An Omaha personal injury lawyer reveals the details you should know
Most people don’t think they will get into an accident if they are simply out walking. Whether they are walking down a road or crossing the street, people usually think they will be safe as long as they are careful. But pedestrian accidents caused by negligent drivers happen every year, in Omaha and throughout Nebraska.
Pedestrians have no protection when they are hit by a car or truck. That’s why these accidents often result in serious injuries. That was the case in a hit-and-run accident in Omaha that occurred in August 2021 that left a pedestrian hospitalized with serious head injuries.
Police say the accident happened near the off-ramp of I-480 near Harney Street at about 1 a.m. The pedestrian was crossing 28th Street mid-block when an SUV exiting I-480 E struck the victim before fleeing from the scene eastbound down Harney Street.
According to police, the victim suffered serious head injuries and was taken to Nebraska Medicine (formerly the Nebraska Medical Center).
Police issued a news release asking for the public’s help in locating the suspect and vehicle. The vehicle was believed to be a 2019-2022 Toyota RAV4, in the color gray or Lunar Rock, police said. They noted there may be damage to the front end.
Common causes of pedestrian accidents
Negligent drivers are usually the cause of pedestrian accidents. A driver may have been speeding, texting, driving under the influence, or simply being inattentive. Some drivers hit a pedestrian because they were driving recklessly. Others fail to stop for people in a crosswalk.
That might explain why far too many drivers hit a pedestrian and then illegally drive away from the crash scene without even checking on the victim or notifying the police. They know they’re to blame, and they don’t want to face the consequences of their actions.
Injured pedestrians deserve financial compensation for their injuries when they get hit by a car being operated by a negligent driver. It’s important to hold reckless drivers accountable, but there are challenges to recovering compensation, especially if the at-fault driver is never located or identified.
Negligent drivers often deny doing anything wrong and refuse to accept responsibility for what happened. In some cases, the pedestrian is even blamed. Insurance companies always try to pay as little as possible, so they may question the seriousness of the pedestrian’s injuries or simply deny the accident claim.
Another common tactic used by insurance companies is to offer a quick settlement. But it’s usually a lowball offer that falls far short of covering the pedestrian’s current and future losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and other compensable damages, including pain and suffering.
That’s why it’s important to have experienced legal representation if you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident.
Personal injury attorneys with a record of results in Nebraska
Ausman Law Firm, P.C., L.L.O. has been focused on recovering maximum financial compensation for the injured since our founding in 2007.
Our pedestrian accident lawyers build strong cases that are based on facts. We investigate the accident to gather evidence, review police reports, interview witnesses, and consult with experts. Our attorneys handle all the paperwork and deal directly with the insurance companies so our clients can focus on their recovery.
We know how an injury can impact your life. That’s why we fight to make sure you get the help you need and the compensation you deserve. Our goal is to help you receive the best possible outcome in your case, either through a negotiated settlement or a court judgment.
If you were hurt in a pedestrian accident in Omaha, learn more about how we can help. Contact us today for a free consultation