Omaha Auto Accident Attorney
Legally Reviewed By: Robert M. Knowles
Attorney & Partner At Knowles Law Firm
Car accidents can turn your life upside down in an instant, leaving you with mounting medical bills, lost wages, and uncertainty about your future. When you’re dealing with insurance companies that are more focused on their bottom line than your recovery, you need an attorney who understands the actual cost of your injuries and fights for the compensation you deserve.
The attorneys at Knowles Law Firm have been helping Omaha accident victims for 55 years. As a family-run practice with multi-million dollar settlements to our name, we provide the personalized attention and experienced representation you need during this challenging time.
What Should I Do Immediately After an Auto Accident in Omaha?
The moments following a car accident are vital for both your safety and your potential legal case. Your actions can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation later.
First, ensure everyone’s safety and call 911 if anyone is injured. In Nebraska, you must report accidents involving injuries or death to the police immediately if physically possible. For property damage accidents exceeding $1,500, you must file a Driver’s Motor Vehicle Crash Report with the Nebraska Department of Transportation within 10 days if police don’t investigate.
Document the Scene Thoroughly
Gathering evidence at the scene significantly strengthens your case. Use your cellphone to capture video or photos of:
- Vehicle positions before they’re moved
- Damage to all vehicles involved
- Road conditions and traffic signs
- Injuries that are visible on any party
- Contact information from witnesses
Look for security cameras that may have recorded the collision. Many businesses have surveillance systems that can provide valuable footage. However, this evidence may be deleted if not preserved promptly.
Our Car Accident Experience: Decades of Proven Results
At Knowles Law Firm, our dedication to car accident victims is backed by concrete experience and measurable results that set us apart from other Omaha firms. We understand that after an accident, you need legal representation you can trust—a team with the knowledge, resources, and track record to secure the compensation you deserve.
Our firm’s history of success speaks for itself through the numbers and settlements we’ve achieved for our clients. These aren’t just statistics to us; each figure represents a family we’ve helped recover and move forward after a traumatic experience.
specializing in personal injury and car accident cases
car accident cases successfully resolved
recovered for accident victims
average settlement for serious injury car accident cases
Most people, in the first meeting, are focused on their immediate concerns—how they're going to pay their bills or get their car fixed. But we also talk about the bigger picture, so they understand where their case is headed.
How Do I Handle Insurance Companies After My Car Accident?
Insurance companies often contact accident victims within hours of a crash, but their primary goal is to minimize payouts rather than ensure fair compensation. They make money by paying you less, not more.
Once you hire our experienced personal injury lawyers, we handle all communication with insurance companies on your behalf. That prevents you from inadvertently saying something that could hurt your case. We understand the tactics insurers use to reduce settlements and can protect your interests throughout the process.
Understanding Your Insurance Coverage
Nebraska requires minimum coverage of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. However, these minimums often fall short of covering the costs of serious accidents.
If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, additional coverage applies. Both companies carry $1,000,000 in liability coverage when drivers are actively transporting passengers or en route to pick up riders.
What Types of Compensation Can I Recover After an Auto Accident in Omaha?
Auto accident victims may be able to recover various types of damages depending on their specific circumstances. The compensation you receive should reflect both your current losses and future needs.
Economic damages cover measurable financial losses. These include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and future medical costs. Non-economic damages compensate for pain, suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Calculating Fair Compensation
Determining fair compensation requires careful analysis of multiple factors:
- Severity and permanence of injuries
- Impact on your ability to work
- Current and future medical needs
- Pain and suffering endured
- Property damage costs
The lawyers at Knowles Law Firm work with medical professionals and economic experts to ensure we account for all your losses. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the overall financial cost of traffic crashes involving injuries exceeds $340 billion each year, highlighting the importance of thorough damage calculation.
What Makes Different Types of Auto Accidents Challenging?
