Chappell Car Accident Lawyer

Chappell Car Accident Attorney

A car crash isn’t just a statistic—it’s a traumatic event that can leave victims in pain, debt, and worry. If you or a loved one has sustained a personal injury, you may need more than an ambulance ride. You need legal support to obtain compensation for your losses, and working with a Chappell car accident lawyer should be your first step.

Island Law Office, PC, LLO, has helped families in the Panhandle for more than two decades. Whether your accident is a result of drunk driving or simple negligence, we can review your personal injury case and help you determine your next steps. That way, you can focus on your recovery and getting your life back.

Understanding Nebraska Car Accident Laws

Most U.S. States, including Nebraska, use a “modified comparative negligence” rule for car accidents, which is a way to ensure fairness in who can recover damages following a crash. A percentage of fault for an accident is given to each driver. If a driver is less than 50% responsible for an accident, they are eligible for compensation. However, if a driver is 50% or more to blame, they can’t get compensation.

All drivers in Nebraska must have minimum insurance coverage on their vehicles as well as proof of financial responsibility. Drivers who fail to maintain this level of coverage risk having their driver’s license suspended. These policies cover property damage as well as injuries. Furthermore, Nebraskans are also required to purchase uninsured motorist coverage.

What to Do If You’re in a Car Accident

The moments after a car crash can be scary and confusing. Try to stay calm and take the following steps to protect your safety and rights. At the scene of the accident, call local law enforcement to file a report. Follow any directions they give you, such as moving vehicles out of traffic and checking for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911. When you give the police your statement of what happened, do not admit fault or apologize.

Take photos of any damage, the scene of the accident, the positions of the vehicles, and the weather or road conditions if possible. Make sure you get the contact, insurance, and driver’s license information of any other drivers involved. Make a note of the license plate numbers as well. If any witnesses are present, try to get their contact information, too.

After the Accident

Get checked by a medical professional, even if you are feeling okay. Injuries sometimes take a while to start hurting, so you may need to be seen again in the days after the accident. Keep all your medical bills and records, and make sure you follow any treatment plans the healthcare workers provide.

If possible, report the car accident to your insurance company on the same day. If it’s not possible that day, report it as soon as you can. Stick to the facts of the accident, and make a note of the claim number.

It’s essential to keep all documentation together. This might include:

• The accident report
• Medical bills and records
• Estimates for repairs
• Any communication with insurance companies
• Contact information for everyone at the scene
• Photos of any damage and injuries
• Documentation of any lost wages

You may be contacted by other drivers’ insurance companies or even lawyers in the days after the crash. It may be tempting to sign settlement offers to get the process over as quickly as possible, but that may be putting your right to compensation at risk.

A Lawyer Can Protect Your Rights

An experienced car accident attorney in Chappell, NE can make sure your rights are being preserved after an accident, regardless of the cause of the accident. They may want to see all the documentation you have and take a statement from you. They can also deal with the insurance companies so you don’t have to. Most importantly, your lawyer can make sure no one takes advantage of you while you’re recovering.

FAQs

What Are Most Lawyer Fees for Car Accidents?

Most car accident attorneys work on contingency, which means victims don’t pay anything unless the lawyer wins the case. Typically, a lawyer then takes a percentage of the total settlement, depending on how complex the case is and whether it is settled out of court or has to go to trial.

What Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident in Nebraska?

Nebraska does not have a cap, or maximum, for the amount of compensation victims can receive after a car accident, so the amount in a settlement can vary widely. The total value of a settlement is dependent on several factors, including:

• Medical expenses
• Car repair or replacement cost
• Lost wages due to missed work
• Physical pain
• Emotional distress

Is Nebraska a No-Fault State for Car Accidents?

Nebraska is an “at-fault” state for car accidents, which means the driver who is deemed responsible for the accident also has the financial responsibility for any damages. This is typically paid by their car insurance company. However, if the accident goes over the limits they have or if their insurance has lapsed, the driver themselves may be responsible for paying compensation.

What Is the Statute of Limitations on a Car Accident in Nebraska?

The statute of limitations on a car accident in Nebraska is four years from the date of the accident. This covers all aspects of the crash, such as personal injury or damage to property. Not filing within the four-year period usually means losing the chance to get compensation, even if you weren’t aware of the restriction.

Your Chappell Car Accident Lawyer

At Island Law Office, PC, LLO, we understand what a deeply personal event a car crash can be and how it can have an impact long after you leave the scene. Insurance companies can be aggressive in trying to get you to settle, but you don’t have to face them alone. Our skilled attorneys can review your case and develop a legal strategy to make sure your rights and needs are a priority. Contact our office today to set up your initial consultation.