Reckless Drivers Cause 19% Spike in Nebraska Car Accident Fatalities

Fatal crashes are up statewide in the first half of 2022.

Car accident fatalities in Nebraska have increased by 19% this year, mostly due to reckless drivers, according to accident data compiled by the National Safety Council (NSC).

“Traffic violence plagues our communities, and thousands of lives lost each month is simply unacceptable,” said Mark Chung, executive vice president of roadway practice at NSC.

Fatal car accidents can devastate families, but victims can seek accountability through the civil justice system. If your loved one died in a fatal car accident in Nebraska, our attorneys can help you pursue the justice and financial compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free and confidential consultation. There are no obligations, just honest answers about your legal rights and options.

Nebraska car accident deaths

The NSC recently released a study about the number of car accident fatalities nationwide during the first half of 2022. The study is based on accident data compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Nationwide, 21,340 people died in car accidents during the first six months of 2022, a 1% decrease compared to the same period in 2021. The results were startling since car accident fatalities were initially 7% higher during the first three months of 2022 compared to the first three months of 2021.

Unfortunately, Nebraska did not follow the national trend. Statewide, Nebraska had 20 more car accident fatalities during the first half of this year compared to the first half of 2021, a 19% increase, according to the NSC.

What’s driving this trend?

Severe injuries and fatalities due to car accidents have increased for several years. In particular, speeding helped fuel an increase in car accident fatalities in Nebraska and across the nation. This is especially true on highways, where many people continue to drive at reckless speeds.

Other forms of reckless driving that frequently result in serious car accident injuries or fatalities include the following:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Distracted driving, but more specifically, texting and driving.
• Fatigued driving.

Car accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists also remain common, according to the NSC, which noted in its report that “U.S. roadways are still supremely dangerous, especially for those walking, biking, and rolling.”

We will fight for the result your case deserves.

You might think you don’t need an attorney if another driver caused a collision that resulted in the death or severe injury of a loved one. A local police officer or state trooper from the Nebraska State Patrol likely responded to the crash and is conducting an in-depth investigation.

However, it’s important to understand that the police focus on determining how the crash happened and whether any laws were broken. The police investigation has nothing to do with how much money you deserve for your losses, which can quickly add up to thousands or more in a fatal car accident. That’s why it’s critical that you have an experienced Nebraska car accident attorney on your side, looking out for your best interests and fighting for the compensation you’re entitled to under the law.

At Ausman Law Firm P.C., L.L.O., our legal team understands what it takes to build a winning case in Nebraska. We’ve been standing up for Omaha’s injured for more than 15 years and would be honored to speak with you about your potential legal case.

Contact our law firm and schedule a free consultation to discover how we can help you. Our office is in Omaha, and we handle car accident cases throughout Nebraska.