Car accidents can turn your life upside down in an instant. One moment you’re commuting to work, running errands, or picking up your kids from school—and the next, you’re facing a wrecked vehicle, painful injuries, and an uncertain future. In the aftermath of a crash, you may be overwhelmed with questions: Who was at fault? How will I pay for medical treatment? Can I get compensation for lost income or emotional distress?
In Nebraska, the answers to these questions often revolve around a single legal concept: negligence. Understanding how negligence works is critical if you or a loved one has been injured in a collision. This legal principle determines who is financially responsible for the damages and whether you’re entitled to compensation.
Whether you’re searching for a “car accident attorney near me” or just want to educate yourself before taking legal action, this guide is designed to help. We’ll walk you through everything from Nebraska’s comparative negligence laws to common causes of vehicle accidents and what evidence is needed to prove your case. You’ll also find helpful tips on what to do after an accident, how to avoid common mistakes, and how a Nebraska car accident lawyer can help protect your rights.
At Inkelaar Law, we understand how stressful and confusing this time can be. With decades of experience representing accident victims throughout Lincoln, Omaha, and across the state, we’re here to offer not just legal advice—but compassionate support and aggressive advocacy. Whether you’ve suffered minor injuries or are facing long-term medical care, we’ll help you understand your options and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Let’s dive into the basics of negligence in Nebraska—and what every accident victim needs to know to move forward with confidence.
Negligence occurs when a person fails to act with reasonable care, leading to someone else’s injury or harm. In car accident cases, this means one driver didn’t uphold their duty to drive safely, causing damage or injury to another person.
To prove negligence in Nebraska, four legal elements must be satisfied:
Duty of Care: Every driver is legally obligated to operate their vehicle safely.
Breach of Duty: The driver fails to uphold that obligation (e.g., texting, speeding, running a red light).
Causation: That failure directly causes an accident or injury.
Damages: The victim suffers measurable harm, such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
A qualified traffic accident lawyer near you can help evaluate whether your case meets these standards.
Nebraska follows a modified comparative negligence system. This rule determines how much compensation you’re entitled to based on your share of fault:
If you are less than 50% at fault, you can recover damages.
If you are 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover any compensation.
For example:
Let’s say you were found to be 30% responsible for a crash. If your total damages are $100,000, you would receive $70,000.
This rule makes it vital to work with experienced accident car lawyers who can minimize your share of fault and help you recover as much as possible.
Attorneys for car wrecks in Lincoln and Omaha often see these leading causes:
Distracted driving (texting, eating, adjusting GPS)
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Speeding or reckless driving
Failure to yield or obey traffic signs
Fatigue or drowsy driving
Icy roads and poor weather conditions
Each of these actions may be legally classified as negligent behavior. If a negligent driver caused your accident, it’s time to consult with a car crash lawyer near you.
The actions you take immediately after a crash can significantly impact your legal rights. Follow this step-by-step checklist:
Call 911 – Always report the crash and request medical assistance.
Exchange Information – Get contact, insurance, and vehicle details from all drivers.
Document the Scene – Take photos of damage, injuries, traffic signs, and road conditions.
Limit Conversation – Don’t admit fault or speculate about what happened.
Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel okay, injuries may surface later.
Contact a Lawyer – Reach out to experienced vehicle accident lawyers quickly.
Searching for a “car wreck lawyer near me” or “law firm car accident”? Look for firms offering a free consultation with an attorney to get started.
Strong evidence is crucial in proving negligence and securing a settlement. A traffic accident attorney near you can help collect:
Official police reports
Your medical records and treatment notes
Statements from eyewitnesses
Photos and videos from the crash scene
Dashcam or surveillance footage
Expert testimony on fault or medical conditions
The better the evidence, the stronger your case when negotiating with insurance companies or preparing for trial.
Nebraska law allows car accident victims to seek both economic and non-economic damages:
Economic Damages
Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost wages
Property damage (vehicle repair or replacement)
Non-Economic Damages
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of enjoyment of life
Loss of consortium (for families in wrongful death cases)
A knowledgeable vehicle accidents attorney can help calculate and present these damages effectively, often with the help of economists or medical experts.
Accidents involving commercial trucks or motorcycles bring added complexity. A skilled attorney truck wreck or motorcycle personal injury lawyer will know how to:
Investigate federal trucking regulations
Deal with corporate insurance carriers
Prove liability in high-risk motorcycle crashes
Preserve black box and driver log data
If you’re involved in one of these cases, don’t settle for just any lawyer—work with someone who specializes in these types of vehicle crashes.
Even strong claims can be hurt by common mistakes. Avoid the following:
Delaying medical treatment
Not filing a police report
Posting accident details on social media
Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer
Waiting too long to contact car crash attorneys near me
Even minor injuries can lead to long-term complications. Personal injury lawyers attorneys stress the importance of early action to preserve your rights.
Under Nebraska law, you generally have four years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, if your claim involves a government agency or wrongful death, the deadline may be shorter.
Don’t risk losing your right to compensation—consult a Nebraska car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
The right legal team can handle every part of your claim so you can focus on healing. A qualified auto accident attorney near me will:
Investigate your case thoroughly
Collect and preserve crucial evidence
Handle all negotiations with insurance companies
Represent you in court, if necessary
Maximize your settlement or trial verdict
Whether you’re dealing with minor injuries or life-altering trauma, a skilled accidents attorney near me makes all the difference.
Searching for the good lawyer car accident or “lawyers near me for car accidents”? Here’s what to look for:
A firm focused on personal injury law
A strong track record of winning results
Trial experience, not just settlements
Transparent communication and no upfront fees
Verified client testimonials
The best auto accidents lawyers near me will offer a free consultation with an attorney—take advantage of it.
At Inkelaar Law, we’ve earned a reputation for relentless advocacy and compassionate service. Based in Lincoln and Omaha, we proudly serve clients throughout Nebraska.
What sets us apart?
Free consultations with experienced attorneys
Multilingual support for Spanish-speaking clients
Decades of experience handling car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
A commitment to justice, not just quick settlements
If you’ve been injured in a crash, don’t settle for average. Let our Nebraska personal injury attorneys help you pursue the compensation you rightfully deserve.
When you search for a “car accident attorney near me” in Lincoln or Omaha, we want to be your first—and only—call. Whether you’re dealing with vehicle damage, medical bills, or a tragic wrongful death, our team is here to help.
Call now or book an appointment for a free consultation with an attorney or visit our website to get started.
Do I need a lawyer for a minor accident?
Yes. Injuries may develop days later. A personal injury attorney Lincoln NE can help protect your rights from the start.
What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
You may still be able to recover damages through your own uninsured motorist coverage. A skilled automobile accident attorney will guide you through the process.
How much does a personal injury lawyer cost?
Most accident attorney lawyers work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Can I really get a free consultation?
Absolutely. At Inkelaar Law, we offer free consultations with attorneys for all personal injury cases.
Whether you’re searching for a Lincoln car crash lawyer near me, exploring your rights after a fender bender, or recovering from a life-changing injury, we’re here for you.
Inkelaar Law delivers results—with empathy, experience, and relentless legal support.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational purposes only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation. For specific legal advice, please consult with an attorney who is qualified to handle your case.
Español
