Omaha Rear-End Collision Attorney
Legally Reviewed By: Robert M. Knowles
Attorney & Partner At Knowles Law Firm
Every day, thousands of people are injured in rear-end collision accidents throughout the nation. Rear-end collisions make up the majority of all car accidents throughout the state of Nebraska, and as a result, many personal injury claims are filed each year from such accidents.
Consulting with an Omaha car accident attorney can help you navigate the complexities of your case and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
As a victim of a rear-end collision, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries.
Why Choose Knowles Law Firm for Your Rear-End Collision Case
Choosing the right law firm after a rear-end collision is crucial to ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. At Knowles Law Firm, we combine decades of experience with a commitment to personalized service, guiding you through every step of the legal process. Here’s why you can trust us to handle your case:
Over 55 Years of Experience: With decades of personal injury case experience, including rear-end collisions, we understand how to navigate complex cases.
Swift Case Resolution: We move cases forward quickly, aiming for fair settlements or preparing for trial when necessary.
Proven Results: Our history includes securing multi-million dollar settlements for our clients.
Personalized Attention: We know how much is at stake and dedicate the necessary time and resources to each case.
Contact Knowles Law Firm today to get the support you deserve.
Understanding Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions are a type of car accident that occurs when one vehicle strikes the rear of another vehicle. These collisions can be caused by a variety of factors, including speeding, distracted driving, tailgating, and reckless driving. In many cases, rear-end collisions are the result of a negligent driver failing to maintain a safe following distance or failing to pay attention to the road.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of car accidents, accounting for approximately 29% of all crashes. These collisions can result in serious injuries, including spinal cord injuries, head trauma, and soft tissue damage.
If you have been involved in a rear-end collision, it is essential to seek the advice of an experienced car accident lawyer. A skilled attorney can help you navigate the complex process of filing a car accident claim and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Common Injuries from Rear-End Collisions
While rear-end collisions can be so slight that they cause little to no damage, others can be quite severe, taking into account the speed of both vehicles. A vehicle traveling up to 40 miles per hour which collides into the rear of a parked vehicle can lead to very serious injuries for the occupants of both vehicles.
The most common rear-end injuries can include:
Broken bones
Whiplash
Spinal cord injuries
Amputations
Injuries from airbag deployment
These are some of the common injuries that victims of rear-end collisions may suffer from.
Many of these injuries can take months, and even years to recover from. As a victim of a rear-end collision, you are entitled to seek compensation for your injuries from the responsible party.
Rear-end collisions are one of the easier car accidents to pinpoint fault, since the driver of the rear vehicle is always considered to be at fault for the accident.
Seeking Compensation After a Rear-End Collision
Insurance companies will often try to settle with the victim of the accident. However, it is important to keep in mind that the goal of insurance companies is to pay out as little as possible.
Therefore, insurance companies most often attempt to settle at a lower amount in an attempt to coerce the victim to sign the settlement with the promise of immediate payment.
While a personal injury action may take several months to resolve, you will end up with the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
The amount of compensation you receive will be based on the following:
Medical expenses
Rehabilitation expenses
Lost wages
Future earnings
Pain and suffering
Loss of consortium
An experienced car accident attorney will be able to better guide you regarding your personal injury claim as related to your unique situation.
Damages to Look for After a Rear-End Car Accident
As a driver involved in a rear-end car accident, you might immediately notice cosmetic or more significant vehicle damage from the impact, as well as signs of a physical injury. It is important, however, to keep an eye out for delayed or hidden damages after a rear-end car accident, as well. These collisions can cause more damage than you might initially realize.
Hidden vehicle damage is a significant concern after a rear-end car accident. Hidden damage is especially common after a minor collision, such as a low-speed fender bender, as an auto mechanic may not fully assess the vehicle for hidden damage – or the owner of the car might not take it to an auto shop at all.
Common examples of hidden vehicle damage that may exist after a rear-end car accident are:
Frame damage: Damage to the frame of your car may not be immediately noticeable, as it may be concealed beneath a plastic bumper. If the collision bent or damaged the frame, however, it can throw off the alignment as well as put more stress on other aspects of the vehicle. A vehicle with a damaged frame may also not hold up properly in a subsequent car accident.
Suspension problems: The suspension is what provides a smooth drive and easier handling of the vehicle. If a rear-end collision affects the frame of a vehicle, it could cause wear and tear on the shocks, struts, and other parts of the suspension system. This can make the vehicle less comfortable and more difficult to control.
Engine damage (drivetrain, transmission, etc.): A rear-end car accident can affect the mechanical aspects of an engine in a way that may not be immediately apparent but will eventually be noticeable when serious problems arise. Even a minor car accident could lead to leaked fluids and latent engine damage
Electrical damage: Electrical issues can be caused by a rear-end collision if the crash jars or loosens the wires that connect the car’s brake lights, taillights, or battery. These problems may not be immediately apparent if the wires slowly get looser over time.
