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Omaha Head-On Collision Attorneys
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A head-on collision can be serious, and in many cases fatal. The combined force of two vehicles colliding directly with each other can leave victims with permanent injuries, major medical bills, missed time from work, and a number of other losses. Victims have the right to seek compensation, but they should prepare for resistance from the insurance companies.
That’s why you need committed legal counsel in your corner. The Omaha car accident lawyers at Inserra Kelley Cooper Sewell are here to guide you. We’re committed to leveling the playing field between victims and insurers. Let us help you claim the compensation you need to recover.
How We Can Help
- Why victims count on Inserra Kelley Cooper Sewell
- Common causes of head-on collisions in Omaha
- Injuries that head-on collision victims suffer
- Who can be held liable for a head-on collision?
- Potential compensation that victims can claim
- Frequently asked questions about Omaha head-on collisions
- Is there an Omaha head-on collision lawyer near me?
Why victims count on Inserra Kelley Cooper Sewell
There’s no shortage of personal injury firms ready to take your case. At Inserra Kelley Cooper Sewell, we believe that the practice of law is a service. This means it is our duty to serve the client’s interests and represent them to the best of our ability.
When you hire us, we don’t look at you as another file number. While our paralegals and staff help with your case, they are not the ones in charge. Your case is handled by an experienced attorney who not only knows the law but also knows the real losses you have suffered as a result of your head-on collision. We are committed to seeking the compensation victims deserve by:
- Investigating how the head-on accident happened
- Determining who may be held liable for the victim’s injuries
- Calculating the full value of your damages, including future damages
- Filing and serving a vehicle accident lawsuit on all named defendants
- Consulting expert witnesses who can assist with various aspects of your claim
- Negotiating with the insurance companies and lawyers to try to settle your case
- Going to trial, if necessary, and demanding full and fair compensation for you
These are the principles that guide our law firm and shape how we represent each head-on collision accident client. You can learn more about how we serve victims by reviewing some of our past case results.
Common causes of head-on collisions in Omaha
Head-on accidents often result from driver negligence. Understanding why your wreck happened is an important first step, since it will be your and your attorney’s job to prove liability. These are some of the most frequently cited reasons for Omaha head-on collisions:
Distracted driving
Anything that takes a driver’s focus away from the road can cause their vehicle to drift over the center line and collide directly with an oncoming vehicle. Although using a cell phone to read, type, or send written communications while driving is banned in Nebraska, it’s still a major distraction.
Impaired driving
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can cause a driver to lose focus, have blurry vision, and experience delayed reaction times. These effects can compromise lane control and judgment, resulting in a head-on crash.
Drowsy driving
Driving without enough sleep is similar in some ways to drunk driving. Fatigue can mean a driver won’t be alert enough to maintain proper control over the vehicle, possibly leading to a serious accident.
Speeding
It’s much harder to maintain control of a vehicle and stay in your lane if you’re speeding. This is especially so while navigating curves and narrow roads with heavy oncoming traffic. Speeding can mean driving above the posted limit or driving too fast for the conditions.
Unsafe passing
Passing a vehicle may be permitted in some areas, but the driver who passes must be sure there is sufficient space between them and any oncoming vehicles. A misjudgment can easily be fatal.
Wrong-way driving
Some drivers mistakenly enter an opposing lane or travel in the wrong direction, including on interstates and divided highways. Although data from recent years indicates these crashes are relatively rare, they can be fatal.
Poor weather and road conditions
Ice, snow, fog, and rainstorms, particularly when combined with bad road conditions like potholes and faded lane markings, can make a head-on accident more likely.
Confusing road signs and designs
New or changed road signage can be confusing to motorists, causing mistakes that lead to accidents. The same is true with poor road designs. It’s possible in some cases to hold the government accountable, but different rules and timelines apply.
Vehicle defects
Problems with a vehicle’s tires, brakes, steering system, and other equipment can increase the chances of an accident. In cases like these, the vehicle’s manufacturer, a repair shop, or a similar party could be liable.
