402-999-9000
Speeding remains among the most common causes of car accidents in Omaha and across the United States. When drivers exceed the speed limit for road or weather conditions, they put themselves, their passengers, and everyone else on the road at risk. If you or a loved one sustained injuries in an accident caused by a speeding driver, you may be feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, and uncertain about your future. But you should know that help is just a click or phone call away.
Dial 402-999-9000 or contact Mueller Schmidt Mulholland & Cooling online today for a free consultation with an Omaha speeding accident lawyer. We’re ready to demand fair compensation for what you’ve suffered, and we won’t charge you a fee unless we deliver.
The Dangers of Speeding
Speeding contributes to accidents in several ways. When drivers speed, they:
- Have less time to react to hazards, such as stopped traffic, pedestrians, or debris in the road
- Require more distance to brake and come to a complete stop safely
- Suffer reduced vehicle control, particularly when navigating curves or during inclement weather
- Cause more severe injuries and damage due to the increased force of impact
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data shows a shocking trend: Speeding has been a major factor in roughly one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities for over two decades. Tragically, in one recent year alone, speeding claimed 12,330 lives.
Common Injuries in Omaha Speeding Accidents
The force of impact in a speeding accident can cause severe, life-altering injuries, such as:
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Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions
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Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
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Neck and back injuries, including whiplash
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Broken bones and fractures
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Internal organ damage
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Severe lacerations and burns
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Amputation and disfigurement
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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
These injuries often require medical treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. Victims may face lengthy recovery periods, miss significant time from work, and struggle with the physical and emotional aftermath of the accident.
Nebraska Speeding Laws and Penalties
Nebraska law prohibits driving at a speed higher than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and hazards existing at the time. The posted speed limits are:
- 75 mph on rural interstate highways
- 70 mph on expressways that are part of the Nebraska state highway system
- 65 mph on other highways and expressways
- 55 mph on dustless/paved roads not part of the state highway system
- 50 mph on non-dustless/gravel roads not part of the state highway system
- 25 mph in residential areas unless otherwise posted
- 20 mph in business districts unless otherwise posted
Drivers must adjust their speed depending on weather, road conditions, visibility, and traffic congestion. Failure to do so may result in a speeding ticket or, in the event of an accident, liability for accidents.
In addition to traffic fines and points on their license, speeding drivers who cause accidents face more severe consequences. They may be held civilly liable for the victim’s losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. In some cases, they may also face criminal charges, such as reckless driving or vehicular assault.
Proving Liability in an Omaha Speeding Accident Case
To recover compensation in a speeding accident case, you must prove that the other driver’s excessive speed caused the crash and your injuries. Some evidence your Omaha speeding accident lawyer may use to support your claim includes:
- Police accident reports noting the driver’s speed or citing them for speeding
- Eyewitness statements describing the driver’s reckless behavior
- Traffic camera footage or surveillance video capturing the accident
- Vehicle data recorders (black boxes) that document the vehicle’s speed at the time of the crash
- Accident reconstruction expert testimony analyzing skid marks, vehicle damage, and other factors to determine the driver’s speed
Nebraska follows a modified comparative negligence rule, so you can recover damages as long as you were less than 50 percent at fault for an accident. However, your percentage of fault may affect the amount of compensation. For example, if you were 20 percent at fault and awarded $100,000 in damages, you would ultimately receive $80,000.
While this rule binds courts rather than insurance companies, these businesses will factor what they think will happen in court into their decision-making process. As such, insurance companies often try to blame accident victims to minimize their payout. Your Omaha speeding accident lawyer will work to gather evidence, build a strong case, and fight back against these tactics to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
Steps to Take After an Omaha Speeding Accident
Prioritize your health and safety by following these steps after a speeding accident:
- Call 911 and report the accident. Request an ambulance if anyone is injured.
- If possible, move to a safe area and turn on your hazard lights.
- Exchange information with the other driver, including names, contact details, insurance information, and license plate numbers.
- Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.
- Collect contact information from eyewitnesses who observed the accident.
- Seek immediate medical attention, even if your injuries do not seem serious.
- Notify your insurance company of the accident, but avoid admitting fault or providing a recorded statement without first consulting an attorney.
- Contact an experienced Omaha speeding accident lawyer.
The Benefits of Hiring an Omaha Speeding Accident Lawyer
Dealing with the aftermath of a speeding accident can feel daunting, but you don’t have to face it alone. An Omaha speeding accident lawyer provides invaluable support, guidance, and representation throughout the legal process. Your attorney will:
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Investigate the crash to determine fault
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Communicate with insurance companies and defense lawyers on your behalf
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Calculate your past, present, and future losses to establish fair compensation
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Negotiate hard for an out-of-court settlement
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Prepare for trial and represent you in court as necessary
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Serve as your tireless champion and protector throughout the legal process
How Mueller Schmidt Mulholland & Cooling Can Help
At Mueller Schmidt Mulholland & Cooling, we understand your physical, emotional, and financial challenges after a speeding accident. Our seasoned team is dedicated to helping accident victims in Omaha and throughout Nebraska and Iowa pursue the justice and compensation they deserve. Call us at 402-999-9000 or contact us online today for a free consultation with an Omaha speeding accident lawyer, and let’s pursue the money you need to rebuild your life.
