Like most metropolitan areas, Omaha sees a lot of pedestrian and vehicle traffic. This combination creates serious risks for those who walk around Omaha, as many vehicle drivers don’t give pedestrians the respect they deserve.
If you suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident in Omaha that a negligent, careless, or reckless driver caused, you could obtain compensation to help with your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. However, you need an experienced Omaha pedestrian accident lawyer for help.
The Omaha pedestrian accident lawyers at Steffens Law Offices have decades of collective experience helping clients recover full and fair compensation for their injuries and losses. Contact us today for your free consultation and discover how we can help you get the money you need.
Why Choose an Omaha Pedestrian Accident Attorney from Steffens Law Offices?
When searching for an Omaha pedestrian accident attorney to handle your claim, you want to choose someone with empathy and compassion who will fight hard to help you recover maximum compensation.
Some of the ways a personal injury attorney from Steffens Law Offices can help include:
- We Understand What You’re Going Through: A pedestrian accident can be a traumatic experience. Our lawyers recognize the emotional impact of the incident on you and your family, and we will approach your case with sensitivity. We will take the time to understand your feelings, fears, and concerns and tell your story to increase your likelihood of success.
- Effective Communication: Our attorneys excel in effective communication. We will listen attentively to you, address your questions and concerns, and provide clear explanations about the legal process. This open and empathetic communication helps build trust and a strong attorney-client relationship.
- Reducing Stress: Dealing with the aftermath of a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming. An attorney from our firm understands the stress and anxiety you may be experiencing. You can trust us to help alleviate this burden by handling all legal aspects of your claim, allowing you to focus on recovery.
- Customized Legal Strategy: An Omaha pedestrian accident attorney from Steffens Law Offices also understands the unique circumstances of each case. We can tailor our legal strategy to meet your specific needs and priorities, ensuring that our legal approach aligns with your overall well-being.
- Advocating for Emotional Damages: In a pedestrian accident case, it’s important to recognize the emotional damages you may have suffered. Our attorneys will advocate for fair compensation that accounts not only for tangible losses but also for the emotional toll the accident has taken on you.
- Building Trust and Confidence: You want to feel your attorney understands and supports you to gain a level of trust and confidence. Our attorneys believe this is crucial for a successful attorney-client relationship, and you can rely on us to have your back throughout the legal process.
- Assisting with Recovery: Our lawyers go beyond legal representation by offering support and guidance for your overall recovery. This may involve recommending healthcare professionals, rehabilitation services, or mental health resources.
- Client-Centered Approach: Our lawyers prioritize your well-being and satisfaction. We involve clients in the decision-making process and will keep you informed about developments in your case. This approach contributes to a positive experience throughout the legal process and empowers you to actively participate in your legal journey.
Overall, you want to feel as though your attorney is taking an active interest in your case and working hard to help you maximize both your financial recovery as well as your physical recovery.
To find out more about how we can help you get the compensation you deserve effectively, contact Steffens Law Offices for a free case evaluation. Our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t pay anything out of pocket for us to represent you. We will only accept a fee if we obtain compensation for you through an insurance settlement or court award.
What Causes Pedestrian Accidents in Omaha?
Pedestrian accidents can occur for various reasons in Omaha, and they often result from a motor vehicle driver’s carelessness or recklessness.
Here are common causes of pedestrian accidents in Omaha:
- Distracted Driving and Driver Inattention: Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, adjusting the radio, or engaging in other distracting activities may not be attentive to pedestrians, leading to collisions. Drivers must pay attention to their surroundings and actively scan for pedestrians to avoid a collision.
- Failure to Obey Traffic Signals: Drivers are expected to obey traffic signals and signs. Disregarding signals, such as crossing against a red light or failing to stop at a stop sign, can contribute to accidents.
- Speeding and Reckless Driving: Speeding reduces a driver's reaction time and increases the severity of collisions. Drivers who exceed speed limits are more likely to be involved in accidents with pedestrians. Also, drivers who act recklessly or aggressively can collide with pedestrians when trying to get around traffic or even driving on the sidewalk.
- Failure to Yield the Right of Way: Drivers failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks or at intersections can lead to accidents.
- Driver Intoxication: Intoxicated drivers create an increased risk of accidents. Alcohol or drug intoxication can impair judgment, coordination, and reaction times.
- Left-Hand Turns: Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable during left-turn situations. Drivers making left turns may not always see pedestrians crossing the road.
- Backing Accidents: Drivers backing out of driveways or parking spaces may not always be aware of pedestrians behind their vehicles.
Along with driver distraction and negligence, other factors can contribute to pedestrian accidents as well, including:
- Poor Visibility: Limited visibility due to adverse weather conditions, darkness, or obstructed views can contribute to pedestrian accidents. Lack of proper lighting, especially at night, increases the risk.
- Inadequate Infrastructure: Poorly designed or maintained roadways, lack of crosswalks, insufficient signage, and inadequate pedestrian infrastructure contribute to unsafe conditions for pedestrians.
If a negligent motorist or some other factor beyond your control caused a pedestrian accident that injured you, contact Steffens Law Offices for a free consultation about your claim and advice regarding your rights and options to pursue compensation.