Injuries that head-on collision victims suffer
The force that is involved with a head-on collision is substantial. Despite airbags, protective steel frames, and vehicle safety features, victims can and do suffer serious injuries. These may include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injury
- Paralysis
- Neck, back, and shoulder injuries
- Bone fractures
- Internal bleeding
- Internal organ damage
- Chest and abdominal injuries
- Facial and dental injuries
- Lacerations
- Burns
- Amputations
- Soft tissue injuries (sprains and strains)
If you were involved in a head-on crash but don’t think you were injured, or that your injuries are minor, you still need to see a doctor. Not all symptoms are readily apparent and can take hours or days to appear. You could jeopardize your health and your legal rights if you delay seeking medical attention.
Who can be held liable for a head-on collision?
Knowing who may be responsible for your injuries is another important step in winning monetary damages. Sometimes more than one party can be held liable, which may provide additional sources from which victims can seek compensation. Depending on the facts of your case, the liable parties may include:
- The other driver: This is the most logical place to begin. The driver’s actions can be scrutinized for evidence of distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding, and other forms of negligence.
- The driver’s employer: If the driver was acting within the scope of their employment at the time of the head-on crash, the employer can be held vicariously liable.
- Vehicle or parts manufacturer or repair shop: If a vehicle defect was responsible for the crash, then the manufacturer of the vehicle or its parts, or a repair shop, may be liable.
- Road construction crews: Contractors and other parties responsible for road work and traffic control can potentially be held responsible if their negligent actions (for instance, in redirecting traffic) caused the wreck.
- Government entities: Depending on the nature of the wreck, the government may be responsible for the road conditions or lack of suitable signage that contributed to the accident.
Potential compensation that victims can claim
By filing an accident claim or personal injury lawsuit, you can seek a number of monetary damages. These are primarily designed to compensate a victim for the personal and financial losses they endure because of their injuries. You may be eligible for such damages as:
- Medical bills: These include bills for various treatments like ambulance care, surgery, hospitalization, prescription medications, assistive medical devices, and more. You can also ask for compensation for likely future bills you will incur.
- Lost income: While recovering from your injuries, you probably will not be able to work. You could miss weeks or months of income as a result, so you can include a demand for your lost income in your accident lawsuit.
- Reduced earning capacity: Because head-on collision injuries are so serious, there’s a chance you either won’t be able to work at your full capacity or work at all. Either way, you could lose out on years of income and benefits, and you can include this loss in your damages demand.
- Non-economic damages: The above damages are “economic” in that they have a measurable financial value. Certain other losses are non-economic because they are more subjective, but you can still claim them. Examples are pain and suffering, emotional distress, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Property damage: You can also request the cost to repair or replace damaged or destroyed property. This typically refers to the victim’s automobile, but it can include other items of property.
Sadly, many victims die in head-on collisions. The personal representative of the deceased victim’s estate can file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the surviving spouse and next of kin. Potential wrongful death damages include loss of financial support and loss of companionship. A related survival claim may include the victim’s final medical expenses and pre-death lost earnings. Funeral and burial expenses may also be recoverable in appropriate circumstances.
Frequently asked questions about Omaha head-on collisions
Can a victim still recover if they were partially at fault?
Yes, as long as their fault does not equal or exceed the combined fault of the parties from whom you are seeking compensation. This rule in Nebraska is known as comparative negligence. If you are partially at fault, a percentage of liability will be assigned to you. Your damages will then be reduced by the percentage of your fault.
Should I talk to the insurance companies if they contact me?
What evidence can help my accident case?
Is there an Omaha head-on collision lawyer near me?
If you or a loved one were injured in an Omaha head-on accident, or your family member was killed in one, you have a compassionate and trusted advocate with Inserra Kelley Cooper Sewell. You can find us at 6790 Grover St, Ste 200, Omaha, NE 68106. Look for local landmarks such as the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO), Baxter Arena, Aksarben Village, and Pipal Park.
There are a number of ways you can reach our office. You can take Interstate 80 or S. 72nd Street if you are driving. Parking is available in the area. If you prefer to travel by bus, you can take Metro Transit or ORBT. Call us at 402-391-4000 for further assistance.
Contact our Omaha head-on collision attorneys
If you’re the victim of a head-on accident, it’s important that you do not delay seeking legal counsel. Deadlines apply, and you may not be able to recover compensation if you file too late. Reach out to Inserra Kelley Cooper Sewell today to schedule a free, confidential initial consultation. We can explain your options and our approach to representing victims.