Norfolk, NE Personal Injury Lawyer

Motor vehicle accidents and premises accidents in Norfolk, Nebraska, typically happen when others are negligent. Motor vehicle accidents, including car and truck collisions, bicycle crashes, motorcycle collisions, and pedestrian accidents, frequently happen when other drivers fail to watch the road attentively or violate traffic laws. Similarly, premises accidents, including slip and falls, may happen when property owners fail to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition.

If you sustained injuries in one of these occurrences, the Norfolk, Nebraska, personal injury attorneys at Steffens Law Offices, P.C., are prepared to fight for your rights and advocate for your interests every step of the way. We will do everything possible to maximize the settlement award or litigation result you receive in your personal injury claim or lawsuit.

For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a skilled personal injury lawyer in Norfolk, Nebraska, please contact us online today.

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Why Choose Us?

Motor vehicle crashes and premises accidents can lead to debilitating injuries, some of which are lifelong. Accident victims may also incur significant medical expenses and may become incapacitated and unable to work.

If you suffered injuries in an accident that resulted from someone else’s negligence, you need our experienced legal team on your side that will fight for your rights. At Steffens Law Offices, P.C., our lawyers have more than fifty years of combined experience successfully settling and litigating personal injury cases. We can aggressively negotiate on your behalf and, if necessary, litigate your case to a favorable resolution in court. You can view our most recent client testimonials and case results by clicking on the following links.

Categories of Personal Injury Cases in Norfolk, NE

In Norfolk, Nebraska, personal injury cases often arise from accidents due to someone else’s negligence. These accidents can result in significant physical, emotional, and financial harm to victims. Some of the most important categories of personal injury cases in Norfolk include car accidents, truck accidents, bicycle collisions, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and slip and falls.

• Car Accidents – Car accidents are one of the most common types of personal injury cases in Norfolk. They often occur at busy intersections, such as the junction of 13th Street and Omaha Avenue, where drivers may fail to yield or run red lights. Accidents can also happen on Highway 275 due to speeding, distracted driving, or impaired driving. Injuries from car accidents can range from cuts and bruises to injuries like broken bones or traumatic brain injuries.
• Truck Accidents – Given Norfolk’s proximity to major highways like U.S. Route 81, truck crashes are also a significant concern. These accidents are often severe due to the size and weight of commercial trucks. Common locations for truck accidents include the intersections of major highways and rural roads where visibility may be limited. Truck driver fatigue, improper loading, and failure to follow safety regulations are frequent causes.
• Bicycle Collisions – Bicycle collisions often occur in areas with heavy traffic or near schools, where drivers may not always be attentive to cyclists. Streets like Benjamin Avenue can be particularly hazardous for bicyclists due to the mix of vehicle traffic and pedestrians. Injuries in these accidents can include fractures, head injuries, and road rash.
• Motorcycle Accidents – Motorcycles are less visible than cars, making them more vulnerable to accidents, especially at intersections or when cars are making left turns. Areas like Norfolk Avenue, with its mix of commercial and residential traffic, are common locations for motorcycle accidents. Riders often suffer severe injuries, including spinal cord injuries and road rash.
• Pedestrian Accidents – Pedestrian accidents can happen in crosswalks, parking lots, or even on sidewalks. Busy commercial areas like the downtown district are common sites for these accidents, especially when drivers fail to yield or are distracted. Pedestrians can suffer serious injuries, including broken bones, head injuries, or internal injuries.
• Slip and Falls – Slip-and-fall accidents are common in places like grocery stores, shopping centers, or even residential properties. Wet floors, uneven pavement, or poorly lit areas can lead to these accidents, causing injuries such as sprains, fractures, or concussions.

Proving the Elements of a Personal Injury Case in Norfolk, NE 

In Norfolk, Nebraska, filing a personal injury claim or lawsuit requires understanding the legal elements that must be proven to succeed. These elements establish that another party’s negligence caused your injuries and that you are entitled to compensation.

• The first legal element is a duty of care, which means that the person or entity responsible for your injury has a legal obligation to act in a way that would prevent harm. For example, drivers have a duty to obey traffic laws and drive safely to avoid causing accidents. Similarly, property owners must keep their premises safe to prevent slip and fall accidents.
• The second element is a breach of duty. Breach of duty occurs when the responsible party fails to uphold their duty of care. In a car accident case, breach of duty may involve a driver running a red light or texting while driving, actions that breach their responsibility to drive safely. In a slip-and-fall case, a property owner may breach their duty by failing to clean up a spill that caused your fall.
• The third element is causation. To prove causation, you must show that the breach of duty directly caused your injury. It is not enough to show that the other party was careless; you must connect their actions (or inaction) to the harm you suffered. For example, if you slipped and fell because a store did not clean up a spill, you must prove that the fall caused your injuries.
• The fourth element is damages. Damages refer to the losses you have suffered due to your injury. These damages can include medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other costs associated with your injury. To recover compensation, you must demonstrate that you have suffered actual harm as a result of the accident.

