If you’ve been in a car accident, you may feel frightened and uncertain about what to do next. You’re not alone – many people feel this way after a collision. Here at our law firm, we want to provide you with some basic information about Papillon car accident claims so that you can start to understand the process. Remember that every case is unique, so if you have specific questions or concerns, it is best to speak with an attorney. Contact The Knowles Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation.
Car Accident Laws in Nebraska
If you’re involved in a car accident in Nebraska, state law requires you to stop your vehicle at the scene of the accident. If someone was injured or killed in the accident, you must also render aid to the best of your ability. Once you’ve taken care of any immediate medical needs, you should then exchange information with the other driver, including your name, contact information, and insurance information.
You’re also required by law to report the accident to the nearest law enforcement agency or county sheriff’s office. An accident report must be filed within ten days if there’s more than $1,500 worth of damage to either vehicle involved in the accident. If anyone was injured or killed in the accident, you must file an accident report regardless of the damage.
Nebraska Seat Belt Laws
Nebraska is a “primary enforcement” state regarding seat belt use. This means law enforcement officers can pull over and ticket motorists solely for not wearing a seat belt. The state’s seat belt law applies to all passenger vehicles, including cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs.
All drivers and front-seat passengers are required to wear seat belts at all times while the vehicle is in operation. Children under the age of six must be appropriately secured in a federally-approved child restraint system, such as a car seat or booster seat. Children ages six through 17 must be buckled up with a seat belt no matter where in the car they’re located.
The Consequences of Not Wearing a Seat Belt on Your Personal Injury Claim
The fact that a victim was not wearing a seatbelt does not make a defendant not responsible for the accident. However, courts may consider the failure to wear a seat belt as evidence to mitigate damages for the plaintiff. The defendant can argue that the victim is entitled to less damages because the lack of a seatbelt makes the defendant less liable for their injuries. Since Nebraska is a comparative negligence state, the victim’s damages will be based on the percentage of liability the defendant holds in Papillon.
Why The Knowles Law Firm is The Right Choice
If you’ve been in a car accident, you’ve probably already realized how stressful the process of dealing with insurance companies and lawsuits can be. You may be worried about mounting medical bills, lost income, and the repairs that need to be made to your vehicle. At The Knowles Law Firm, we have a team of experienced Papillon personal injury lawyers who are ready to fight for you. We:
- Have a proven track record of success – our success rate nears 100 percent.
- Understand the ins and outs of the legal system, and we know how to get results.
- Have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients.
- Have experience negotiating and litigating.
If you’ve been in a car accident, contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Our team of experienced attorneys will work with you to get the compensation you deserve. Remember, you have a limited time to file a claim, so don’t wait.
