Car Accident Attorney In Lincoln, NE

Legally Reviewed by Robert M. Knowles on May 26, 2026

A car accident can turn your life upside down in seconds. In the moments after a collision, you may be dealing with serious injuries, a vehicle that can no longer be driven, and pressure from insurance companies pushing for a quick settlement. Knowing your rights under Nebraska law and having experienced legal representation can make the difference between recovering what you deserve and settling for far less.

Knowles Law Firm has served Lincoln and the surrounding communities for 55 years. As a family-owned Lincoln personal injury law firm, every attorney is a member of the Knowles family, which means every case receives genuine, personal attention from start to finish. We understand what is at stake after a collision, and we work to protect your rights so you can focus on your recovery.

Common Types of Car Accidents in Lincoln

Car accidents in Lincoln take many forms, and the circumstances of your crash can affect how liability is determined and what compensation may be available. Understanding the type of accident you were involved in is an important part of building your claim.

• Rear-end collisions: among the most frequent accidents in Lancaster County, often caused by distracted driving, following too closely, or sudden stops in traffic
• T-bone or side-impact crashes: common at Lincoln intersections when a driver runs a red light or fails to yield, often causing severe injuries to occupants on the struck side
• Head-on collisions: among the most serious accident types, frequently involving wrong-way drivers, drowsy driving, or impairment
• Rollover accidents: often linked to high-speed crashes, overcorrection, or collisions with taller vehicles
• Multi-vehicle pileups: complex liability situations where multiple parties may share fault under Nebraska’s comparative negligence rules

Regardless of how your accident happened, the steps you take in the immediate aftermath can significantly affect your ability to recover compensation.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Lincoln

The actions you take in the hours and days after a crash can significantly affect your ability to recover compensation. Start by seeking medical attention right away, even if you feel fine. Some injuries, including soft tissue damage and concussions, may not show symptoms immediately. A medical evaluation creates a documented record connecting your injuries to the accident.

From there, photograph the scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Gather contact and insurance information from all parties involved and request a copy of the police report. Collect witness contact information if anyone stopped at the scene. Before speaking with any insurance adjuster, reach out to an attorney. Insurance companies are focused on minimizing what they pay, and early statements can be used to reduce or deny your claim.

Common Car Accident Injuries

The force of a collision — even at relatively low speeds — can cause injuries that are not immediately apparent. Some conditions worsen significantly over time without proper treatment, which is why a prompt medical evaluation matters both for your health and your legal claim.

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): ranging from concussions to severe cognitive impairment, TBIs are among the most common serious injuries in car accidents and can have lasting effects on daily life
• Spinal cord injuries: damage to the vertebrae, discs, or spinal cord can result in chronic pain, reduced mobility, or permanent paralysis
• Broken bones: fractures to the arms, legs, ribs, and wrists are frequent in collisions and often require surgery and extended rehabilitation
• Soft tissue injuries: whiplash, muscle strains, and ligament damage may not appear on imaging but can cause lasting pain and limit function
• Internal injuries: damage to organs or internal bleeding may not be immediately obvious and can become life-threatening without prompt diagnosis

According to the Nebraska Department of Transportation, thousands of injury crashes occur across the state each year, many resulting in long-term or permanent harm. Cases involving traumatic brain injuries often carry significant compensation requirements, which is why experienced legal representation matters so much.

How Nebraska Law Affects Your Car Accident Claim

Nebraska uses a modified comparative negligence standard, and it plays a direct role in determining how much compensation you can recover. Under this rule, you can still pursue a claim as long as you are found to be less than 50% at fault for the accident. Your total recovery will be reduced in proportion to your share of fault. For example, if you are found 20% responsible and your damages total $100,000, your award is reduced to $80,000.

Nebraska also sets minimum insurance requirements for all drivers, including $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, along with $25,000 for property damage. These minimums are often not enough to cover the full cost of a serious injury. If a crash resulted in a fatality, it is important to consult a Lincoln wrongful death attorney as soon as possible, as those cases involve separate timelines and legal considerations.

Statute of Limitations for Lincoln Car Accident Cases

Nebraska law gives car accident victims four years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit, under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-207. That deadline applies to the date the accident occurred — not the date you first experienced symptoms or received a diagnosis. Wrongful death claims carry a separate two-year deadline from the date of death under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-810.

Missing either deadline means permanently losing your right to pursue compensation, regardless of how strong your case is. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the more time there is to investigate, preserve evidence, and build a claim. Waiting — even within the four-year window — can allow evidence to disappear and witness memories to fade.

What Damages Are Available in a Lincoln Car Accident Case?

Car accident victims in Nebraska may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of losses. The type and severity of your injuries will determine which categories of damages apply to your situation.

• Medical expenses: including emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, specialist visits, and ongoing treatment related to your injuries
• Lost wages: for time missed from work during your recovery period
• Reduced earning capacity: if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous employment or limit future earning potential
• Property damage: for vehicle repair or replacement costs
• Pain and suffering: non-economic damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life

These categories address the core financial and personal losses most accident victims face. A Lincoln personal injury attorney can evaluate your specific situation and identify all categories of compensation available in your case.

Why Work With the Lawyers at Knowles Law Firm?

Selecting the right legal team after a car accident is one of the most consequential decisions you will make. The attorneys at Knowles Law Firm answer their own phones and provide you with their direct cell phone numbers and email addresses, so you can reach them when you have questions. Calls are returned promptly, and tasks are handled the same day whenever possible. The firm works seven days a week to move cases forward efficiently.

Knowles Law Firm is known for setting realistic demands and following through when a fair settlement is not on the table. That reputation allows the firm to negotiate from a position of strength. Whether your case involves a rear-end collision, a multi-vehicle crash on a busy Lincoln roadway, or a serious injury accident, Knowles Law Firm brings the same preparation and commitment to every claim.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lincoln Car Accident Claims

Contact Knowles Law Firm for Your Lincoln Car Accident Case

Knowles Law Firm has built a record of results over 55 years of serving Nebraska accident victims. The firm has secured multi-million dollar settlements, including a $2.4 million recovery in an auto accident case and a $1.5 million settlement in a separate car accident claim. As a family-owned practice, every attorney carries the Knowles name, and the firm’s reputation is built entirely on the results it achieves for the people it serves.

If you or a family member have been injured in a car accident in Lincoln, do not wait to get legal advice. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the better positioned you are to protect your claim. Reach out today through the contact form to schedule your free consultation.