Elkhorn, Nebraska, is known for its peaceful neighborhoods, such as Elk Ridge, Andersen Acres, and Pacific Springs. However, even in these family neighborhoods, serious car accidents can and do happen. The reality is that these types of accidents happen anywhere, whether along busy streets like Maple and Dodge, or in neighborhoods like Elkhorn Highland Ridge or Fire Ridge Estates.
Whether you’ve been in a serious car accident or know someone who was involved in one, there are factors behind these incidents that may help you take on the aftermath or even your car accident claim. Our car accident attorneys are here for you after an accident, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
What Is Considered a Serious Car Accident?
A serious car accident is an event that can cause major damage, injuries, and even fatalities. The severity of a car accident is determined by the amount of damage, your injuries, and the impact on your long-term physical and mental well-being. In many cases, a serious car accident may result in needing legal help and compensation.
Minor and Serious Car Accidents are Not the Same
While they may both share the label “car accident,” there are differences between minor and serious car accidents. These differences lie not just in the extent of immediate damage, but in the types and severity of injuries, the immediate impact on those involved, and the potential long-term consequences.
Minor Car Accidents:
Minor car accidents can cause small damages to vehicles, like dents and scratches, but they can still have an impact on the people involved.
- Minor Injuries: Cuts, bruises, and whiplash are common, though seemingly small.
- Immediate Impact: Drivers and passengers may be shaken or shocked, but typically able to move and communicate normally. Police involvement may not be necessary, though swapping info and documenting the incident may still be important.
- Long-Term Effects: Physical injuries usually heal completely with proper care. However, the emotional stress and anxiety from the incident can linger. Even minor financial burdens from car repairs or medical bills can add up.
Serious Car Accidents:
Serious car accidents can cause trauma and leave lasting physical and emotional scars.
- Bodily Injuries: Broken bones, head trauma, spinal cord injuries, and internal bleeding are just a few possibilities. These injuries often require immediate medical attention and intensive care, with the potential for long-term rehabilitation and permanent disabilities.
- Immediate Impact: Drivers and passengers may be unconscious, suffer from severe pain, or have difficulty breathing. Major vehicle damage is likely and emergency assistance, as well as road closures.
- Long-Term Effects: Physical recoveries can be lengthy and costly, with added emotional consequences and the need for professional assistance to manage.
The severity of an accident isn’t always immediately apparent. Some minor collisions can involve internal injuries with delayed symptoms. Pre-existing medical conditions can also complicate recoveries even from slight impacts.
Common Injuries After a Serious Car Accident in Elkhorn
The type of injuries you get in a serious car accident can vary depending on the specifics of your accident. However, some injuries are more common than others. Here are some injuries seen after serious car accidents in Elkhorn:
Whiplash: This is a neck injury caused by the sudden back-and-forth movement of the head during a collision. Symptoms of whiplash can include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness.
Fractures: Broken bones are a common occurrence in serious car accidents. Commonly fractured bones are the legs, arms, ribs, and pelvis.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): TBIs are head injuries that can be caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. Symptoms of TBIs can range from mild (such as headaches and dizziness) to severe (such as loss of consciousness and coma).
Spinal cord injuries: These are serious injuries that can cause paralysis or other neurological problems. They tend to be less common than other types, but they can still be devastating.
Internal injuries: These are injuries to organs like the lungs, heart, liver, and spleen. They can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
Cuts and lacerations: These are tears or rips in the skin. They can be caused by broken glass, flying debris, or other objects in the car.
It’s important to remember that this is not a set list and that any type of injury is possible after a serious car accident. This is why you should get medical help as soon as possible, even if you don’t think you’ve been injured. Some injuries, such as TBIs and internal injuries, may not have symptoms immediately, but they can be serious and even life-threatening.
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Common Causes of Serious Car Accidents
Car accidents can be caused by many factors, ranging from distracted driving to unfavorable road conditions. To gain a basic understanding of the nature of your serious car accident, the following are some common causes of serious car accidents.
Distracted Driving and Speeding
Distracted driving and speeding not only increase the likelihood of a crash but can also intensify your injuries. Plus, both the driver and others on the road are at risk. According to the National Safety Council’s analysis of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data, 3,142 people died in distraction-affected crashes in 2020. That’s an increase of 1% from the 3,119 deaths in 2019.
Drunk Driving
Drunk driving is extremely dangerous. Alcohol impairs a person’s ability to focus, function, and make decisions, increasing the chances of accidents. There’s plenty of data available that proves car accidents related to alcohol are a common occurrence, involving a significant number of individuals each year. These accidents result in injuries, deaths, and substantial property damage.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving and speeding can reduce reaction time and increase the likelihood of losing control of the vehicle, while aggressive lane changes and tailgating can lead to collisions and pileups. These actions not only put you at risk but also other passengers on the road.
