Representing Auto Accident Victims in Nebraska
Car accidents can happen in the blink of an eye and leave you with serious injuries and massive medical bills to contend with. In the days, weeks, and months that follow your accident, you may find yourself unable to work, pay your bills, or support your family. You may be unsure of how to pay for the medical care you need, or you may be dealing with a permanent disability that has turned your life upside down.
Our Bellevue car accident attorneys at Cullan & Cullan have seen firsthand the devastating consequences of car accidents. We understand the many challenges you are facing, and we are prepared to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the maximum compensation you are owed. Our team has earned a reputation for our exceptional skill, compassionate client service, and record of success. We have obtained numerous favorable settlements and verdicts for our clients, and we have the experience and resources to take on even the most complex cases.
Call Cullan & Cullan today at (402) 882-7080 or contact us online to request a no-cost consultation with our car accident lawyers in Bellevue, NE.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
A car accident, also known as a traffic collision or crash, occurs when a vehicle collides with another vehicle, pedestrian, animal, or stationary object, resulting in damage, injury, or even death. Car accidents can range from minor fender-benders to severe collisions involving multiple vehicles and catastrophic consequences.
Common causes of car accidents include:
- Distracted Driving: This includes activities such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting the radio while driving, which divert the driver's attention from the road.
- Speeding: Driving above the posted speed limit or too fast for road conditions reduces a driver's ability to react to hazards and increases the severity of accidents.
- Impaired Driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or certain medications significantly impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time, leading to an increased risk of accidents.
- Reckless Driving: This encompasses aggressive behaviors such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, disregarding traffic signals, and excessive lane changes, which endanger both the driver and others on the road.
- Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow, ice, fog, or high winds can reduce visibility, decrease traction, and affect vehicle control, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
- Fatigue: Driving while tired or drowsy can impair a driver's ability to focus, react quickly, and make sound decisions, increasing the risk of accidents, especially during long-distance travel or at night.
- Poor Road Conditions: Factors such as potholes, uneven road surfaces, construction zones, lack of proper signage, or inadequate lighting can contribute to accidents by causing loss of vehicle control or unexpected obstacles.
- Mechanical Failures: Malfunctions in vehicle components such as brakes, tires, steering systems, or engine failures can lead to loss of control and accidents.
- Inexperienced Drivers: Lack of driving experience, knowledge of traffic laws, or proper training increases the likelihood of errors and accidents, particularly among young or newly licensed drivers.
- Failure to Obey Traffic Laws: Violations such as running red lights, failing to yield, improper lane changes, and ignoring stop signs contribute to accidents by creating dangerous situations and increasing the risk of collisions.
- Tailgating: Following other vehicles too closely reduces reaction time and increases the likelihood of rear-end collisions, especially in cases where the leading vehicle suddenly brakes.
Nebraska Car Accident Laws
Nebraska follows a fault-based system for car accidents, meaning the party responsible for causing the accident is typically liable for the resulting damages.
The state also uses the modified comparative negligence rule, which means if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault. However, if you are found to be 50% or more at fault, you may not be eligible to recover damages.
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Nebraska is generally four years from the date of the accident, while the statute of limitations for property damage claims is typically five years.
How Our Bellevue Car Accident Attorneys Can Help You
After a car accident, you may be wondering whether you need to hire an attorney. While you are not required to have a lawyer represent you, it is generally in your best interest to have one on your side. The insurance company will have a team of highly skilled attorneys working hard to protect their interests, and you should have someone working just as hard to protect yours.
At Cullan & Cullan, we can help you by:
- Investigating your accident and gathering evidence
- Handling all communications with the insurance company
- Calculating the full value of your damages
- Filing all necessary paperwork and ensuring all deadlines are met
- Negotiating with the insurance company for a fair settlement
- Preparing your case for trial and representing you in court, if necessary
When you work with our team, you can trust that we will fight tirelessly for you and your rights. We will handle all of the legal legwork so you can focus on what really matters: your recovery.
Contact us today at (402) 882-7080 to get started.