Car accident injuries are often severe, causing significant bodily harm, permanent disability, lost wages, and a lengthy recovery period. Obtaining compensation in car accident cases caused by a negligent driver is a complicated, lengthy, and detail-oriented legal process. However, you can leave your fight to the experienced Nebraska car accident lawyers with Steffens Law Offices, P.C. We will lead you through the legal process every step of the way and put you on the road to receiving full and fair compensation for all your injuries and other damages.
While we can't erase all the harm you've endured, we can help maximize your recovery so you have the time and resources you need to heal and move ahead.
Protecting Yourself After a Car Accident
Protecting Yourself at the Scene of the Accident
After an auto accident, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself and your personal injury claim.
At the accident scene:
- Call law enforcement, even if the other driver urges you to handle the case privately.
- Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and the damage to your vehicle. Get photos from as many different angles as possible.
- Get the names and contact information for any witnesses.
- Write down your recollection of the events leading up to the accident while the memory is still fresh.
- Do not talk to others at the scene. Anything you say, even if you’re just expressing concern for someone who is hurt, can be interpreted as admitting fault.
After the car accident:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention:
Your health should be the top priority. Even if you feel fine, some injuries—like concussions, internal bleeding, or soft tissue damage—may not show symptoms right away. A medical evaluation not only protects your well-being but also creates a record of your injuries, which is critical for any future legal claim. - Hire an Experienced Nebraska Car Accident Lawyer:
Navigating the legal process after an accident can be complex, especially when dealing with injuries, medical bills, and insurance companies. A Nebraska car accident lawyer can handle negotiations, collect evidence, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. Legal guidance ensures your rights are protected every step of the way. - Avoid Direct Communication with Insurance Companies:
Insurance adjusters often aim to minimize payouts. Refrain from giving recorded statements or accepting quick settlement offers without legal advice. Anything you say could be used to reduce or deny your claim. - Keep a Detailed Injury Journal:
Document your injuries, treatments, and recovery process in a daily journal. Include notes on pain levels, physical limitations, emotional impacts, and how the injuries affect your daily life. This can strengthen your claim by providing a clear picture of how the accident has impacted you over time. - Follow All Medical Advice and Attend Follow-Up Appointments:
Gaps in treatment can weaken your claim. Attend all follow-up appointments, follow your doctor’s advice, and complete any recommended therapies. Consistent medical care demonstrates the seriousness of your injuries and supports your case for full compensation. - Track All Expenses and Losses:
Keep receipts and records of all accident-related expenses, including medical bills, prescription costs, lost wages, and any out-of-pocket expenses. This documentation helps your lawyer calculate the total value of your claim. - Avoid Posting on Social Media:
Insurance companies may monitor your social media accounts for evidence that could undermine your claim. Avoid posting updates, photos, or comments about the accident, your injuries, or your daily activities until your case is resolved.
Taking these steps safeguards your health and protects your both your legal rights and the value of your claim. An experienced Nebraska car accident lawyer with Steffens Law Offices, P.C. will manage every aspect of your claim, giving you the best chance at securing the compensation you deserve.
Common Car Accident Injuries in Nebraska
Car accidents can leave victims with a range of injuries, from minor scrapes to life-changing conditions. Nebraska’s diverse roadways, from high-traffic highways to rural routes, can create hazardous driving conditions that increase the risk of serious collisions. When a crash happens, the impact can result in physical injuries, emotional trauma, and mounting medical expenses. Knowing the most common car accident injuries can help victims take the right steps toward recovery and legal action.
Common car accident injuries in Nebraska include:
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Whiplash occurs when the neck is suddenly forced forward and backward, typically during rear-end collisions. This motion can strain muscles, ligaments, and tendons, leading to pain, stiffness, and limited mobility that may last for weeks or even months.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): A sudden jolt or blow to the head during a collision can cause traumatic brain injuries, ranging from mild concussions to severe brain damage. Symptoms can include headaches, memory loss, confusion, dizziness, and long-term cognitive impairment.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can have devastating consequences, including partial or complete paralysis. Even less severe spinal injuries can result in chronic pain, limited mobility, and the need for long-term rehabilitation.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: The force of a collision can easily break bones, with common fractures occurring in the arms, legs, ribs, pelvis, and collarbone. Some fractures may require surgery, physical therapy, or the use of mobility aids during recovery.
- Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma from a car accident can damage internal organs such as the liver, kidneys, spleen, or lungs. These injuries may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening if left untreated, often requiring emergency medical care.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and tears in muscles, ligaments, and tendons are common after car accidents. These injuries can lead to pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion, sometimes resulting in long-term discomfort.
