1. Hauptman, O’Brien, Wolf & Lathrop, LLC
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries, personal injury
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle vs. car collisions, motorcycle vs. truck collisions, left-turn accidents, rear-end collisions, intersection accidents, head-on collisions, hit-and-run accidents, drunk driving accidents, uninsured motorist claims, underinsured motorist claims, wrongful death claims
Legal Services: Free consultation, accident investigation, evidence preservation, police report analysis, insurance claim negotiation, settlement negotiations, litigation, trial representation, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering claims, medical lien resolution
Background: Established personal injury law firm serving Omaha and throughout Nebraska and Iowa. The firm employs experienced investigators and works with qualified experts in accident reconstruction and medical fields. Handles cases on a contingency fee basis. Advocates for motorcycle safety and helmet use.
Location: Omaha, NE
Contact: Contact through website | https://www.hauptman-obrien.net
Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee basis, no fee unless recovery obtained
2. Ausman Law Firm, P.C., L.L.O.
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, personal injury, wrongful death
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle collisions, intersection accidents, rear-end collisions, lane change accidents, distracted driving accidents, negligent driver accidents, uninsured motorist claims, property damage claims
Legal Services: Case investigation, evidence gathering, witness interviews, insurance claim negotiation, settlement negotiations, litigation, trial representation, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering claims
Background: Attorneys Jason Ausman and Michelle Epstein worked for insurance companies early in their careers, giving them insight into insurance company tactics. The firm serves clients throughout Omaha and Nebraska and Iowa. Focuses on building strong cases that insurance companies cannot ignore through thorough investigation.
Location: Omaha, NE
Contact: Contact through website | https://injurylawyersinomaha.com
Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee basis
3. Knowles Law Firm
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, personal injury, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle vs. car collisions, motorcycle vs. truck collisions, intersection accidents, head-on collisions, rear-end collisions, road defect accidents, government vehicle accidents, uninsured motorist claims, underinsured motorist claims
Legal Services: Independent accident investigation, evidence preservation, police report analysis, witness interviews, insurance claim negotiation, settlement negotiations, litigation, trial representation, claims against government entities, joint and several liability claims
Background: Family-run practice with over 50 years of dedicated service in Nebraska. Attorney Robert Knowles has tried cases in both state and federal courts. Selected as one of the top 100 litigation lawyers in Nebraska for 2014 by the American Society of Legal Advocates. The firm has recovered millions for accident victims.
Location: Omaha, NE
Contact: Contact through website | https://www.knowleslawfirm.com
Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee basis (no fees unless recovery obtained)
4. Rensch & Rensch Law
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, personal injury, wrongful death
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle collisions, intersection accidents, negligent driver accidents, rear-end collisions, uninsured motorist claims, underinsured motorist claims, property damage claims
Legal Services: Case evaluation, accident investigation, insurance policy review, insurance claim negotiation, settlement negotiations, litigation, trial representation, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering claims
Background: Attorneys with combined 60 years of legal experience and over 100 jury trials. The firm’s attorneys are motorcycle riders themselves, providing personal understanding of the challenges riders face on the road. Attorney Richard J. Rensch is an active rider. The firm serves clients throughout Nebraska and Iowa.
Location: Omaha, NE
Contact: Contact through website | https://www.renschandrensch.com
Consultation: Free consultation
5. Steve Howard Law
Practice Focus: Motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, personal injury, wrongful death
Case Types Handled: Motorcycle collisions, intersection accidents, left-turn accidents, rear-end collisions, lane change accidents, negligent driver accidents, aggressive driver accidents, catastrophic injury cases
Legal Services: Case investigation, evidence gathering, insurance claim negotiation, settlement negotiations, litigation, trial representation, jury selection expertise for motorcycle cases, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering claims, loss of earning capacity claims
Background: Steve Howard is a former motorcycle rider with significant riding experience. He understands the unique challenges of motorcycle accident cases and is prepared to take cases to court when necessary. Serves clients in Nebraska and Iowa.
Location: 4060 Vinton St., Suite 201, Omaha, NE 68105
Contact: Contact through website | https://stevehowardlaw.com
Consultation: Free no-fee consultation
Motorcycle Accident Laws and Regulations in Nebraska
Statute of Limitations: Four years from the date of the motorcycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Two years for wrongful death claims from the date of the victim’s death. The statute may be tolled for victims under 21 or those with mental disabilities.