Not all auto accidents are straightforward. Certain types of collisions present unique legal challenges that necessitate specific knowledge to handle effectively.
Rear-end collisions often seem simple but can involve complex fault determinations, especially in multi-vehicle situations. Head-on collisions typically result in the most severe injuries and require immediate, aggressive legal action to preserve evidence.
Accident Types
Some accidents require particular attention to specific evidence:
- Truck accidents involve electronic data recorders, DOT logbooks, and complex federal regulations.
- Distracted driving cases require cell phone records and witness testimony.
- Drunk driving accidents involve police reports, breathalyzer results, and criminal proceedings.
Each type demands specific knowledge about evidence collection, relevant laws, and potential defendants beyond just the driver.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Omaha?
Nebraska’s statute of limitations gives you four years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, waiting too long can hurt your case in other ways.
Evidence disappears quickly after accidents. Surveillance footage is often deleted, witnesses forget details, and physical evidence at the scene can be altered or destroyed. The sooner you contact an attorney, the better we can preserve crucial evidence for your case.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Knowles Law Firm
Knowles Law Firm brings 55 years of experience to every case we handle. Founded by James Knowles Sr. nearly 60 years ago, our family business has built a reputation based on hard work, honesty, and outstanding results for our clients.
We’re different from other firms because every attorney here is a Knowles family member with a deep connection to our practice’s reputation. When something can be done today, we do it rather than waiting until tomorrow. If insurance companies won’t settle fairly, we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial. Call our Omaha practice at (402) 431-9000 or complete a contact form to schedule your free consultation.
Let Knowles Law Firm Fight for the Justice You Deserve. Call Us at (402) 431-9000 for a Free Case Evaluation Today.
Client Testimonials from Omaha Car Accident Victims
Nothing speaks to our effectiveness better than the words of clients we’ve helped recover from serious car accidents. These testimonials represent real people who trusted us during some of the most difficult times in their lives. Their experiences reflect our commitment to personalized service, aggressive advocacy, and achieving meaningful results for every client.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents in Omaha
Car accident victims often have similar concerns and questions about their legal rights and the claims process. We’ve organized these frequently asked questions by topic to help you quickly find the information you need. While these answers provide general guidance, every case is unique and may require personalized legal advice.
Filing a Claim
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Nebraska?
In Nebraska, you have four years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, it’s best to begin the process much sooner. Evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and certain insurance notification requirements may have much shorter deadlines. We recommend contacting an attorney as soon as possible after your accident.
Do I need to report my accident to the police?
Yes, if the accident resulted in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,500. In Nebraska, you must make the report to police immediately if physically possible. If the crash was not investigated by law enforcement, state statute requires you to complete and submit a Driver’s Motor Vehicle Crash Report within 10 days to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.
Can I still file a claim if I didn't seek medical attention immediately after the accident?
Yes, but delayed medical treatment can make your claim more challenging. Insurance companies often argue that delays in seeking treatment indicate your injuries weren’t serious or weren’t caused by the accident. We recommend seeking medical attention within 72 hours of any accident, even if you think your injuries are minor.
Liability Issues
What if the accident was partially my fault?
Nebraska follows the “modified comparative negligence” rule. This means you can recover damages as long as you’re less than 50% responsible for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would recover $80,000.
What if the other driver doesn't have insurance?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may still have options. Nebraska requires all auto insurance policies to include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. This coverage can help compensate you when the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance. We can also investigate whether other parties may share liability.
Can I sue the city or state if poor road conditions caused my accident?
Potentially, but claims against government entities involve special rules and shorter timeframes. The Political Subdivisions Tort Claims Act and State Tort Claims Act govern these cases, requiring formal notice of your claim within six months to one year. These claims are complex and require experienced legal representation to navigate successfully.
Compensation
How much is my car accident case worth?
Every case is unique, but factors affecting value include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, permanent impairment, and impact on quality of life. While we can’t guarantee specific outcomes, our experience with similar Omaha cases helps us provide realistic assessments based on your specific circumstances.
