3 killed in sideswipe crash in Dakota County
Omaha, NE – An accident involving multiple vehicles has left three people dead in Dakota County, Nebraska. The county sheriff’s office announced that the accident happened northeast of Emerson on Highway 35 at about 4:30 a.m. Monday, April 3. According to authorities, an Acura was traveling west on Highway 35 when it left its lane and sideswiped an eastbound Buick. The Acura then collided nearly head-on with a tractor and trailer that was traveling east on the highway.
Authorities say there were three people in the Acura and all three were pronounced dead at the scene.
Causes of Sideswipe Accidents in Nebraska: Insights from a Car Accident Lawyer in Omaha
Sideswipe accidents occur when two vehicles traveling in the same direction collide, causing damage to the sides of the vehicles. These accidents can be caused by various factors, including driver error, road conditions, and mechanical problems. In Nebraska, sideswipe accidents are a common occurrence, and they can lead to serious injuries, property damage, and even fatalities.
Knowledgeable car accident lawyers in Omaha say that the most common cause of sideswipe crashes is negligent driving. Reckless or negligent driving can take various forms, such as:
Distracted driving: Drivers who are distracted by their phones, passengers, or other factors are more likely to swerve into other lanes and cause sideswipe accidents. In Nebraska, distracted driving is a serious problem, and it can lead to devastating consequences.
Fatigue: Drivers who are fatigued or drowsy are more likely to make mistakes on the road, including drifting into other lanes and causing sideswipe accidents. In Nebraska, many accidents are caused by tired drivers who are driving long distances or working long hours.
Impaired driving: Drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol are more likely to make reckless decisions on the road, including swerving into other lanes and causing sideswipe accidents. In Nebraska, impaired driving is a leading cause of accidents, and it can result in serious injuries and fatalities.
Speeding: Drivers who are traveling at high speeds are more likely to lose control of their vehicles and collide with other vehicles on the road. In Nebraska, speeding is a common cause of sideswipe accidents, particularly on highways and interstates.
Poor road conditions: Sideswipe accidents can also be caused by poor road conditions, including potholes, debris, and uneven pavement. In Nebraska, road maintenance is a constant challenge, and drivers must be aware of the potential hazards on the road.
If you have been involved in a sideswipe accident in Nebraska, it is important to contact a car accident lawyer in Omaha as soon as possible. An experienced lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries, property damage, and other losses. You will need a lawyer to negotiate with the insurance company, or, if a settlement cannot be reached, to file a lawsuit against the driver at fault.
Types of Damages You Can Recover for a Sideswipe Car Accident in Nebraska
In Nebraska, if you are involved in a car accident that was caused by another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover damages for your losses. These damages can be divided into two main categories: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages:
Economic damages are losses that can be easily quantified in monetary terms. These damages include:
Medical expenses: This includes the cost of medical treatment, hospitalization, and rehabilitation that you may require as a result of your injuries.
Property damage: This includes the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle, as well as any other property that was damaged in the accident.
Lost wages: This includes any income that you lost as a result of being unable to work due to your injuries.
Loss of earning capacity: If your injuries are severe enough that they prevent you from returning to your previous job, you may be entitled to compensation for the loss of your future earning capacity.
Non-Economic Damages:
Non-economic damages are losses that are more difficult to quantify in monetary terms. These damages include:
Pain and suffering: This includes the physical pain and emotional distress that you experience as a result of your injuries.
Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries prevent you from participating in activities that you used to enjoy, you may be entitled to compensation for the loss of your quality of life.
Loss of consortium: If your injuries prevent you from maintaining a normal relationship with your spouse or partner, you may be entitled to compensation for the loss of consortium.
It is important to note that in Nebraska, there is a cap on the amount of damages that can be recovered in some cases. For example, there is a cap of $500,000 on non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases.
In conclusion, sideswipe accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including distracted driving, fatigue, impaired driving, speeding, and poor road conditions. As a driver in Nebraska, it is important to be aware of these potential hazards and take steps to avoid them. If you have been involved in a sideswipe accident, contact a car accident lawyer in Omaha to protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve.
If you were recently injured in a car accident in Nebraska, schedule a free consultation with a knowledgeable attorney at the Rensch & Rensch Law firm, with offices in Omaha and Columbus. They’ll help you recover the damages you’re entitled to.
Contact info:
Toll-free: 800-471-4100
Omaha office:
7602 Pacific St #102, Omaha, NE 68114
Columbus office:
1470 25th Ave, Columbus, NE 68601
