If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Lincoln, Nebraska, you probably have many questions about your legal rights and what to do next. Insurance claims are often confusing, hospital bills can be expensive, and time off work means lost wages. At Friedman Law, we’re here to answer your questions, provide guidance about the legal process, and explain the compensation you may be entitled to.
Auto accidents can turn your life upside down, creating fear, uncertainty, and financial stress. You don’t have to walk through this alone. Our Lincoln car accident lawyers have the skill and experience to successfully represent injured motorists and achieve outstanding results. Just ask our many satisfied clients. We will answer your most pressing questions and provide a roadmap through the legal process. While you focus on healing, we will aggressively represent you in your car accident claim.
What is the statute of limitations in Nebraska for filing a car accident claim?
According to Nebraska Revised Statute § 25-207, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including car accident claims, is 4 years from the date of the accident. Important exceptions include:
- Government-Owned Vehicles: Only 1 year to file if the accident involves a city, county, or state-owned vehicle.
- Minors: The statute of limitations may be tolled (paused) until the minor turns 19 years old (Nebraska’s age of majority).
- Discovery Rule: For injuries not immediately evident (like some medical conditions), the clock may start when the injury is discovered or reasonably should have been discovered.
- Wrongful Death: 2 years from the date of death.
- Workers’ Compensation: 2 years for work-related injuries.
If you miss the deadline for filing your claim, a court can dismiss your case, barring you from recovering financial damages regardless of how strong your case may be. That’s why it’s important to contact a car accident attorney promptly after your accident.
Am I required to file a crash report in Nebraska after a car accident?
In Nebraska, you may be required to file a crash report if certain criteria apply. Here are guidelines to help you:
When You MUST File: You are required to file a Driver’s Motor Vehicle Crash Report if:
- The crash was NOT investigated by law enforcement, AND
- Someone was injured or killed, OR
- Property damage equals or exceeds $1,500.
Filing Deadline: Within 10 days of the crash.
How to File:
- Online: Nebraska Driver Crash Reporting Website
- Paper Form:
- Available from the investigating officer, police/sheriff’s department, or insurance agent.
- Download from the NDOT website.
- Mail To: P.O. Box 94759, Lincoln, NE 68509-4759
How many people are injured and killed in vehicle crashes in Lincoln each year?
Here are Lincoln’s traffic fatality and injury statistics based on a 5-year study conducted by the city. During that 5-year period:
- There was a total of 42,552 crashes within Lincoln city limits.
- 47 people were killed in crashes.
- 9,231 crashes resulted in injuries.
- On average, a crash happened in Lincoln every 58 minutes.
- Crashes resulting in a fatality averaged once every 39 days.
- Nearly 1 out of every 5 crashes resulted in an injury.
- More crashes happen in the fall than during other seasons.
- More crashes happen on Friday than on any other day of the week.
- More crashes happen between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. than at any other time of the day.
- Rear-end crashes are the most common crash type.
- Crashes occur most often within intersections.
How do you prove negligence in a car accident claim?
In all personal injury cases, including Lincoln car accident claims, your attorney must prove the other party was negligent, reckless, or behaved unlawfully if your case is to be successful. The four pillars of proving negligence include:
- Duty of care: This refers to a person’s legal obligation to avoid causing harm.
- Breach of duty: This happens when a person fails to practice reasonable care and breaches their legal duty.
- Causation: You must show that the other party’s negligence directly caused your injuries.
- Damages: You must demonstrate that damages such as physical harm, medical bills, lost wages, and other quantifiable losses occurred.
What should I do immediately after a car accident?
In the minutes and hours after a car crash in Lincoln, there are several things a person should do to protect their health and preserve evidence. These include:
- After the crash, move to an area away from traffic to ensure your safety.
- Call 911 and ask for an officer (and emergency services, if needed) to respond to the scene.
- Seek medical attention right away, either from emergency personnel responding to the scene or from your doctor or emergency clinic.
- Get the driver’s license and insurance information from the other driver.
- If there are witnesses or onlookers near the accident scene, get their names and contact information.
- Take pictures with your cell phone camera of your injuries, the accident scene, and any skid marks or debris at the crash site.
- Look around and see if there are any surveillance cameras in the area, and make note of them.
- Do not engage in extended conversation with the other driver.
- Do not admit fault for the accident to the other driver, police officer, or bystanders.
- Call a car accident lawyer to represent you.
What are the most dangerous intersections and roads in Lincoln, Nebraska?
According to the City of Lincoln crash data, and various media reports, the most dangerous intersections in Lincoln where traffic accidents frequently occur include:
Top Dangerous Intersections:
- 27th and O Street
- 27th and Cornhusker
- 70th and Wedgewood
- 70th and Pine Lake Road (roundabout)
- 14th and Superior (roundabout)
- 27th and Highway 2
- 48th and O Street
Additional High-Risk Areas:
- Interstate 80 sees a disproportionate number of crashes due to high traffic volume, higher speed limits, and driver fatigue.
- 33rd Street and Adams Street railroad crossings have one of the highest exposure and crash ratings in Nebraska.
Statistics:
- 59% of total crashes and 70% of severe crashes occur at intersections in Lincoln.
- 41% of total crashes and 30% of severe crashes occur on street segments.
- Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents.
What are the top hospitals in Lincoln for treating car accident injuries?
- Bryan Medical Center West: Level II Trauma Center with 24/7 trauma provider coverage. The hospital is located at 2300 S. 16th Street in Lincoln.
- CHI Health St. Elizabeth: General Level Trauma Center with an emergency room staffed 24/7 and a skilled pediatric ER. The hospital is located at 555 S 70th St. in Lincoln.
Contact Friedman Law Today for Aggressive Legal Representation
If you’ve been injured in a vehicle collision, the car accident attorneys at Friedman Law can deal with insurance companies while you focus on your medical recovery. Our skilled attorneys know who to sue and how to get maximum compensation for your injuries.
You may be confused, overwhelmed, and in a lot of fear about the future, but you don’t have to walk through this difficult time alone. To find out more about how we can help, contact us for a free consultation.