It happened in a flash—a massive pile-up accident on I-80 in Omaha. Several vehicles smashed together, and in an instant, your world shattered. Now you're left reeling from the wrongful death of your loved one, searching for answers and accountability.
At the Law Office of Matthew A. Lathrop, we understand the devastation of fatal multi-vehicle accidents. Our skilled Omaha wrongful death lawyer is here to fight for the justice your family deserves. Here’s what you need to know about proving fault and seeking damages after a fatal car accident.
How Is Liability Determined in a Multi-Car Pile-Up?
Proving fault in a fatal crash involving several vehicles is rarely straightforward. Multiple parties may share blame, from distracted drivers to reckless truckers to automakers that put dangerous cars on the road. To build a strong wrongful death case, your attorney must:
- Gather and preserve critical evidence immediately. Accident reconstruction experts, event data recorders, and witness accounts are crucial in understanding how the crash unfolded and determining liability.
- Identify all potentially at-fault parties. A thorough investigation may reveal negligence by multiple drivers, trucking companies, parts manufacturers, or even government entities responsible for road safety.
- Demonstrate how each party's actions contributed to the fatality. Piecing together a complex sequence of events to show direct links between negligent conduct and your loved one's death is essential to a successful claim.
Nebraska's Comparative Fault Laws & Multi-Vehicle Accidents
When more than one party is partially at fault for a fatal accident, Nebraska follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that the damages recoverable by the deceased person's estate will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to them. However, if the deceased individual was 50% or more responsible for the accident, their estate is barred from recovering any damages from the other at-fault parties.
For example, if your loved one is found to be 30 percent liable in a multi-vehicle crash, and the total damages are $1 million, the maximum amount recoverable would be $700,000. A skilled Omaha wrongful death lawyer knows how to minimize the percentage of fault assigned to the deceased and pursue the full compensation your family needs to move forward.
Uncovering Hidden Factors in Complex Collisions
An experienced wrongful death attorney knows the less obvious elements to examine after a multi-vehicle accident, such as:
- Recall notices for faulty tires, brakes, or steering components
- Inadequate maintenance records for trucks, buses, or service vehicles
- Driver logs that may show Hours of Service violations
- Missing guardrails, potholes, or other road hazards
- Malfunctioning traffic signals that caused driver confusion
- Dram shop liability if an at-fault driver was overserved alcohol
Matthew A. Lathrop leaves no stone unturned when investigating fatal pile-up crashes. Meticulous case building is the only way to ensure that every responsible entity is held fully accountable for their actions.
What Damages Can Families Recover in a Wrongful Death Claim?
Under Nebraska law, the personal representative of the deceased person's estate can pursue compensation for losses suffered by the surviving family members and the estate itself. While no amount of money can undo your profound grief, a wrongful death action can provide:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical costs related to the final injury or illness
- Lost wages and employment benefits the deceased would have earned
- Pain and suffering endured by the deceased due to the final injury
- Loss of care, companionship, and guidance for the surviving family
Protecting Your Family's Financial Future
If your loved one contributed to your household income or provided childcare that allowed you to work, their sudden absence can leave you facing significant hardship. A successful wrongful death claim factors in the value of the deceased person's:
- Projected future earnings, pensions, and retirement assets
- Services they performed for the family, like home maintenance
- Health insurance coverage and other employment benefits
Our Omaha wrongful death lawyer fiercely advocates for a full damages award that safeguards your family's stability and future opportunities.
Why Choosing the Right Wrongful Death Attorney Is Critical
Proving fault in fatal multi-vehicle accidents and recovering comprehensive damages requires in-depth legal knowledge, vast investigative resources, and relentless advocacy. Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and defense lawyers ready to shift blame and fight your claim. You need an unwavering Omaha wrongful death lawyer who will:
- Quickly secure vital evidence before it disappears
- Identify and pursue all potential sources of compensation
- Accurately assess the full value of your family's losses
- Negotiate from a position of strength against powerful insurers
- Present a compelling case to a judge and jury if a settlement is not possible
If a fatal multi-vehicle accident robbed you of a cherished family member, turn to the Law Office of Matthew A. Lathrop for the compassionate support, legal expertise, and tireless pursuit of justice you need. As your dedicated legal partner, Matt Lathrop brings decades of experience to your fight for justice. Let our team handle the legal burdens while you focus on honoring your loved one's memory and helping your family heal.