Highways crisscrossing Nebraska carry millions of drivers yearly, from residents to long-haul truckers and tourists passing through on I-80. These roads may look wide open and straightforward, but dangers often emerge without warning.
Rural highways with 75 mph speed limits leave little room for error. On the flat plains, the weather can shift from clear skies to fog, ice, or heavy storms within minutes. With semis, passenger cars, and slow-moving farm equipment sharing the road, even a routine drive can turn risky.
Awareness helps drivers make safer choices, and for those injured in a crash, a Nebraska highway accident lawyer can guide the recovery process and pursue fair compensation.
Common Causes of Nebraska Highway Accidents
In 2024, 161 fatal crashes occurred on Nebraska’s highways and interstates. These tragedies highlight how quickly risks can escalate on the road.
Common causes include:
- Weather-Related Crashes: Ice, fog, severe thunderstorms, and blizzards can move in quickly across the plains. These storms often create whiteout conditions and slick roads, making high-speed crashes more likely.
- Distracted Driving: Texting, GPS use, or eating pulls focus from the road. At highway speeds, even a moment’s distraction can end in disaster. In 2024, 1,094 accidents involved inattentive driving in the state.
- Impaired Driving: Alcohol and drugs slow reaction time and judgment. On fast-moving highways, impairment often leads to fatal results. There were 1,534 alcohol-related collisions in the state in 2020.
- Fatigue-Related Accidents: Long-haul truckers and late-night drivers often push past exhaustion. Drowsiness causes drifting, delayed braking, and missed hazards.
- Farm Vehicle Accidents: Tractors and combines enter highways during planting and harvest. Their size and slow speed, usually under 25 mph, create dangerous passing situations.
- Construction Zone Accidents: Construction projects on I-80 and I-76 often mean narrower lanes and lower speed limits. Drivers who speed or ignore signs put themselves and workers at risk. In 2020, six people died in crashes in work zones.
- Wildlife Collisions: Deer are common on rural highways, especially at dawn, dusk, and in the fall. In 2020, Nebraska saw 2,089 deer-vehicle accidents. Many collisions occur when drivers swerve and lose control.
- Speeding and Aggressive Driving: Excessive speed is a leading factor in Nebraska highway crashes. Tailgating, weaving through traffic, and risky passing on rural two-lane roads often turn dangerous, and in 2024, speeding caused 25 deaths on Nebraska’s highways.
- Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, worn pavement, and inadequate lighting make it harder for drivers to react safely at highway speeds. In rural areas, limited shoulders and narrow bridges can also contribute to accidents.
If you were hurt in a collision, speak with our Nebraska highway accident lawyers. We can help document what happened and seek fair compensation.
Steps to Take After a Highway Accident
Accidents on Nebraska’s highways often happen fast and leave victims vulnerable. Take these steps to protect your safety and your ability to pursue a claim:
| Step | What to Do |
| Move to Safety if Possible | If your car is drivable, pull to the shoulder or another safe area. Staying in traffic lanes increases the risk of secondary crashes. |
| Call 911 Immediately | Report the accident and request medical help. A police report will also provide important evidence for your claim. |
| Document the Scene | Take photographs of vehicle positions, road conditions, and visible injuries. |
| Seek Medical Care | Even if injuries seem minor, highway accidents can cause hidden internal damage. Always get checked by a doctor. |
| Report to Insurance | Notify your insurance company and provide the basic facts. Avoid making detailed statements until you’ve spoken with an attorney. |
| Contact an Attorney | Highway cases are complicated, involving weather, trucking regulations, and construction zones. A skilled car accident lawyer can investigate, preserve evidence, and build a strong claim. |
With the right legal help, you can recover damages, hold negligent drivers accountable, and rebuild your life after a serious crash.
Protect Your Rights With Friedman Law Offices
Nebraska’s highways are a lifeline for the state, but they also carry serious risks. At Friedman Law Offices in Lincoln, we’ve handled highway accident cases of every kind, from high-speed crashes on US-77 to collisions involving farm equipment or wildlife on Nebraska Highway 2.
We use strong evidence and negotiation tactics to recover maximum damages for our clients, including medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing recovery needs.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you secure the compensation you need after a Nebraska highway accident.