In a personal injury case, evidence is crucial to proving these elements. Some of the most helpful types of evidence include:

• Photographs or Videos – Images of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage can be powerful evidence.
• Medical Records – Documentation of your injuries and treatment is essential for proving the extent of your damages.
• Witness Statements – Testimonies from people who saw the accident can help establish what happened and who was at fault.
• Police Reports – In cases like car accidents, a police report can provide an official account of the incident and support your version of events.

Common Injuries That Accident Victims May Suffer in Norfolk, Nebraska

In Norfolk, Nebraska, accident victims can suffer a wide range of injuries, some of which can be severe and life-altering.

• Car and Truck Accidents – Victims of car and truck collisions often experience whiplash, a neck injury resulting from the sudden back-and-forth motion of the head. Broken bones are also common, particularly in the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbone. More severe accidents can result in traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which may cause long-term cognitive issues. Victims may require treatments ranging from physical therapy and pain management for whiplash to surgery and rehabilitation for broken bones and brain injuries.
• Pedestrian Accidents – Pedestrians hit by vehicles often suffer fractures, spinal cord injuries, and internal injuries. These injuries can lead to long-term disability and may require emergency surgery, followed by physical therapy to regain mobility. Internal injuries, like those affecting the lungs or organs, may require extensive medical monitoring and rehabilitation.
• Bicycle Accidents – Bicycle accidents can cause injuries such as road rash, which is a painful skin abrasion, and head injuries — even with a helmet. Broken bones, particularly in the arms and legs, are also common. Medical treatment may include wound care for road rash, casts or splints for fractures, and neurological assessments for potential head injuries.
• Motorcycle Accidents – Motorcycle accidents often result in severe road rash, head injuries, and spinal cord injuries due to the lack of protection compared to other vehicles. Treatment may involve extensive skin grafts for road rash, surgery for head and spinal injuries, and intensive rehabilitation.
• Slip-and-fall Accidents – Victims of slip-and-fall accidents frequently suffer sprains, fractures, and concussions. Hip fractures are particularly common among older adults. Treatment for these injuries can include surgery, physical therapy, and occupational therapy to regain strength and balance.

Fighting the Insurance Company in a Norfolk, Nebraska, Personal Injury Case

When you are involved in a personal injury claim or lawsuit in Norfolk, Nebraska, dealing with the insurance company can be one of the most challenging aspects of the process. Insurance companies often focus on minimizing the amount they have to pay out, which can make it difficult to obtain the compensation you deserve. However, at Steffens Law Offices, P.C., we can fight the insurance company for you and navigate the process to ensure a fair outcome.

• Understanding the Tactics – Insurance companies often use tactics like delaying the process, offering lowball settlements, or trying to place blame on you to reduce the amount they owe. We know these strategies and can counter them effectively. We will review all the details of your case to make sure the insurance company does not take advantage of you.
• Gathering Strong Evidence – One of the best ways to strengthen your claim is by gathering solid evidence. We collect important documents such as medical records, police reports, witness statements, and any photos or videos from the accident scene. This evidence is crucial in proving your case and showing the full extent of your injuries.
• Negotiating on Your Behalf – Insurance adjusters are skilled negotiators whose job is to protect the company’s bottom line. We will negotiate directly with the insurance company on your behalf, using the evidence we have gathered to push for the maximum compensation possible. We will not settle for less than you deserve.
• Taking Legal Action If Necessary – If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we will not hesitate to take your case to court. We will present a strong case to the judge and jury, aiming to secure the compensation you need to cover your medical bills, lost earnings, and other damages.

Important Steps To Take in a Norfolk, Nebraska, Personal Injury Case

If you have been involved in an accident in Norfolk, Nebraska, due to someone else’s negligence, taking the right steps afterward is crucial for protecting both your health and your legal rights.

First, prioritize your health by completing all necessary medical treatment. Follow through with all recommended care and attend every medical appointment. Following through with treatment not only ensures your recovery but also creates a detailed medical record that is essential for your personal injury claim.

Second, avoid speaking with the insurance company without legal representation. Insurance adjusters may seem friendly, but their goal is often to minimize your payout. Anything you say can be used against you to reduce the value of your claim. It’s best to let one of our experienced attorneys at Steffens Law Offices, P.C., handle all communications with the insurance company on your behalf.

Third, all important documentation related to the accident, including medical records, police reports, photographs of the accident scene, and any correspondence with the insurance company, must be retained. These documents are vital for building a strong case.

Finally, consult with one of our Norfolk, NE, personal injury lawyers as soon as possible. At Steffens Law Offices, P.C., we will fight hard to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

Speak with an Experienced Norfolk, Nebraska, Personal Injury Lawyer Today

If you sustained injuries in a Norfolk, Nebraska, motor vehicle collision or premises accident that resulted from another person’s or entity’s negligence, the skilled legal team at Steffens Law Offices, P.C., is prepared to fight for your rights and pursue the compensation you receive for your losses. For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with one of our skilled personal injury lawyers in Norfolk, Nebraska, please contact us online today.