Driving In the Rain
Rain can create dangerous driving conditions, like slippery roads and poor visibility. To drive safely in these circumstances, it’s advised for drivers to reduce their speed and increase their following distance to allow for more time to brake. However, accidents can still happen.
Night Driving
Night driving can be risky due to reduced visibility, making it harder to see pedestrians, animals, and other vehicles on the road, and increasing the chances of accidents. Additionally, the glare from oncoming headlights can worsen visibility. Drowsy driving is another factor that can contribute to car accidents during night driving. Fatigue impairs reaction time and decision-making skills, making it more challenging to drive.
Serious Car Accidents Can Cause Both Immediate and Long-Term Issues
Serious car accidents can result in a variety of short and long-term challenges.
Immediate:
- Physical: Severe injuries requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation (spinal cord damage, neck injuries, brain trauma, internal organ damage).
- Financial: Substantial medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing healthcare costs.
- Emotional: Trauma leading to anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for both the injured and their loved ones.
Long-Term:
- Medical Dependence: Ongoing medical care, prolonged hospital stays, potential for long-term or permanent disability.
- Major Injuries: Examples like limb loss or amputation, impacting physical and psychological well-being (mobility challenges, coping with loss).
- Support Needs: Physical, financial, and emotional support required.
Physical recovery time after a car accident also varies based on factors like injury severity, age, health, and treatment. Be sure to talk to your doctor for help and medical advice for your symptoms.
You May be Eligible for Compensation After a Car Accident.
Seeking compensation after a serious auto accident can feel overwhelming, but understanding your rights and the steps involved can help give you peace of mind.
Gathering Evidence:
- Document everything: Collect police reports, medical records, witness statements, photos of the scene, and your injuries.
- Contact the at-fault driver’s insurance to begin the claim process.
Types of Compensation:
Economic Damages: These are tangible losses with clear costs.
- Medical bills: Past, present, and future medical expenses related to the accident.
- Property damage: Car repairs or replacement costs.
- Loss of earnings: Wages missed due to the accident and potential future earning capacity loss.
Non-Economic Damages: These are losses that require an evaluation.
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, and other emotional impacts.
- Permanent disability: Loss of function or limitations caused by the accident.
Moving Forward:
- Reach out to a personal injury attorney: They can advise you on your rights, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.
Taking on the legal process can feel intense. By understanding your rights, documenting your losses, and seeking legal help from a personal injury attorney, you can increase your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries and losses after a car accident.
Steps to Take Following a Serious Car Accident in Elkhorn, Nebraska
The shock may have subsided, but the days following a car accident in Elkhorn, Nebraska, can still be filled with challenges. Physical pain, emotional struggles, and navigating legal and insurance matters can seem overwhelming. Below are some steps you can take to regain control and move toward recovery.
Prioritize Your Health:
- Medical Attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, medical attention is important. Delayed symptoms can occur, and ongoing monitoring is good for your well-being. Don’t hesitate to schedule follow-up appointments or seek further medical help if needed.
- Emotional Support: The impact of an accident can affect your quality of life. Share your concerns or conditions with loved ones, go to therapy if needed, or consider joining local support groups for car accident survivors.
Protect Your Legal Rights:
- Legal Assistance: Seeking legal advice within the first few days is vital. An experienced accident lawyer can gather evidence, file necessary claims promptly, and protect your rights.
- Insurance Communication: If you haven’t already, contact your insurance company again. Provide updated information, clarify any uncertainties about the claim process, and keep detailed records of all communication.
Organize and Document:
- Expenses: Keep track of all accident-related expenses, including medical bills, repair estimates, lost wages, and any other related costs. These documents will be essential for your legal claim and insurance reimbursements.
- Documentation: Continue taking photos and videos of your injuries, car damage, and the accident scene if possible. Collect witness information and statements and keep copies of all reports and documents related to the accident.
While the days following a car accident can be daunting, remember, you’re not alone. By taking proactive steps, seeking appropriate support, and utilizing available resources, you can take on this challenging time and build a path toward recovery.
If You’ve Been in a Serious Car Accident, Contact Berry Law
Car Accident Lawyer, John S. Berry
During this challenging time, it may be beneficial to seek legal support. At Berry Law, we understand the local community well and have the skills to handle your case. If needed, we can help you with seeking compensation for multiple things.
The key is to remember that Elkhorn, despite its peaceful setting, is not immune to car accidents. Drive cautiously, stay aware of your surroundings, and know that our personal injury lawyers are available if you need us.
