emotional Distress: In some cases, car accident victims may be entitled to compensation for emotional distress, which may include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other psychological issues resulting from the accident.
- Loss of Consortium: This refers to damages that a spouse or family member of the injured party may be entitled to if the accident has affected the victim's ability to maintain a normal marital or family relationship.
- Wrongful Death: If the car accident results in a fatality, the surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim, which can provide compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the emotional impact of losing a loved one.
The availability and calculation of damages can vary based on factors such as the severity of injuries and the strength of your legal case. To determine which damages you may be entitled to and to pursue a car accident claim effectively, consult an experienced personal injury attorney who can assess your situation and provide guidance tailored to your circumstances.
Who Can You Hold Liable for a Lincoln Car Accident?
In a car accident case, liability, or legal responsibility, can fall on one or more parties involved in the accident, depending on the circumstances. When multiple parties share liability, you can hold each responsible for a portion of the damages.
Here are some of the parties you may hold liable for a car accident:
Negligent Drivers
The most common party held liable in car accidents is the driver who acted negligently, recklessly, or unlawfully, leading to the accident. This includes drivers who were speeding, running red lights, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, texting while driving, or engaging in other dangerous behaviors.
Employers
If the at-fault driver was operating a vehicle as part of their employment duties, their employer may also be held liable under the legal doctrine of "vicarious liability" or "respondeat superior." This holds employers responsible for the actions of their employees when those actions occur within the scope of their employment.
Vehicle Owners
In some cases, if a car owner lends their vehicle to someone who causes an accident, they may be held liable if they knew or should have known that the driver was unfit or inexperienced.
Manufacturers and Distributors
If a defect in the vehicle or its components, such as faulty brakes, tires, or airbags, caused a car accident, you can hold the manufacturer or distributor of the defective parts liable in a product liability lawsuit.
Government Entities
Poor road conditions, inadequate signage, or lack of maintenance can contribute to accidents. In some cases, government entities responsible for road maintenance and design may be held liable for accidents caused by these issues.
What if I’m Partly to Blame for My Car Accident Injuries?
Comparative negligence is a legal doctrine used in personal injury cases, including car accident cases, to allocate fault and determine how much compensation each party should receive based on their level of negligence or fault in causing the accident. It allows for a fair distribution of liability when multiple parties are involved in an accident.
In a comparative negligence system, each party involved in the accident, including the plaintiff (injured party) and the defendant (at-fault party), is assigned a percentage of fault. Their percentage of fault then reduces the total compensation awarded to the injured party. This means that even if the injured party is partially responsible for the accident, they can still recover some compensation. Still, it will decrease proportionally to their degree of fault.
Nebraska follows a modified comparative negligence standard with a 50% bar, also known as the 50% rule. This means, if you are 50% or more at fault for your injuries, you cannot recover any compensation.
The application of comparative negligence laws can be complex, and the specific facts of each case can significantly impact the outcome. If you are in a car accident in Nebraska, consult an experienced personal injury attorney to navigate the legal process and protect your rights.
How Can a Lawyer Help With My Lincoln Car Accident Claim?
A lawyer can play a crucial role in helping you with your Lincoln car accident claim by providing valuable legal guidance, support, and representation throughout the entire process. Here are several ways in which a lawyer from Steffens Law Offices can assist you:
Case Evaluation
Our skilled attorneys will assess the details of your car accident, including the circumstances, evidence, and the extent of your injuries, to determine the strength of your case and potential damages you may be entitled to.
Legal Experience
Our lawyers have a deep understanding of Nebraska's car accident laws, including liability, insurance regulations, and comparative negligence rules, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you navigate the legal system effectively.
Investigation
Our attorneys can conduct a thorough investigation into the accident, gathering evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, photographs, and medical records to build a strong case on your behalf.
Communication With Insurance Companies
Our lawyers can handle all communication with insurance companies, negotiating for a fair settlement on your behalf. We will work to ensure that you are not taken advantage of by the insurance adjusters who may try to offer you a low settlement.
Medical Documentation
Our attorneys can help you gather and organize your medical records and bills, ensuring that all of your injuries and medical expenses are properly documented for the claim.
Expert Witnesses
If necessary, our lawyers can consult with and retain expert witnesses, such as accident reconstruction specialists or medical experts, to provide testimony that strengthens your case.
Calculating Damages
Our attorneys can accurately calculate the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses, to ensure that you seek fair compensation.
Filing Legal Documents
Our lawyers will handle all legal paperwork and deadlines associated with your car accident claim, ensuring that everything is filed correctly and on time.
Negotiation
Our attorneys will negotiate with the at-fault party's insurance company to reach a fair settlement. If a reasonable settlement cannot be reached, we will be prepared to take your case to court and represent you in litigation.
Trial Representation
In the event that a trial becomes necessary, we will advocate for your rights in court, presenting your case to a judge and jury.
Peace of Mind
Having legal representation can provide you with peace of mind, knowing that a knowledgeable professional is handling your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Contact the Lincoln Car Accident Lawyers at Steffens Law Offices Today
If you've been involved in a car accident in Lincoln, Nebraska, seeking the assistance of an experienced personal injury lawyer from Steffens Law Offices can make all the difference in your claim's success. Our dedicated legal team is here to support you through every step of the process, from investigating the accident to negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, representing you in court.
Don't navigate the complexities of a car accident claim alone. Let us help you seek the compensation you deserve for your injuries, medical bills, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. Contact us today at (402) 414-4898 or through our online form for your free consultation.