Fault System: Nebraska is an at-fault state. The negligent driver responsible for the accident is liable for the victim’s damages.
Comparative Negligence: Nebraska follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 50% bar. Injured motorcyclists can recover damages if their fault is less than 50%. Compensation is reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to the injured party.
Joint and Several Liability: Under Nebraska law (Revised Statute 25-21,185.10), multiple defendants may be jointly and severally liable for a victim’s economic damages. For non-economic damages, defendants are only liable for their own share based on their percentage of fault.
Helmet Laws (2024 Update): As of January 1, 2024, Nebraska modified its helmet law. Riders 21 years of age or older may legally ride without a helmet if they: (1) wear eye protection, and (2) have completed a Basic Motorcycle Safety Course (either the full course or the three-hour online Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic eCourse for those licensed before May 1, 2024). Riders under 21 and all passengers must still wear DOT-approved helmets.
Eye Protection Requirements: Riders electing not to wear a helmet must utilize eye protection (glasses covering the orbital region, protective face shield, goggles, or windshield protecting horizontal line of vision).
Motorcycle Insurance Requirements: Minimum liability coverage required: $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, $25,000 for property damage.
Licensing Requirements: Operators must have a Class M license or Class M endorsement on a regular operator’s license. A regular Class O license does not permit motorcycle operation.
Lane Splitting/Lane Filtering: Lane splitting is illegal in Nebraska. Motorcyclists are entitled to the full use of a traffic lane and may not filter between larger vehicles.
Lane Sharing: Two motorcycles may ride side by side in a single lane (co-ride), but motorcycles may not share a lane with cars or trucks.
Equipment Requirements: At least one headlight (not more than two), brake on at least one wheel, horn audible from at least 200 feet, at least one mirror, handlebars not more than 15 inches above mounting point.
Passenger Regulations: Passengers are not allowed unless there is a sidecar. Footrests must be equipped for passengers who are permitted.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Available to protect motorcyclists when at-fault drivers lack adequate insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the statute of limitations for motorcycle accident claims in Nebraska?
A: Nebraska provides four years from the date of the motorcycle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If a family member died in a motorcycle collision, you have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. There are exceptions for minors (under 21) and individuals with mental disabilities, where the statute may be tolled. Claims against government entities have different and shorter deadlines, typically requiring notice within two years. It is important to consult with an attorney promptly to ensure all deadlines are met.
Q: How does Nebraska’s comparative negligence rule affect my motorcycle accident case?
A: Nebraska uses a modified comparative negligence system with a 50% bar. You can recover compensation if your percentage of fault in the accident is less than 50%. Your damages award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 30% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would receive $70,000. If you are found 50% or more at fault, you are barred from recovering any compensation. Insurance companies often try to shift blame to motorcyclists, making it essential to have experienced legal representation.
Q: Can I still recover damages if I was not wearing a helmet in Nebraska?
A: Nebraska modified its helmet law effective January 1, 2024. Riders 21 and older can legally ride without a helmet if they wear eye protection and have completed a Basic Motorcycle Safety Course. If you were legally riding without a helmet, that choice alone should not bar your claim. However, the defense may argue that your injuries (particularly head injuries) would have been less severe with a helmet, potentially affecting your damages under comparative negligence principles. Riders under 21 or passengers who were required to wear helmets may face different considerations.
Q: What types of damages can I recover after a motorcycle accident in Omaha?
A: Nebraska law allows recovery of both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include past and future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, motorcycle repair or replacement costs, and other out-of-pocket expenses. Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, mental anguish, disability, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. In wrongful death cases, surviving family members may recover compensation for their losses. If multiple defendants are responsible, they may share liability under Nebraska’s joint and several liability rules.
Q: How long does a motorcycle accident case take to resolve in Nebraska?
A: The timeline varies significantly depending on the complexity of the case, severity of injuries, and willingness of insurance companies to negotiate fairly. Some cases may settle within several months if liability is clear and injuries have stabilized. More complex cases, particularly those involving catastrophic injuries, disputed liability, or litigation, may take one to several years to resolve. Attorneys generally recommend waiting until injuries have fully stabilized or healed before settling to ensure all damages are properly calculated. Working with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help expedite the process while ensuring you receive fair compensation.