The aftermath of a wreck can be devastating, particularly for those who suffer serious injuries and other personal losses as a result. If you were severely injured in a recent wreck, do not hesitate to seek out the guidance of a skilled Douglas County car accident lawyer.
A well-versed injury attorney could help you assess your options for financial recovery. If you have a viable claim, the team at Berry Law can zealously pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.
Common Contributing Factors to Car Wrecks
While factors such as poor road conditions or bad weather may cause crashes, severe wrecks are often the result of motorist negligence. Drivers on the roadway owe a duty to other motorists to use a reasonable degree of care to stop foreseeable harm to others. If a driver fails that duty and causes an accident, he or she could be held liable for the injuries and other losses he or she caused.
Common factors that contribute to serious car accidents include:
- Driving at excessive speeds
- Following too closely
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Inattentive driving
- Disregarding traffic signals and controls
- Improper turns
- Distracted driving
- Driving asleep or fatigued
Burn injuries, traumatic brain injuries, concussions, crush injuries, neck injuries, and spinal cord injuries are all common results of auto accidents. Other injuries frequently sustained include lacerations, bruising, and broken/fractured bones.
Recovering Compensation in Douglas County
When someone is severely hurt in a car wreck due to another motorist’s negligence, he or she should contact a qualified Douglas County attorney as soon as possible. An attorney could help the injured party recover compensation for his or her injuries, including economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.
Types of Damages in Injury Claims
Economic damages are specific and quantifiable, such as medical costs, lost income, and property damage expenses. Non-economic damages do not have a specific numerical amount assigned and refer to losses such as mental anguish, emotional distress, loss of companionship, pain, and suffering. In rare scenarios, when the actions of the at-fault party are particularly egregious, the court may also award punitive damages as punishment to the wrongdoer.
Car Accident Laws
As per Nebraska Revised Statutes §25-207, injured individuals have four years in which to file a civil suit seeking compensation for their injuries. The timeline begins the date the accident occurs. An attorney could explain the time limits applicable to the individual’s case and help him or her comply with these requirements.
Comparative Negligence
Sometimes, a Douglas County court may find that both the injured individual and the at-fault party are partially to blame for the car wreck. Under Neb. Rev. Stat. §25-21, 185.09, courts are obligated to follow the modified comparative negligence rule when assigning fault in personal injury cases.
If a plaintiff is found to be less than 50 percent at fault for their injuries, they could still recover compensation, but their total award of damages would be reduced by their percentage of shared fault. However, in cases where the plaintiff’s fault in the crash is 50 percent or more, they may be prohibited from receiving financial compensation.
Berry Law’s Team Provides You With Multiple Attorney Perspectives
Call a Douglas County Car Accident Attorney for Help
A Douglas County car accident lawyer from Berry Law could help you navigate the complex legal process, collect supporting evidence for your case, and protect your legal rights, whether during negotiations or in a court of law. Contact Berry Law today to schedule your free consultation.