What Should I Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Omaha?
If you've been involved in a pedestrian accident in Omaha, you must take immediate steps to protect your well-being and preserve your legal rights.
Here's a guide on what to do after a pedestrian accident:
- Seek Medical Attention: Give priority to your health and safety. If you are injured, seek immediate medical attention. Even if injuries seem minor, it's advisable to undergo a thorough medical evaluation as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
- Call the Police: Contact law enforcement to report the accident. The police will create an official report documenting the details of the incident. Obtain a copy of the report for your records.
- Exchange Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the driver involved in the accident. Gather their name, phone number, address, insurance details, and license plate number.
- Document the Scene: Take photos or videos of the accident scene, including the location, the involved vehicles, any visible injuries, traffic signs, and signals. This documentation can serve as valuable evidence later.
- Collect Witness Information: If there are witnesses to the accident, obtain their names and contact information. Witnesses may provide statements that support your version of events.
- Do Not Admit Fault: Avoid making statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault. Stick to factual information when communicating with the police, the other party involved, or any witnesses.
- Preserve Evidence: Preserve any physical evidence related to the accident, such as damaged clothing, personal belongings, or the condition of the road. These items may be crucial in reconstructing the incident.
- Report to Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Provide them with the relevant details and documentation.
- Keep Detailed Records: Maintain a record of all medical treatments, prescriptions, and other expenses related to the accident. This documentation will be important when seeking compensation.
- Follow Medical Advice: Adhere to all medical recommendations and follow-up appointments. This not only ensures your well-being but also provides a documented record of your injuries.
- Limit Communication: Refrain from discussing the accident on social media or with the other party's insurance company without consulting your attorney. Statements made could potentially be used against you.
- Contact an Attorney: Consult a pedestrian accident attorney in Omaha. An Omaha personal injury attorney from Steffens Law Offices can help protect your rights, guide you through the legal process, and assist in pursuing compensation for your injuries and damages.
What Types of Compensation Can I Recover From an Omaha Pedestrian Accident Claim?
When considering compensation in an Omaha pedestrian accident claim, our attorneys address not only the tangible losses but also the emotional and psychological impact on our clients.
Here's a breakdown of compensation types we can help you recover following a pedestrian accident in Omaha:
- Medical Expenses: We recognize the physical and emotional toll of medical treatments. You can rely on us to pursue compensation that covers not only immediate medical costs but also ongoing healthcare needs, rehabilitation, and potential future medical expenses.
- Lost Wages: If you had to miss work due to your injuries, you likely have an added layer of stress and uncertainty. We can help you recover compensation for past lost income as well as future income losses.
- Pain and Suffering: We understand the emotional distress, physical pain, and mental anguish you may be experiencing. You can count on us to pursue compensation that reflects the intangible, subjective aspects of your suffering.
- Psychological Impact: Pedestrian accidents can cause victims to suffer psychologically due to the trauma of the accident. We can help you recover compensation for anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), along with other impacts on your mental well-being.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: We consider how the injuries have affected your ability to enjoy life's activities. The compensation you receive should reflect the loss of quality of life and the impact on your ability to engage in hobbies, social activities, and other pursuits.
- Loss of Consortium: We can help you recover compensation that considers the loss of companionship, support, and the strain on family dynamics.
- Legal Fees and Costs: You can turn to us for help minimizing your financial burden by ensuring that the at-fault party covers legal fees and costs associated with pursuing the pedestrian accident claim.
The costs of your injuries may go on for years. We can help you anticipate this and seek compensation that provides for your future needs and the potential long-term effects on your life.
The Omaha pedestrian accident lawyers at Steffens Law Offices are committed to ensuring you receive adequate compensation for your tangible and intangible losses, both now and in the future. We will treat you with the compassion and dignity you deserve, and we will fight diligently to help you recover the maximum compensation possible.
How Long Do I Have to Sue the At-Fault Driver After a Pedestrian Accident in Omaha?
For pedestrian accident injury claims in Omaha, you typically have four years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party.
Failure to have an attorney file your lawsuit within Nebraska’s four-year statute of limitations may result in the court dismissing your case, and you may lose the right to seek compensation
The clock typically starts ticking from the date of the accident, but there can be exceptions or variations based on specific circumstances.
If you're considering pursuing a lawsuit for a pedestrian accident in Omaha, consult a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Gathering evidence, conducting investigations, and negotiating with insurance companies can take time, so contact an attorney right away and initiate the legal process well before the statute of limitations expires.
An attorney from Steffens Law Offices can assess the details of your case, help you understand the applicable statutes of limitations, and guide you through the legal process to increase your chances of a successful outcome.
Contact Steffens Law Offices for Help with Your Omaha Pedestrian Accident Claim
If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident in Omaha, Steffens Law Offices is here to help. Our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers are dedicated to fighting for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.
We have a successful history of securing favorable outcomes for our clients, and you can turn to us for empathetic support throughout the legal process.
With deep roots in Omaha, we are familiar with local laws and nuances that can impact your case, and you can trust that your rights and best interests are our top priorities. Call Steffens Law Offices at (402) 414-4896 or contact us online to request your free consultation.