Car accident
Car Accident Attorneys in Omaha, Nebraska
The firms in this guide
1. Hauptman, O’Brien, Wolf & Lathrop
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, wrongful death from auto accidents, medical malpractice, product liability
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, T-bone accidents, multi-vehicle pileups, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents, semi-truck accidents, catastrophic injury cases, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, accident investigation, medical bill management, creditor negotiation, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims
Background: The firm has more than 298 years of combined experience among its attorneys. They have been serving the heartland for over 40 years. The firm has offices in Omaha and Bellevue, Nebraska. Their approach emphasizes protecting clients’ rights while making communities safer through personal injury law. The attorneys provide personalized care and help manage medical bills and creditors during the claims process.
Location: Omaha, Nebraska (with Bellevue location)
Contact: https://www.hauptman-obrien.net/
Consultation: Free consultation
2. Ausman Law Firm P.C., L.L.O.
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, wrongful death from auto accidents, slip and fall accidents
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, T-bone accidents, multi-vehicle pileups, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, catastrophic injury cases
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, accident investigation, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims
Background: The firm’s attorneys previously worked for insurance companies, giving them insider knowledge of how insurers operate. Michelle N. Dreesen graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Law in 2000 and served as a law clerk to the Honorable Edward E. Hannon at the Nebraska Court of Appeals. Matthew G. Miller is a lifelong Omaha resident. The firm actively supports organizations like the Autism Society of Nebraska and Nebraska Transition College.
Location: Omaha, Nebraska (serving Nebraska and Iowa)
Contact: https://injurylawyersinomaha.com/
Consultation: Free consultation
3. Rensch & Rensch Law
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, wrongful death from auto accidents, boat accidents, workers’ compensation
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, T-bone accidents, multi-vehicle pileups, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, semi-truck accidents, catastrophic injury cases
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, accident investigation, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims, workers’ compensation claims
Background: The firm has 60 years of combined experience among its attorneys. They have litigated hundreds of cases with more than 100 jury trials. Notable results include a $1.2 million judgment in a wrongful death trial, a $6+ million settlement in a complex federal court case, and a $3.18 million settlement of a complex negligence claim. The firm represents clients throughout Nebraska and Iowa.
Location: Omaha, Nebraska (serving Nebraska and Iowa)
Contact: https://www.renschandrensch.com/
Consultation: Free case evaluation
4. Bottlinger Law L.L.C.
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, wrongful death from auto accidents, slip and fall accidents, medical malpractice
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, T-bone accidents, multi-vehicle pileups, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, catastrophic injury cases
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, accident investigation, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims
Background: Founding attorney Jason B. Bottlinger brings years of experience to the Omaha-based firm. The firm was named to “Best Personal Injury Attorneys in Omaha 2020.” Bottlinger is a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 under 40. The firm is licensed to practice in Nebraska, Iowa, and Texas. They emphasize Midwestern values with compassion and strong work ethic.
Location: Omaha, Nebraska (serving Eastern Nebraska)
Contact: (402) 505-8234 | https://www.bottlingerlaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation
5. Welsh & Welsh PC, LLO
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, wrongful death from auto accidents, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, premises liability
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, T-bone accidents, multi-vehicle pileups, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, catastrophic injury cases
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, accident investigation, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims
Background: Welsh & Welsh has been representing the Omaha community for over 65 years. The firm’s personal injury lawyers have a proven track record of success in handling claims across Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri. The attorneys handle cases regardless of complexity and emphasize recovering fair settlements for clients.
Location: Omaha, Nebraska (serving Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri)
Contact: https://welsh-law.com/
Consultation: Free, no-obligation consultation
The 50 Percent Bar, Split Liability and Required Coverage for Omaha Car Crashes
An Omaha car crash claim in Nebraska ends if the injured person’s negligence equals or exceeds the total negligence of those being sued, and below that line damages are reduced in proportion. Nebraska also splits liability differently for economic and noneconomic damages and requires both uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage on every auto policy.
The Contributory Negligence Bar
Under Neb. Rev. Stat. 25-21,185.09, contributory negligence chargeable to the claimant diminishes the damages in proportion but does not bar recovery, except that a claimant whose negligence is equal to or greater than the total negligence of all persons against whom recovery is sought is totally barred. The jury is instructed on the effects of the allocation.
Economic and Noneconomic Damages Split Differently
Under Neb. Rev. Stat. 25-21,185.10, when there is more than one defendant, each defendant is jointly and severally liable for economic damages but only severally liable for noneconomic damages, in direct proportion to its percentage of negligence. Defendants who act in concert as part of a common enterprise or plan are jointly and severally liable for both.
Liability Minimums
Under Neb. Rev. Stat. 60-534, a motor vehicle liability policy must provide at least $25,000 for bodily injury to or death of one person, $50,000 for two or more persons, and $25,000 for property damage in one accident.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Under Neb. Rev. Stat. 44-6408(1) and (2), a liability policy on a vehicle principally garaged in Nebraska must include uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured motorist coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident each, and on the named insured’s written request the insurer must provide higher limits up to $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident.
Omaha Car Accident Questions
How long do I have to sue after an Omaha car crash?
Four years under Neb. Rev. Stat. 25-207(3), which covers an action for an injury to the rights of the plaintiff not arising on contract and not otherwise listed. A wrongful death action must be commenced within two years after the death under 30-810. A claim against the city or county is barred unless made in writing to the governing body within one year after it accrued, under 13-919(1).
Can I recover if I was partly at fault?
Yes, if your negligence is less than the total negligence of those you are suing. For example, imagine $70,000 in damages and 40 percent of the negligence on the injured driver: under 25-21,185.09 the recovery would be $42,000. At 50 percent against a single defendant at 50 percent, the claim would be barred.
Is leaving an injury crash a felony in Nebraska?
Yes. Under Neb. Rev. Stat. 60-698(1), violating the duty to stop under 60-697 after a crash causing injury other than serious bodily injury is a Class IIIA felony, and a Class III felony if the crash caused death or serious bodily injury; under (2) the court orders no driving for 1 to 15 years and revokes the license for the same period.