The possibility of hidden vehicle damage is why it is important to have your vehicle carefully inspected by a licensed professional after a rear-end collision. Even if it looks fine from the outside, it may have internal problems that ultimately compromise its safety, comfort, and durability.
Dealing with an insurance company can be challenging, as they often aim to minimize payouts for hidden damages.
If hidden damage is discovered, including the price of repairs, vehicle replacement, and/or the lost resale value of your vehicle on your insurance claim.
Investigating Your Car Accident Case
Investigating a car accident case requires a thorough and meticulous approach. An experienced car accident lawyer will gather evidence from the scene of the accident, including photographs, witness statements, and police reports. They will also review medical records and other documentation related to the accident.
In addition to gathering evidence, a skilled car accident lawyer will also build a strong case by conducting their own investigation and consulting with experts. This may include visiting the scene of the accident, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with accident reconstruction experts.
By building a strong case, a car accident lawyer can help establish negligence and demonstrate the extent of the damages. This can help maximize compensation and ensure that the victim receives the justice they deserve.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance companies can be a challenging and frustrating experience, especially after a car accident. Insurance companies are often more interested in minimizing their own losses than in providing fair compensation to victims.
An experienced car accident lawyer can help negotiate with insurance companies and ensure that the victim receives the compensation they deserve. A skilled attorney will know how to navigate the complex process of filing a car accident claim and will be able to negotiate with insurance companies on behalf of the victim.
In addition to negotiating with insurance companies, a car accident lawyer can also help victims understand their rights and options. They can provide guidance on how to deal with insurance adjusters and ensure that the victim receives fair compensation for their damages.
By working with an experienced car accident lawyer, victims can ensure that their rights are protected and that they receive the compensation they deserve.
Contact Our Omaha Rear-End Car Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one have been injured in a rear-end collision, do not hesitate to contact the attorneys at the Knowles Law Firm. Our Omaha personal injury attorneys have years of experience in handling rear-end collision claims and we will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
An Omaha auto accident attorney can help you gather evidence and build a strong case against the at-fault party’s insurance company.
Rear-end collisions are unfortunately common accidents, but we recognize that your case is unique and often involves an adjustment to your daily life as you recover from your injuries.
Contact our Omaha, Nebraska law firm today for your initial free consultation.
FAQs About Rear-End Collision Claims
Who is typically at fault in a rear-end collision?
In most cases, the driver who rear-ends another vehicle is considered at fault because drivers are expected to maintain a safe following distance. However, there can be exceptions, such as if the lead driver suddenly stops without warning or if road conditions played a significant role.
What should I do immediately after a rear-end collision?
After ensuring everyone’s safety, document the scene by taking pictures, exchanging information with the other driver, and getting witness contact details. It’s also crucial to seek medical attention, even if injuries aren’t immediately apparent, and contact the police if there are injuries or significant damage.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Nebraska follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can recover damages if you are found to be less than 50% at fault for the accident. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you still have the right to pursue a claim for your damages.
What types of compensation can I seek after a rear-end collision?
You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, vehicle damage, and future medical care or lost earning capacity, depending on the severity of your injuries. In some cases, you may also be compensated for emotional distress or the impact the accident has had on your quality of life.
How long does it take to settle a rear-end collision claim?
The timeline can vary. Some cases settle quickly within a few months, while others may take longer if the insurance company disputes the claim or if a lawsuit is necessary. Factors such as the complexity of the case and the severity of injuries also influence the settlement timeline.
Is there a time limit for filing a rear-end collision lawsuit in Nebraska?
Yes, Nebraska law imposes a statute of limitations on personal injury claims, which is generally four years from the date of the accident. If you fail to file your lawsuit within this time frame, you may lose your right to seek compensation in court, no matter how strong your case may be. Consulting with an attorney early ensures you don’t miss critical deadlines.
What evidence is crucial for proving fault in a rear-end collision case?
Important evidence in a rear-end collision case includes police reports, witness statements, photographs of the scene, dashcam footage, and medical records. An experienced attorney can also gather additional evidence, such as expert testimony or accident reconstruction analysis, to strengthen your case and clearly demonstrate liability.
Do I need to go to court for a rear-end collision claim?
Not all rear-end collision claims go to court; many are resolved through settlement negotiations with the insurance company. However, if a fair settlement can’t be reached, your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit and taking the case to trial to secure the compensation you deserve. Going to court can be necessary when liability is disputed or when damages are significant.
About Our Attorney
Robert M. Knowles
Attorney & Partner at Knowles Law Firm
Robert has tried cases in both state and federal courts and was selected as one of the top 100 litigation lawyers in Nebraska for 2014 by the American Society of Legal Advocates. Less than 1.5 percent of lawyers nationally are selected for this recognition. He is rated AV by Martindale-Hubbell which is the highest rating an attorney can obtain. He was also selected by Martindale-Hubbell as a 2019 Top Rated Lawyer.
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