Rensch & Rensch Law are motorcycle accident attorneys who can assist you with navigating the claims process if you or someone you love was hurt in a motorcycle accident in Omaha, Nebraska. If you were hurt in a motorcycle crash, you might be able to seek compensation for your medical costs, rehabilitation expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering damages. Rensch & Rensch Law may be able to assist you with your insurance claim and with seeking damages from negligent parties. Motorcycle accident claims can sometimes be more complex than passenger vehicle accident claims because motorcycle accidents can result in more serious injuries. Sometimes insurance adjusters, other drivers, and the general public might have a bias about motorcycle riders, thinking that they are “risk-takers” or “daredevils.” The truth is that riders are often well-trained and understand how to mitigate their risks while riding. In fact, the vast majority of motorcycle riders wear helmets, receive rider training and instruction, and take steps to protect their safety on the road. However, sometimes accidents happen, and these accidents may not always be the fault of the rider.
One question many motorcycle riders might ask involves motorcycle helmet laws and how these laws can impact their personal injury claim following a motorcycle crash. Under Nebraska law, all motorcycle riders are required to wear a helmet. Failing to wear a helmet is not only against the law, but it can also impact your motorcycle accident injury claim. However, every case is unique. If your injuries were not head-related and you were not wearing a helmet, you may still have the ability to seek the maximum possible damages permitted under the law. But if you suffered a head injury and weren’t wearing a helmet, you could be found partially negligent for your injuries. However, determining negligence can get very complex. Before agreeing to a settlement with your insurance company or before settling with negligent parties, consider speaking to Rensch & Rensch Law, motorcycle accident lawyers in Omaha, Nebraska today.
I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet in My Motorcycle Accident? Can I Make a Claim?
If you weren’t wearing a helmet and were injured in a motorcycle accident in Omaha, Nebraska, your motorcycle accident claim can be more complicated. How so? It all depends on the nature of your injuries and how responsible the other driver was for your accident.
- Bodily Injury. If your injuries are not head-related, you may still be able to seek maximum possible compensation for your motorcycle accident injuries, because helmets are designed only to protect the head from injury. So, if the other driver was responsible for your crash and you suffered a broken leg, back injury, or other serious injury not involving your head, you may still be able to seek full damages for your losses.
- Head Injuries. Things get more complicated if you suffered a head injury and were not wearing a helmet. Ultimately, the courts will look at whether wearing a helmet would have reduced your head injuries and whether you can be considered partially negligent for your head injuries because you failed to wear a helmet. Medical assessments may be required to prove this case, and expert opinions may need to be sought. Because these cases can be more complex, it can be helpful to have a motorcycle accident law firm on your side. Rensch & Rensch Law are motorcycle accident lawyers in Omaha, Nebraska who can review your case, provide you with an honest assessment, and assist you with the next steps.
- Neck Injuries. If you injured your neck and were not wearing a helmet, this can also be another gray area where it may not be clear whether your decision to not wear a helmet led to worsened injuries. In some cases, a helmet can reduce the severity of a neck injury, while in other cases, a person would have sustained the neck injury with or without the helmet. Getting professional medical assessments, expert witnesses, and hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer like Rensch & Rensch Law in Omaha, Nebraska can help.
These are some ways that helmet laws can impact a motorcycle accident claim in Omaha, Nebraska. Have more questions? Reach out to Rensch & Rensch Law today.
In a Motorcycle Accident in Omaha, Nebraska? Call Rensch & Rensch
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, whether you were or were not wearing a helmet, having a motorcycle accident lawyer on your side can make a difference when it comes to negotiating with insurance adjusters and when seeking damages from negligent parties. According to a Motorcycle Helmet Safety Report, 99.7% of all riders were seen wearing helmets, so accidents involving no helmet use should be rare. This means that if you were wearing your helmet and were hurt in a motorcycle accident in Omaha, Nebraska, you may have the right to make an insurance claim or seek damages from negligent parties following your crash. You may, however, only have a limited amount of time to make a claim. Contact Rensch & Rensch Law, Omaha, Nebraska motorcycle accident attorneys today to learn more, or reach out to USAttorneys.com who can connect you with the lawyers at Rensch & Rensch Law.