Operating a motor vehicle requires care and attention. Unfortunately, that’s not a step that everyone takes when they’re behind the wheel—and that can lead to accidents with significant injuries for other drivers and their passengers. If you were injured in an automobile accident, whether you were a pedestrian, driving a car, or operating a motorcycle or other vehicle at the time of the crash, email The Robert Pahlke Law Group or call us at (308) 633-4444 today to schedule your free consultation.
Our Results
At The Robert Pahlke Law Group, we have handled many different personal injury cases. From auto accidents involving negligence, distracted driving, or other unsafe behaviors to truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and more, we have fought to secure the compensation our clients deserve. We have experience working with insurance companies, courts, and more.
The Robert Pahlke Law Group has obtained verdicts and settlements for over 30 years for millions of dollars, sometimes in a single case. The types of collisions include:
- Careless passing of other vehicles;
- Speeding vehicles;
- Drinking and drugged drivers;
- Rear-end collisions;
- T-bone collisions;
- Frontal collisions;
- Farm equipment and other commercial equipment that were operated in the dark with no or inadequate warnings;
- Multiple vehicle collisions.
In some cases, we’ve recovered settlements totaling in the millions of dollars for our clients, and in others we obtained the maximum amount of the insurance policies involved in the case.
Auto Negligence Injuries
Auto negligence injuries occur when a reckless or careless driver contributes to an accident. These injuries may include:
- Head and neck trauma, including traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Burns
- Sprains, strains, and other soft tissue injuries
- Organ damage
Work with your attorney to determine whether driver negligence caused your injuries. Your attorney can help establish how your injuries occurred and what you can expect from your settlement.
Who is Responsible for Auto Negligence Injuries?
Automobile negligence can lead to substantial injuries for everyone involved. Typically, negligent drivers have their attention focused on something besides the road or who engage in unsafe driving behaviors. This can include:
- Failure to pay attention to their surroundings. This can include failing to note traffic signs and lights as well as neglecting to notice upcoming intersections or traffic patterns. Negligent drivers may not take note of what’s going on around them or may miss a vehicle traveling nearby.
- Distracted driving. Texting, fixing hair or makeup, or even fiddling with the radio can all take a driver’s attention off the road, leaving the driver struggling to drive appropriately and note what’s going on. Distracted driving behaviors can, in turn, lead to negligent driving.
- Failure to properly secure cargo. From trucks to cars, drivers are responsible for the items they carry on and in their vehicles. Drivers who fail to take proper steps to secure those items and cause injuries are liable for those damages.
- Failure to appropriately maintain the vehicle. Driving a dangerous, unroadworthy vehicle could constitute negligence if the vehicle’s poor condition leads to an accident.
A negligent or distracted driver is responsible for the damages that occur as a result of any resulting accident.
What Damages Can Victims Recover After Auto Negligence Accidents?
Following an auto negligence accident, victims may recover several types of damages. Property damage is usually handled by the insurance companies, but you can reasonably expect to recover other compensation upon proving an auto negligence claim.
Compensation for your medical bills. If you were seriously injured in your auto negligence accident, you may need compensation for the medical bills you incurred. This includes:
- Ambulance transport
- Hospitalization
- Visits to the doctor, including follow-up visits
- Physical therapy
- Ongoing medical care expenses
- The cost of long-term care, if it’s needed to treat your injuries after the accident
Payment for your lost wages. Significant injuries following your auto accident can lead to time off work, including long-term absence from your job. Part of the damages recovered from your negligent auto accident may include compensation for those lost wages. You may also receive additional compensation if your injuries prevent you from working long-term or that interfere with your ability to do your job. This type of compensation, called “lost earning potential,” helps you move on with your life following your accident.
Payment for pain and suffering. Pain and suffering is difficult to quantify. Following your accident, however, you may find yourself dealing with significant pain and suffering. An experienced attorney will include pain and suffering compensation in your settlement.
Funeral and burial expenses. When a loved one dies as a result of a negligent auto accident, your settlement or verdict may include compensation for funeral and burial expenses.
Common Defenses to Auto Negligence
Your auto accident caused significant damages, and Nebraska law may entitle you to compensation for those damages. Unfortunately, the insurance companies and liable parties involved often employ tactics to help them get out of paying. They may:
- Try to establish that you were at least 50 percent responsible for the accident. If they can establish that you were partially responsible for the accident, it will decrease the amount that the insurance company has to pay out. Establishing that you were at least 50 percent responsible will remove their responsibility for paying for damages.
- Offer you a low settlement. Insurance companies frequently offer a lowball settlement immediately after your accident. It’s usually for a small dollar amount that won’t even cover the cost of your injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
In both of these cases, working with an experienced attorney is one of the most effective ways to ensure that you’ll receive the compensation you need from the parties who caused your accident.
Get the Legal Help You Need Now
The cost of a lawyer may feel prohibitive, especially if you’re missing work as a result of your injuries. Fortunately, when you contact us, you don’t have to worry about those expenses. We’ll set up a free consultation to discuss your injuries and your accident. We accept most of our clients on a contingent fee basis, which means that we’ll only collect attorney fees as a portion of any settlement or judgment obtained on your behalf.
If a negligent a driver injured you, don’t wait to get the legal support you need. Contact The Robert Pahlke Law Group online today, or call at (308) 633-4444 to schedule your free consultation.
Client Testimonial
“Very Professional and friendly.”
Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Terry B.
March 2020
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