Nebraska Sees Sharp Increase in Fatal Crashes
Nebraska roads were more dangerous than ever in 2024, with 251 traffic fatalities – the highest number recorded since 2007. According to the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT), this marks a nearly 10% increase from the previous year, with 223 fatal crashes reported.
For families who have lost loved ones in car accidents, this alarming trend raises serious concerns about road safety. If your family has been affected by a fatal car accident in Nebraska, the experienced Omaha car accident attorneys at Ausman Law Firm P.C., L.L.O. are here to help you navigate your potential legal options and fight for the justice you deserve.
Why are Nebraska traffic deaths on the rise?
1. Seatbelt use remains alarmingly low
NDOT reported that of the 17 traffic fatalities in December 2024, only three individuals were confirmed to have been wearing a seatbelt. This is part of a larger issue, as failure to wear a seatbelt is one of the leading causes of preventable deaths in car accidents.
Nebraska law requires drivers, front-seat passengers, and all children ages 6-18 to wear seatbelts, yet compliance remains low. In fatal crashes, unrestrained occupants are far more likely to suffer catastrophic injuries or be ejected from the vehicle.
2. Speeding and reckless driving
Excessive speed continues to be a major factor in fatal crashes. When drivers speed, they:
- Have less time to react to hazards
- Increase the severity of impact in a collision
- Reduce the effectiveness of safety features like airbags and seatbelts
With the rise in multi-vehicle crashes and rollovers, speeding is likely a significant contributor to Nebraska’s rising traffic fatality numbers.
3. Drunk and distracted driving
Impaired and distracted driving remain two of the most preventable causes of fatal car accidents.
- Drunk driving: Alcohol-related crashes often result in severe injuries and fatalities, particularly in head-on collisions and wrong-way driving incidents.
- Texting and driving: Mobile phone use behind the wheel has increased the number of rear-end collisions, intersection crashes, and lane departure accidents.
4. Dangerous rural roads
A significant portion of Nebraska’s roadways consists of rural highways, where higher speeds, limited visibility, and lack of barriers contribute to deadly crashes. Many single-vehicle accidents occur in these areas, often involving rollovers or vehicles being forced off the road.
What families need to know about wrongful death claims in Nebraska
Losing a loved one in a fatal car accident is devastating, and families often face emotional and financial hardships in the aftermath. If your family member was killed in a crash caused by another driver’s negligence, you may have grounds for a wrongful death claim in Nebraska.
A wrongful death lawsuit can provide compensation for:
- Medical expenses related to the accident
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of income and financial support
- Pain and suffering endured by surviving family members
How Ausman Law Firm P.C., L.L.O. can help
At Ausman Law Firm P.C., L.L.O., our attorneys have extensive experience representing Nebraska families in wrongful death and serious injury cases. We used to work for the insurance companies, so we know how they operate – and we know how to fight back.
We conduct thorough investigations, gather critical evidence, and aggressively pursue maximum compensation for our clients. If your family has suffered a tragic loss in a fatal car accident, you don’t have to face this fight alone.
Get the legal help you need after a fatal crash in Nebraska. Contact us today to discuss your case in a free and confidential consultation. Ausman Law Firm P.C., L.L.O. is here to help you demand justice and accountability.
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