Side impact car accidents, also called T-bones or broadside collisions, are one of the most dangerous kinds of accidents on the road. They often result in serious injuries or even death due to the fact that they involve a direct hit to the driver or passenger side of a vehicle. If you’ve been involved in a side-impact car accident, it’s vital to seek legal help as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the complex legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact The Knowles Law Firm today to schedule your free consultation.
What is a Side Impact Car Accident?
A side impact car accident happens when the front end of one vehicle collides with the side of another vehicle. Side impact car accidents are often caused by negligent or distracted drivers who fail to yield the right-of-way or run red lights or stop signs. These accidents can also be caused by poor road design or hazardous weather conditions. Because passengers in the struck vehicle are unprotected by an airbag, side impact car accidents often result in serious injuries or even death.
Common Injuries Sustained in Side Impact Car Accidents
The list of injuries a driver or passenger can sustain in a side-impact car accident is long, but some of the most common include broken bones, internal bleeding, organ damage, and traumatic brain injuries. If you or a loved one has been involved in a side-impact car accident and sustained any type of injury, it’s essential to visit a doctor as soon as possible.
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements in Nebraska
In the state of Nebraska, all drivers are required to purchase a certain amount of auto insurance coverage. This is to protect both you and other drivers on the road in case of an accident. If you are caught driving without insurance, you could face a number of penalties, including fines and the loss of your driver’s license.
In Nebraska, all drivers are required to have the following minimum amount of auto insurance coverage:
- $25,000 for bodily injury/death per individual
- $50,000 for bodily injury or death for each accident
- $25,000 for damage to property per accident
Who Pays After a Car Accident in Nebraska?
In Nebraska, the at-fault driver is responsible for paying for the damages they caused in an Omaha car accident. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. If the at-fault can’t be located, you may be able to file an insurance claim with your insurance company. If the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your damages, you can file a claim with your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage. UIM coverage is required in Nebraska, so it will pay for your damages up to the limits of your policy.
Don’t Speak to Insurance Companies Without a Lawyer
After sustaining an injury, it is important to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. Insurance companies will often try to take advantage of injury victims by offering them a low settlement. An experienced personal injury lawyer will fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. They will also deal with the insurance companies so you can focus on your recovery.
Filing a Lawsuit Against the At-Fault Driver
If the at-fault driver can’t be located or doesn’t have insurance, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against them. You may also be able to file a lawsuit if your damages exceed the at-fault driver’s insurance policy limits or if you have UIM coverage. Filing a lawsuit can be a long and complicated process, so you should speak with an experienced Omaha car accident lawyer before taking this step.
When You Should Hire a Lawyer After a Side-Impact Accident
There are a few factors to consider when deciding whether or not to hire a lawyer after a car accident. First, how serious are the injuries? If you’ve been in a minor fender bender with no injuries, you may not need a lawyer. However, if you’ve been injured, even if it’s just whiplash, you want to consult with a lawyer to see if you have a case.
The next thing to consider is how much damage was done to your car? If your car is totaled, you’re going to want to speak with a lawyer.
Additionally, who was at fault for the accident? If the other driver was clearly at fault and has insurance, you may be able to work with their insurance company to get the repairs made without hiring a lawyer. However, if the other driver doesn’t have insurance or if there is a dispute about who was at fault, you’re going to want to consult with a lawyer.
Finally, do you have time to deal with the insurance companies and repairs? If you don’t feel like you have the time or energy to deal with getting your car repaired, you may want to hire a lawyer who can handle that for you.
Hiring a lawyer is particularly necessary after more serious accidents where there are injuries or significant damage done to your vehicle. Personal injury lawyers offer free consultations, so there’s no harm in speaking with one and getting the opinion of a professional no matter what the situation is.
Why Hire The Knowles Law Firm?
- We have more than 3 decades of experience handling car accident claims.
- We are always available to answer your questions and will keep you updated on your claim.
- We care about your case as much as you do.
- We have recovered millions of dollars for our clients.
Side impact car accidents are among the deadliest types of accidents on the road. If you’ve been involved in one, it’s important to know your legal rights and options. The attorneys at The Knowles Law Firm can help you determine whether you have a case and fight for the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait; contact us today.
