Motorcycle accidents hit harder than most people realize until it happens to them. Without the structural protection of a car or truck, riders who get struck by a negligent driver often walk away with severe injuries, if they're able to walk away at all. And in the aftermath, riders frequently face an uphill battle with insurance companies that are all too willing to assume the motorcyclist was to blame.
Steffens Law Accident Injury Lawyers stands up for injured riders across Nebraska. Our team of North Platte injury lawyers has spent decades working for accident victims, and we've secured tens of millions of dollars in the process. If a careless driver caused your motorcycle accident near North Platte, we're ready to take your case seriously and pursue every dollar of compensation you're owed.
Contact us today at (308) 221-6204 to schedule a free consultation with a North Platte motorcycle accident attorney who understands what riders go through.
Why Injured Riders in North Platte Turn to Steffens Law
Motorcycle accident claims require a legal team that won't buy into the stereotypes insurance adjusters use to devalue your case. At Steffens Law, we know that motorcyclists have every right to be on the road, and we work hard to make sure that right is respected when someone else's negligence causes a crash.
- One of our attorneys shares his personal cell phone number with every client and is available around the clock
- Each client is paired with a dedicated case team that stays on top of every development and responds immediately when you need answers
- We do everything we can to resolve cases through negotiation, keeping our clients out of the courtroom so they can put their energy toward recovery
- We take on every client who needs our help, regardless of the size of the potential fee
Our firm's approach is built around personal attention, not volume. That's a difference you'll feel from the very first phone call.
How Nebraska's Updated Helmet Law Could Affect Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
Nebraska made national headlines when it partially repealed its universal motorcycle helmet law. Riders who are 21 or older and have completed an approved motorcycle safety course are now legally permitted to ride without a helmet. Those under 21 are still required to wear one, and all riders must have eye protection or a windscreen regardless of age.
While this change gives experienced riders more freedom on the road, it can also create complications in an accident claim. Insurance companies may try to argue that your decision not to wear a helmet made your injuries worse than they otherwise would have been. Even though riding without a helmet is perfectly legal for qualified riders, adjusters may still use it as leverage to push for a lower settlement.
This tactic is part of a broader pattern that personal injury attorneys call "biker bias," the tendency for insurance companies and even juries to assume motorcyclists are reckless simply because they ride. A skilled motorcycle accident lawyer knows how to counter this kind of bias and keep the focus where it belongs: on the driver who caused the crash.
What Are the Leading Causes of Motorcycle Crashes Near North Platte?
Most motorcycle accidents are caused by drivers who fail to see motorcycles or who don't give them the space they need on the road. Some of the most frequent causes our attorneys see include:
- Drivers making left turns without yielding to oncoming motorcycles
- Distracted driving, including cell phone use behind the wheel
- Unsafe lane changes by drivers who don't check their mirrors or blind spots
- Speeding, especially on rural highways with higher speed limits
- Drivers following motorcycles too closely
- Failing to yield at intersections or while merging
North Platte sits along major travel corridors that carry significant traffic, which puts riders at risk every time they head out. When a driver's negligence causes a crash, Nebraska law allows the injured rider to seek compensation for the full extent of their harm.
What Kinds of Compensation Can I Pursue After a North Platte Motorcycle Accident?
Motorcycle accident injuries tend to be among the most serious of any motor vehicle crash. The compensation you pursue should reflect that reality. Depending on the specifics of your case, you may be able to recover damages for:
Economic damages:
- Emergency care, surgery, and hospitalization
- Ongoing physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages during your recovery
- Reduced earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous line of work
- Motorcycle repair or replacement costs
Non-economic damage:
- Chronic pain from injuries that may never fully heal
- Emotional distress and anxiety, particularly around returning to the road
- Scarring or disfigurement from road rash and other impact injuries
- Diminished quality of daily life
Nebraska does not impose a cap on damages in standard personal injury cases. However, keep in mind that the state's comparative fault rules may come into play. If the other side can prove you were partially responsible for the accident, your award will be reduced by your share of fault. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can protect you from being unfairly blamed and preserve the full value of your claim.
How Long Do I Have To File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Nebraska?
Nebraska generally gives you four years from the date of your motorcycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. While that may sound like plenty of time, motorcycle accident cases benefit from an early start.
There are also exceptions that can change the statute of limitations for some cases, making it best to contact our personal injury lawyers as soon as you can for legal help.
Get in Touch With a North Platte Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Who Rides on Your Side
You need more than just legal advice after being involved in a motorcycle accident; you need an advocate who will take on the insurance companies and pursue compensation that truly reflects what you've been through. Steffens Law Accident Injury Lawyers has the track record and the determination to deliver that for North Platte motorcycle accident victims.
Call (308) 221-6204 or connect with us online to set up your free consultation today. Our North Platte motorcycle accident attorneys will work hard to put maximum compensation into your pocket.