What types of compensation can I recover after a car accident?
Compensation typically includes:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium (impact on marital relationship)
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to your injuries
How do medical liens work in car accident cases?
Medical providers and health insurance companies often place liens on your settlement, meaning they have a legal right to be reimbursed from your recovery. We negotiate with lien holders to reduce their claims whenever possible, maximizing your net recovery. We ensure all liens are properly addressed so you don’t face unexpected bills after your case resolves.
Legal Process
Will my car accident case go to trial?
Most car accident cases settle without trial, but we prepare every case as if it will go to court. Factors that increase the likelihood of trial include disputed liability, severe injuries, and unreasonable insurance offers. If trial becomes necessary, we’ll thoroughly prepare you for the process.
How long will my car accident case take to resolve?
Most straightforward cases resolve within 6-12 months. Factors affecting timeline include:
- Severity of injuries and length of medical treatment
- Clarity of liability
- Insurance company cooperation
- Whether a lawsuit needs to be filed
- Court schedules if litigation is necessary
Complex cases involving serious injuries or disputed liability may take 18-24 months or longer, especially if they go to trial.
Do I have to give a recorded statement to the insurance company?
No. In fact, we strongly advise against giving recorded statements to any insurance company without legal representation. Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions that may damage your claim. Once you hire Knowles Law Firm, we handle all communications with insurance companies on your behalf.
Working With Attorneys
How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer in Omaha?
At Knowles Law Firm, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery: typically 33.33% if your case settles before filing a lawsuit, or 40% if litigation becomes necessary. We advance all case costs, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.
What should I bring to my initial consultation with an attorney?
If available, bring:
- Police report
- Photos of the accident scene and injuries
- Insurance information (yours and the other driver’s)
- Medical records and bills received so far
- Employment information if you’ve missed work
- Any correspondence from insurance companies
- Vehicle repair estimates or bills
Don’t worry if you don’t have all these items—we can help obtain necessary documentation.
How involved will I need to be in my case?
Your primary focus should be on your medical recovery. We handle the legal complexities, but we do need your participation for:
- Providing initial information about the accident
- Attending medical appointments and following treatment recommendations
- Reviewing and signing certain documents
- Possibly giving a deposition if a lawsuit is filed
- Making settlement decisions
- Attending trial if necessary
Throughout the process, we keep you informed and involved in all major decisions while minimizing your administrative burden.
Omaha Car Accident Information: Local Insights
Our 55+ years serving the Omaha community has given us unique insights into local traffic patterns, court systems, and accident trends. This local knowledge translates into strategic advantages for our clients, from understanding which intersections are most dangerous to knowing how local judges and juries typically respond to different types of cases. Understanding these local factors helps us build stronger cases and set appropriate expectations.
Omaha Accident Statistics
According to the Nebraska Department of Transportation’s most recent data:
- Douglas County leads Nebraska with approximately 9,500 traffic accidents annually
- Omaha accounts for roughly 72% of all Douglas County crashes
- Approximately 30% of Omaha accidents result in injuries
- Fatal accidents are most common on Interstate 80, West Dodge Road, and Highway 75
- Weather is a contributing factor in about 18% of Omaha accidents, with winter conditions being particularly hazardous
- Distracted driving contributes to nearly 25% of all Omaha crashes
High-Risk Accident Locations in Omaha
Based on our case history and official statistics, these intersections and road segments see the highest accident rates:
Most Dangerous Intersections:
- 72nd and Dodge Streets (47 accidents annually)
- 90th and Dodge Streets (40 accidents annually)
- 120th and L Streets (36 accidents annually)
- 132nd and Center Streets (33 accidents annually)
- 108th and Q Streets (29 accidents annually)
High-Risk Road Segments:
- I-80 between 72nd and 84th Streets
- West Dodge Road between 156th and 168th
- Highway 75 between L Street and I-80
- 144th Street between Maple and Fort
- 72nd Street between Pacific and Center
If your accident occurred at one of these locations, we’re familiar with the specific traffic patterns, visibility issues, and historical accident data that can strengthen your case.
