What to Do If You’re Hit by a Drunk Driver in Nebraska

Being struck by a drunk driver is one of the most traumatic experiences a person can face on Nebraska’s roads. You did everything right, yet someone else’s reckless decision to drink and drive may have left you with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and a path forward that feels uncertain. Understanding your rights and the steps to take after this type of accident can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your case.

At Knowles Law Firm, we have spent more than 55 years fighting for injury victims across Nebraska, including those hurt in drunk driving accidents. Our family-owned firm has secured multi-million dollar settlements on behalf of clients, and we understand the unique legal circumstances that arise when alcohol is involved in a crash. If you or a loved one has been hit by a drunk driver, here is what you should know.

What Should You Do Immediately After a Drunk Driving Accident in Nebraska?

The steps you take in the hours following a drunk driving crash are critical to both your health and your legal claim. Acting promptly helps preserve evidence and positions you to pursue the full compensation you deserve.

Prioritize Your Safety and Call 911

Your first priority is getting to safety and calling emergency services. Even if your injuries seem minor, a police report is essential in a drunk driving case. Officers will document the scene, conduct sobriety testing, and record the driver’s BAC level, all of which can serve as powerful evidence in your injury claim. Seek medical attention right away, even if you feel fine, since some injuries connected to car accidents do not show symptoms until hours or days later.

Gather Evidence at the Scene

If you are physically able, document everything you can at the scene. This means photographing vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Collect names and contact information from witnesses, and take note of the responding officers’ names and badge numbers. This documentation can be invaluable when building a strong injury case.

How Does Alcohol Affect a Personal Injury Claim in Nebraska?

When a driver is impaired, it changes the nature of a personal injury claim in important ways. According to a Nebraska DOT impaired driving assessment, there were 70 impaired driving fatalities in Nebraska in 2023, reflecting a persistent and serious problem on state roads. Alcohol-related accidents often involve clear evidence of negligence, which can strengthen your position when pursuing compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other losses.

Nebraska follows a comparative negligence system, which means your compensation may be reduced if you are found partially at fault. In a drunk driving case, however, the impaired driver typically bears the overwhelming share of liability. Understanding how car accident compensation works in Nebraska can help you set realistic expectations as your case moves forward.

What Compensation Can You Pursue After Being Hit by a Drunk Driver?

Victims of drunk driving accidents in Nebraska may be entitled to recover several categories of damages. It is important to understand what is available to you before accepting any settlement offer from an insurance company. The following are common types of compensation pursued in these cases:

• Medical expenses: Costs for emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing care
• Lost wages: Income lost while recovering from your injuries, as well as reduced earning capacity if your injuries are permanent
• Property damage: Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle and any personal property damaged in the crash
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and disruption to your daily life caused by your injuries

Speaking with an attorney before settling your claim is critical, as early offers from insurance companies are frequently far below what your case is actually worth. The tell-tale signs of drunk driving documented in a police report can play a key role in establishing liability and maximizing your recovery.

Does the Driver Face Criminal Penalties in Addition to a Civil Claim?

Yes. A drunk driver in Nebraska can face both criminal prosecution and a separate civil injury lawsuit. The criminal case is handled by the state and focuses on punishment, while your civil claim seeks financial compensation for your losses. 

These two processes run independently of each other, so a criminal conviction is not required for you to pursue and win a civil claim. Reviewing what penalties may be awarded in a DUI case in Nebraska can give you a clearer picture of the full scope of consequences a drunk driver may face.

Contact Knowles Law Firm After a Drunk Driving Accident in Nebraska

Being hit by a drunk driver turns your life upside down in an instant, and no amount of money can fully undo that harm. What the right legal team can do is work to ensure you are not left bearing the financial burden of someone else’s negligence. Knowles Law Firm has served Nebraska injury victims for over 55 years, recovering multi-million dollar settlements and providing experienced, straightforward representation across Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, and beyond.

If you were hurt in a drunk driving accident, do not wait to take action. The sooner our team can evaluate your case, the better positioned we are to gather critical evidence and build a compelling claim on your behalf. Reach out today by filling out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.