Our Nebraska Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Explain Filing a Claim After a Hit-and-Run
Suffering injuries after being struck by a vehicle is bad enough—but when a driver flees the scene, it’s a completely different level of negligence. You have every right to feel frustrated and overwhelmed.
Do you have grounds to pursue compensation to cover your medical costs and other accident-related expenses? Yes, but hit-and-run claims are more challenging for numerous reasons. Fortunately, an experienced Nebraska pedestrian accident lawyer at Beck & Beck can help you gather as much evidence as possible, advocate for justice, and fight to help you get the compensation you deserve.
What You Can Do in the Immediate Aftermath to Build Your Case
If you’re able, there are multiple ways to be proactive after a pedestrian hit-and-run accident:
- Get the make, model, and license plate information, if possible
- Call 911 to summon law enforcement and emergency medical personnel to the scene
- File a police report
- Take photos of anything relevant where the accident occurred
- Check with any witnesses for additional information
- Contact your insurance provider to report the incident
Your health is your first priority, so don’t refuse medical care—have a complete examination as soon as possible, and follow all your provider’s directives. Additionally, keep detailed records of your medical care related to the accident. Because the situation is more complex with a hit-and-run, working with an attorney knowledgeable about pedestrian accidents can be critical.
Nebraska Hit-and-Run Laws at Glance
Leaving the scene of an accident after hitting a pedestrian is a serious offense. According to Nebraska hit-and-run law, it’s a class II misdemeanor. If the motorist is charged with this offense, penalties include fines and up to six months in jail. A second or subsequent conviction may be a class I misdemeanor, with even greater fines and jail time.
While criminal charges are issued separately from your personal liability claim, the negligent driver still bears a responsibility to provide restitution for the injuries you suffered as a pedestrian. But what if the negligent driver can’t be located? Or what if, as a result of your actions, you might be found partially at fault?
One avenue for financial recovery after a hit-and-run accident might be your auto insurance policy. All Nebraska drivers are required to carry certain minimums of underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage, and you might be able to access it in this case. Another option could be your personal health insurance—at least until the negligent motorist is found and your injury compensation is recovered.
It’s important to note that Nebraska has a comparative negligence law with a 50 percent rule: for you to recover compensation as an injured pedestrian, the hit-and-run driver must be at least 51 percent responsible for the incident. So it’s crucial to arrange for a free consultation with Beck & Beck Attorneys right away to determine if you have a viable case, and what actions we can take immediately to investigate the collision and preserve evidence.
Possible Damages Involved With Pedestrian Hit-and-Run Accidents
Experiencing such a sudden and potentially catastrophic incident like this really compromises your health. Common pedestrian injuries include, but aren’t limited to:
- Concussions or more serious traumatic brain injuries
- Fractures
- Spine damage
- Soft tissue injuries
- Internal organ damage
You need a legal advocate with the expertise to evaluate all economic and non-economic damages associated with your accident. At Beck & Beck Attorneys, we assign value to all relatable expenses, such as:
- Hospital and emergency care medical care costs
- Related doctor visits and medical treatment
- Physical therapy
- Medication and medical supplies
- Lost wages
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Mental health issues, including PTSD
- Disabilities or medical complications
- Loss of enjoyment of life (LOEL)
- Property damages
- Possible punitive damages if the hit-and-run driver is found
Why You Need a Skilled Nebraska Pedestrian Hit-and-Run Lawyer
Every car accident can have a serious impact, but pedestrians hurt in a hit-and-run face a particular set of difficulties. Our hard-working personal injury attorneys at Beck & Beck understand all the legal nuances of complicated cases like these and have a track record of obtaining real results for our clients. Let us help you by:
- Reducing your stress by being your trusted counsel throughout the entire legal process.
- Guiding you step-by-step to make sure nothing is overlooked.
- Investigating the accident and partnering with law enforcement to find the negligent driver.
- Negotiating with insurance companies to secure your potential settlement that effectively compensates for your emotional and physical losses.
- Advocating for justice and accountability.