- Facial Injuries and Lacerations: Airbag deployment, shattered glass, or impact with the steering wheel can cause facial injuries, including cuts, bruises, broken bones, and dental damage. In some cases, victims may require reconstructive surgery or cosmetic procedures.
- Emotional and Psychological Trauma: The emotional impact of a serious car accident can be just as damaging as physical injuries. Many victims experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can interfere with daily life and require professional treatment.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a crash, contacting a Nebraska car accident lawyer can make a significant difference in your recovery. Navigating insurance claims and legal processes on your own can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with painful injuries and medical bills. An experienced attorney can help you build a strong case, handle negotiations, and fight to maximize your recovery for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Don’t let insurance companies undervalue your claim. Call a Steffens Law Office near you today.
Seeking Medical Care After a Nebraska Car Accident
Our Nebraska car accident lawyers have handled many injury cases, and in doing so, we have learned that there are a number of important "rules" which must be followed when seeking treatment for car accident injuries.
- Seek medical assistance immediately. The most important thing you can do when you are involved in a car accident is to make sure you receive the necessary medical treatment as soon as possible. Even if you think your injuries are minor, get checked out as a precaution.
- If you need a specialist, have your regular family physician make the referral. If you try and do this on your own, it will be viewed as doctor shopping and it will hurt your case.
- Don't assume that all specialists are equal. We would like to review the names of medical specialists in your area with you before you make a decision about which special you want to work with for your ongoing medical needs.
- Follow the doctor’s advice. When you do not follow the advice of your doctor, the insurance company assumes that you are healed or are no longer in pain.
- If you can’t work, get a note from your doctor. Make sure the note is faxed or emailed to your employer to protect you from disciplinary action at work. Getting a doctor’s note is also necessary to convince the insurance company of the severity of your injury.
- Obey any restrictions given to you by your doctor. After a car accident, your doctor may recommend that you avoid heavy lifting, bending, twisting, or other vigorous physical activities to give your body time to heal. You need to pay careful attention to follow these restrictions for the sake of your health and your personal injury claim. If you are observed not following these restrictions, the insurance company assumes that you are a fraud. Legally, they can photograph you anywhere outside your home and use trained investigators to follow and film you. If you’re caught ignoring your doctor's orders, your case becomes worthless.
- Take all prescribed medication. If you have a reason for not wanting to use a specific medication, such as trouble with nausea, tell your doctor and work together to find a better alternative. If you stop taking the medication with no explanation, it casts doubt on the seriousness of your injuries
- Don't discontinue or put off medical help due to cost. The at-fault driver’s car insurance company doesn’t need to pay your medical bills until your case is settled, but there are alternatives to handling costs in the meantime. If you have health insurance, move ahead with medical treatment by using your health insurance company. When your case settles, your health insurance carrier can be repaid. Forgoing treatment hurts your health and limits your ability to recover compensation for your car accident injuries.
Obtaining Nebraska Car Accident Lawyers to Protect Your Rights
If you’ve suffered serious injuries in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence, it would be a mistake to try to obtain compensation on your own. Car accident victims must confront large insurance providers who have adjusters skilled in the art of negotiations and experienced, skilled lawyers working on their side. Without competent Nebraska car accident lawyers on your side, you are vulnerable to attack and your right to recovery can be seriously damaged or even lost forever.
Our Nebraska car accident lawyers can:
- Investigate the incident to establish liability
- Advise you regarding medical treatment
- Monitor your medical records for accuracy
- Communicate with insurance companies on your behalf
- Contact you on a frequent and regular basis for personal status reports
- Negotiate a fair settlement
- Take your case to court, if necessary
Were You Seriously Injured In An Accident? Our Experienced Nebraska Car Accident Lawyers Can Help
It’s understandable to be worried about the cost of legal services when a car accident has already created a financial burden for you and your family, but Steffens Law Accident Injury Lawyers represents car accident victims on a contingency fee basis. This means there is no upfront cost for legal representation. If we are able to obtain a settlement for you, we will be paid a percentage of the recovery from the award. If we can’t obtain a settlement for you, there is no cost for our legal services.
Call (402) 414-4896 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Nebraska car accident attorneys. We will be happy to provide a free, no-obligation case review to help you better understand your rights and legal options.
However, regardless of whether you hire our Nebraska car accident lawyers or not, it is imperative to act quickly. Learn more about the statute of limitations for car accidents in Nebraska.