The Kearney car accident lawyers of Steffens Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC, serve clients throughout Nebraska. Call us today for your free consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys.
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.
Why Choose Our Experienced Kearney Car Accident Lawyers?
When it comes to Nebraska car accident claims, choosing the right legal representation can make all the difference.
Here's why you should make Steffens Law Accident Injury Lawyers 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 car accident attorneys, who will keep you updated throughout 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 legal fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you.
At Steffens Law Accident Injury Lawyers, we are committed to fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve. Call us today to get started.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Nebraska
Understanding the common causes of car accidents can 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 any of these factors caused your accident, our legal team is here to hold the responsible party accountable for their actions.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Kearney
Your steps after a car accident can affect your ability to file a claim and recover compensation.
Here's what to do after an accident in Kearney, NE:
- Ensure Your Safety: Check for any injuries and move to a safe location if possible. Call 911 immediately for assistance.
- Go to the Doctor: Even if you don’t feel injured, see a doctor as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident site, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.
- Exchange Information: Collect the contact and insurance information of the other parties involved.
- File a Police Report: Ensure an official report is created, which can be valuable evidence in your claim.
- Contact an Experienced Attorney: Our experienced Kearney auto accident lawyers will 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 as much as possible.
How to Get Your Car Repaired or Replaced After an Accident
Dealing with vehicle damage after an accident is often overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Below, we’ve outlined the key steps to getting your car repaired or replaced while protecting your rights and minimizing stress.
Step 1: File a Property Damage Claim
If the accident damaged your car, file a property damage claim with either your insurance company or the at-fault driver’s insurer.
Here’s how to start:
- Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible.
- Review your insurance coverage to see what’s included, such as rental car benefits or collision insurance. We can help explain confusing terms if needed.
- If the other driver caused it, their insurer should cover the damage. We can provide evidence to support your claim, like photos, repair estimates, and the accident report.
Step 2: Get an Estimate
To determine the cost of repairs, you’ll need to get a damage appraisal. Many insurers will send an adjuster to inspect the vehicle or recommend a repair shop for an estimate.
But remember:
- You’re not obligated to use the repair shop the insurer suggests. You can choose a shop you trust.
- Always get estimates in writing and make copies of any receipts.
Step 3: Beyond Repair—What to Do If Your Car Is Totaled
If the repair cost exceeds the car’s market value, the insurer may declare it a total loss.
When this happens:
- The insurance company will offer a cash settlement equivalent to your car’s fair market value.
- If you believe the settlement doesn’t reflect your vehicle’s value, we can advocate on your behalf so you get what you deserve.
Step 4: Find a Reputable Repair Shop
The quality of repairs is vital for your safety and vehicle performance.
Here’s how to find a trustworthy shop:
- Look for repair shops with high ratings and positive customer feedback.
- Choose shops certified by reputable organizations like the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
- Confirm the shop provides a warranty for their repair work.
We know that dealing with repairs and insurance companies can frustrate you, especially when you're also recovering from an accident.
Our experienced car accident team will:
- Work directly with the insurance adjusters to process your property damage claim fairly and promptly.
- Fight for fair compensation
- Answer your questions and guide you every step of the way.
Types of Car Accident Compensation You May Recover
After a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may recover compensation for:
- 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.
The Legal Process for Car Accident Claims
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:
- Initial Consultation: We discuss the details of your accident, answer your questions, and evaluate the strength of your case.
- Investigation: Our team gathers evidence, such as police reports, medical records, and witness statements, to build a strong case.
- Filing the Claim: We handle all communications with the insurance company and file your claim for compensation.
- Negotiation: We negotiate aggressively with the responsible party’s insurer to reach a fair settlement.
- 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 on your behalf so you can focus on healing and moving forward.
The Importance of Acting Quickly After a Car Accident
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 help protect your rights and strengthen your claim.
Nebraska Car Accident Laws
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 decrease by your percentage of fault.
- Statute of Limitations: You have four years from the accident date 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.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents can cause many injuries that affect 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 hard to get you compensation to cover these costs.
How Insurance Companies Handle Car Accident Claims
Insurance companies are businesses that are 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 Kearney car accident attorneys will negotiate aggressively so you receive the settlement you need and take the case to court if necessary.
Car Accident 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 as soon as possible helps 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.
Do I need an attorney if the insurance company offers a settlement?
Yes. Insurance companies often offer low initial settlements to save money. An knowledgeable car accident attorney can evaluate the offer, negotiate on your behalf, and ensure you receive fair compensation.
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.