Helping Car Accident Survivors For Decades
Most everyone will likely experience a fender bender at some point in life, but being in a major accident is a completely different matter. If you survived a serious crash, then you are probably mired in expensive bills, not to mention a heap of paperwork from your insurance provider. You have the right to work with a lawyer who can guide you through this difficult period.
Ever since cars first began appearing on the streets of America, the Stuart Tinley Law Firm LLP has provided representation to injured car accident victims throughout Iowa and Nebraska. Our attorneys are dedicated to providing excellent legal service combined with compassion. In their decades of combined experience, they have handled just about every type of car accident imaginable, including:
- Rear-end collisions
- T-bone crashes
- Head-on wrecks
- Pedestrian accidents
- Commercial trucking wrecks
- Bicyclist accidents
- Motorcycle crashes
Our lawyers believe in more than just stellar service. They also believe in friendliness, dedication and hard work. You will have these qualities in spades as our team seeks the maximum compensation for your damages.
Understanding Car Accident Laws In Iowa And Nebraska
Both Iowa and Nebraska are at-fault states. They follow a traditional fault-based system, meaning that the at-fault party’s insurance typically covers the damages resulting from an accident. Iowa requires the following minimums for auto insurance coverage:
- $15,000 for property damage
- $20,000 for bodily injury of one person
- $40,000 for bodily injury of one or more persons
Nebraska has mandatory minimum insurance coverages of:
- $25,000 for property damage liability
- $25,000 for bodily injury liability
- $50,000 for bodily injury of two or more persons
In Iowa, the statute of limitations for a car accident lawsuit based on your injuries is two years from the date of the accident. You have five years to file for property damage. In Nebraska, you have up to four years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. These laws are crucial in determining how damages are covered, what you may expect in terms of compensation and when to file your claim.
What Should You Do Immediately After A Car Accident?
After a car accident in Iowa, prioritize your safety above all else. Check for injuries and call 911 for medical assistance, and then wait for the police and paramedics to arrive. Do not move your vehicle unless it is absolutely necessary for safety reasons (and is physically possible). Let the responding officer handle the exchange of information with the other parties involved. If you can, document the scene by taking pictures of the vehicles, damages and any relevant road signs or conditions.
The Most Common Injuries Sustained In Car Accidents
Car accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, from minor to severe. The impact and circumstances of the crash often determine the nature and extent of these injuries. Just a few of the injuries that may occur during an accident include:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Neck injuries
- Concussions
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
Our team has a wealth of experience managing claims involving these and other types of injuries. Our attorneys understand how to assess the damages accurately, work to ensure you receive the appropriate medical care and pursue the compensation you deserve to cover all your losses.
Beyond Injuries: The Many Damages Of Car Accidents
The expenses from a car accident can pile up before you even realize it. Fortunately, our attorneys can help you recover compensation for damages such as:
- Lost wages
- Prescription medications
- Rehabilitative therapy
- Hospital bills
- Doctor’s office bills
- Automotive repairs
- Pain and suffering
If you lost a loved one in a crash, then they can help you as well. You have the right to seek compensation for funeral costs, loss of consortium and loss of income. Our lawyers know how to hold negligent parties accountable for the pain they have caused.
What If Someone Leaves The Scene Of An Accident?
In Nebraska, leaving the scene of a car accident is a serious offense. If no one is injured, then it is a misdemeanor with a fine of up to $1,000. However, if the accident results in injuries, then it escalates to a felony. The penalties may include up to four years in prison and fines of up to $25,000. If you are a victim of a hit-and-run and you do not have the offender’s insurance information, you can file an uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) claim with your insurer to cover the damages.
Our car accident lawyers are skilled in gathering necessary evidence. They frequently collaborate with authorities to investigate each case thoroughly, even striving to locate the perpetrator. They are here to support and guide you through each step of this challenging process.
Should You Accept The Settlement Offered By An Insurance Company?
Probably not. Insurance companies want to close out their claims at the lowest possible cost, so the first officer you get is usually the lowest. Insurers hope you will simply assume that is all your claim is worth. Before accepting any settlement offered by the insurance company, you should speak with a personal injury attorney so that you can understand how your claim will be properly valued, including your future anticipated losses.
Why Choose The Stuart Tinley Law Firm LLP?
You have no shortage of options when it comes to personal injury and wrongful death representation. So why work with the Stuart Tinley Law Firm LLP? The answer comes down to three qualities: Experience, trust and results.
Experience: Our firm was founded in 1861. Although it has gone by different names, our practice has been in continuous operation and serving clients in the Council Bluffs and Omaha areas for more than 160 years.
Trust: That kind of longevity doesn’t happen by accident. It requires continuous dedication as well as the support and trust of the community. Our attorneys practice in numerous state and municipal courts in Iowa and Nebraska. In these areas, they are well known and respected by their legal peers as well as judges for their professionalism and skill. Our firm also comes highly recommended by former clients, earning an average 4.7 star rating on Google.
Results: The Stuart Tinley Law Firm LLP has earned the trust of former clients, in part, because we take care of clients both in and out of the courtroom. Our attorneys have a strong track record of legal wins and favorable settlements. More than that, however, they also give each client the care, dignity and respect they deserve. When your case is concluded, our team wants you to know we’ve done everything we can to help you and your family, both legally and personally.
Seek Our Team’s Experienced Help In A Free Consultation
Get the help of our lawyers at the Stuart Tinley Law Firm LLP when you need experienced legal services after an injury. Discuss your car accident with one of our team members in a free consultation. To contact our Council Bluffs office, please call 712-261-6033 or send us an email.
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