Accident Information

If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s actions in Nebraska, the difference between negligence and gross negligence can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. In a personal injury lawsuit, proving whether a negligent act was ordinary negligence or gross negligence can determine the extent of damages you may receive. The law distinguishes between these two levels of negligence based on the severity of the defendant’s actions and whether their conduct demonstrates reckless disregard for the safety of others. Understanding the legal implications of negligence and gross negligence is crucial when pursuing a…

Extenuating circumstances is a legal phrase that you may hear in a criminal case or personal injury lawsuit in Nebraska. In a side claim or personal injury case, extenuating circumstances may come into play if an insurance company attempts to blame your injuries on something other than the defendant’s actions or failure to act. Extenuating circumstances are special conditions or factors that can influence the outcome of a case, potentially altering the perception of an incident. Understanding what constitutes extenuating circumstances and how they can impact legal decisions is crucial for anyone involved in…

Many people assume that because pedestrians are the road’s most vulnerable users, they do not have any responsibilities in terms of safety or roadway rules. While pedestrians are at the greatest risk of injury in accidents, they still have traffic laws they must obey. Nebraska has state and municipal laws outlining pedestrian responsibilities when navigating the streets and sidewalks. Before you decide to walk or jog around Nebraska, learn your duties to help prevent an accident. Understanding pedestrian safety is crucial to avoid accidents with distracted drivers and to know your rights and duties…

Some states place limits on the maximum amount of financial compensation – or damages – an injured victim can obtain from a defendant during a civil lawsuit. These limits are called damage caps. While the damages available in most states are limit-free and based on what a jury deems appropriate, some states impose damage caps to prevent excessive jury awards. Nebraska is one of them. What Are Damage Caps in Personal Injury Cases? There are two main types of damages in a personal injury case: compensatory and punitive. Compensatory damages make a victim whole…

If you get hit by another vehicle in a car accident, one of the first actions you may take is calling the police. Typically, when police arrive at the scene, they start creating a report, which contains information about the accident, including the potential cause. However, there may be some cases in which the police do not make a report. They may think the accident is not serious enough or there were no injuries. However, if you discover your injuries after the accident, you may wonder if you can still file a claim and…

Car accidents can be traumatic and overwhelming, especially if you are involved in one with an uninsured or underinsured driver. Not only do you have to deal with the physical and emotional aftermath of the accident, but you may also face financial difficulties if the other driver does not have adequate insurance coverage. In such a situation, knowing what steps to take to protect yourself and your rights is imperative.  At Knowles Law Firm, our Omaha car accident lawyers have extensive experience in handling car accidents involving uninsured or underinsured drivers. Our team of…

No worker expects to suffer a serious injury on the job. Unfortunately, the workplace is a common setting for accidents, injuries and even deaths in Nebraska. After experiencing a workplace injury, it is essential to act swiftly to protect both your health and your legal rights. Taking the appropriate steps in the aftermath can make a significant difference in how your case unfolds. Below are the critical actions you should take to safeguard your well-being and ensure that you are properly supported throughout the recovery process.  Get Medical Care Your number one priority after…

No matter how safe a driver is, a road hazard or defect could cause an accident. Dangerous roads can be impossible to safely navigate, ultimately leading to a car accident that causes injuries or deaths. It is the city and state government’s duty to maintain safe public roadways. If a road defect causes a crash, a victim may be able to hold the government responsible. An Omaha car accident lawyer can help navigate your legal case. Potholes and Cracks in the Pavement Potholes are depressions in the road caused by the erosion of the…

Head-on collisions are a severe and often catastrophic type of car accident, accounting for a significant number of fatalities each year. While every case is unique, certain factors and issues contribute to head-on collisions in Nebraska more often than others. Identifying the most common causes can help prevent these accidents, as well as help someone who has been injured in a head-on car accident determine fault. Distracted Driving Driver distraction causes thousands of car accidents each year. In 2021, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 3,522 deaths involving distracted drivers. Many of these…

Driver error may be the number one cause of car accidents, but in some cases, the driver is not to blame. Bad weather can make the roads too dangerous to drive on, leading to a loss of vehicle control and a harmful car accident. The Federal Highway Administration states that nearly 1,235,000 car accidents are weather-related each year, on average. These accidents account for approximately 21 percent of all motor vehicle crashes.  Precipitation Precipitation is one of the most dangerous weather events for drivers. Statistics show that the vast majority of weather-related car accidents…