Omaha Court System for Car Accident Cases
For Car Accident Claims & Related Traffic Violations:
1701 Farnam Street, Omaha, NE 68183
The average time to trial is 9-12 months for claims under $50,000 and 12-18 months for claims over $50,000.
Our attorneys appear regularly in these courts and are familiar with local judges, court staff, and procedural nuances that can impact your case outcome.
Nebraska-Specific Insurance Requirements
Nebraska follows specific insurance rules that affect accident claims:
- Minimum Required Coverage: Nebraska law requires minimum liability coverage of:
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury
- $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 for property damage
- Uninsured/Underinsured Coverage: Nebraska requires UM/UIM coverage of:
- $25,000 per person
- $50,000 per accident
- Modified Comparative Negligence: Nebraska follows the 50% rule—you can recover damages as long as you’re less than 50% responsible, but your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
- Statute of Limitations: You have four years from the accident date to file a lawsuit for personal injuries in Nebraska—significantly longer than many other states.
- Medical Payment Coverage: While not required, many Nebraska policies include “Med Pay” coverage (typically $1,000-$5,000) that pays medical bills regardless of fault.
Local Medical Resources for Accident Victims
We maintain relationships with top medical providers experienced in treating and documenting car accident injuries:
Emergency Care:
- Nebraska Medicine – Nebraska Medical Center
- CHI Health Bergan Mercy
- Methodist Hospital
- CHI Health Lakeside
Orthopedic Specialists:
- OrthoNebraska
- MD West ONE
- Omaha Orthopedic Clinic & Sports Medicine
Neurologists and TBI Specialists:
- Neurology Consultants of Nebraska
- Nebraska Neurosurgery Group
- UNMC Department of Neurological Sciences
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation:
- Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers
- Prairie Life Physical Therapy
- Makovicka Physical Therapy
- Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital – Omaha Campus
Pain Management:
- Nebraska Spine & Pain Center
- Pain Management Specialists of Omaha
- Nebraska Medicine Pain Management
Chiropractic Care:
- Midwest Chiropractic
- Aksarben Chiropractic
- Chiropractic Health Clinic
These providers understand the documentation requirements for legal claims and often work with personal injury patients on a lien basis, meaning you can receive treatment without upfront payment.
Local Support Services
Beyond medical care, we can connect you with additional services often needed after serious accidents:
- Transportation Assistance:
- Metro Mobility Services
- zTrip Omaha (accessible vehicles)
- Enterprise Rent-A-Car (direct billing to insurance)
- Home Healthcare:
- Visiting Nurse Association of Omaha
- Right at Home Omaha
- Home Instead Senior Care
- Mental Health Support:
- Nebraska Medicine Behavioral Health
- CHI Health Behavioral Care
- Lutheran Family Services
- Vocational Rehabilitation:
- Nebraska VR (state program)
- Career Solutions
- Goodwill Industries of Omaha
Our deep roots in the Omaha community allow us to connect clients with the right resources at the right time, addressing not just the legal aspects of your case but the practical challenges of recovery as well.
- 11404 W Dodge Rd Suite 450, Omaha, NE 68154
- (402) 431-9000
About Our Attorney
Robert M. Knowles
Attorney & Partner at Knowles Law Firm
Robert has tried cases in both state and federal courts and was selected as one of the top 100 litigation lawyers in Nebraska for 2014 by the American Society of Legal Advocates. Less than 1.5 percent of lawyers nationally are selected for this recognition. He is rated AV by Martindale-Hubbell which is the highest rating an attorney can obtain. He was also selected by Martindale-Hubbell as a 2019 Top Rated Lawyer.
Menu 
