A peaceful drive through rural Nebraska can turn dangerous when another driver makes a reckless decision. If you’ve been hurt in a crash, taking the right steps immediately could protect your health and your right to compensation.
Unsure about what to do next? Follow these steps after a rural Nebraska highway crash to stay safe and protect your claim.
Call 911 Immediately
No matter how minor the crash may seem at first, always call 911. Reporting the accident ensures that police and emergency responders are dispatched to the scene. An official crash report will be critical if you later need to file an insurance claim or pursue a personal injury lawsuit.
If someone is seriously injured, reporting the crash is the law. If law enforcement did not investigate the crash, you must file a Driver’s Motor Vehicle Crash Report within 10 days if it resulted in:
- Injury
- Death
- At least $1,500 in property damage to any one person
Get to a Safe Location, If You Can
Rural roads often lack wide shoulders, guardrails, or adequate lighting. If your vehicle is still operable, move it out of the travel lane and onto a safe shoulder or turnout area. Use your hazard lights to make your vehicle visible and prevent further accidents.
If your car is disabled or you’re too injured to move, stay inside with your seatbelt fastened and wait for help, especially if the surrounding area is dark or there is a lot of traffic.
Seek Medical Attention Right Away
Even if you feel fine after the crash, some injuries, like whiplash, concussions, or internal trauma, may not show symptoms immediately. Prompt medical attention protects your health and creates a clear record that ties your injuries to the crash.
Don’t wait days or weeks to seek care. Insurance companies often use gaps in treatment to dispute or devalue injury claims.
Document the Scene Thoroughly
If it’s safe and you’re physically able, take photographs or videos of the crash scene. Focus on:
- Vehicle damage (yours and the other driver’s)
- The road surface (gravel, ice, potholes, debris)
- Nearby road signage or lack thereof
- Tire marks or skid patterns
- Lighting and visibility conditions
- The surrounding landscape, including any wildlife carcasses or crossing signs
These details may help show that the other driver acted carelessly or failed to adjust to dangerous conditions. They may also reveal whether road design or maintenance played a role, which is valuable information if you’re pursuing a claim against another party.
Get Names and Contact Information
Talk to anyone who witnessed the crash, including other drivers who stopped to help. Ask for their full name, phone number, and a summary of what they saw. Witness testimony can be extremely helpful in proving fault, especially when accidents happen in rural areas without nearby security cameras.
If you speak to the other driver, limit your conversation to exchanging information. Do not admit fault or speculate about the cause of the crash. Let the investigation and your lawyer handle that part.
Make Notes About the Conditions
Write down anything unusual about the crash site while it’s fresh in your mind. For example:
- Was there a missing stop sign or faded road markings?
- Was the road poorly maintained, with loose gravel or standing water?
- Did wildlife dart across the highway, forcing someone to swerve?
- Was the other driver speeding or tailgating?
This information could become crucial if you’re pursuing a claim against another driver whose reckless behavior caused the crash. It helps your attorney understand the full picture and build a stronger case.
Why You Need an Experienced Lincoln Car Accident Lawyer After a Rural Crash
Rural accidents can be more complicated than they seem. There may be limited cell service, delayed emergency response times, or unclear fault due to environmental factors.
If you’ve been injured because another driver was speeding, distracted, impaired, or simply not paying attention, don’t try to handle your claim alone.
At Friedman Law Offices, our Lincoln car accident lawyers know the unique challenges of rural highway crashes. We help clients investigate the facts, protect their rights, and fight for the compensation they need to recover, whether for medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
Don’t Wait to Get Help
Time is critical after any car accident, especially when hurt on a rural road, as evidence can disappear quickly. If another driver’s negligence caused your injuries, contact Friedman Law Offices as soon as possible. We can guide you through the legal process and help you hold the responsible party accountable.