Nebraska drivers must respect the Basic Speeding Law during winter
Omaha, NE – Authorities in various Nebraska counties have urged residents to drive cautiously and allow extra space between vehicles and for stopping distance, due to icy roads. The Basic Speeding Law warning comes after one person was killed in a truck accident in Wayne County. At the same time, in Central Nebraska, Interstate 80 was closed for several hours Thursday morning following a major accident between Giltner and Aurora.
If you’re involved in a crash caused by severe weather conditions, it is imperative to contact an experienced Nebraska car accident lawyer as soon as possible. This type of crash requires a thorough investigation if you are to prove that the other driver was negligent and, therefore, liable for your damages.
Speed limits in Nebraska
Speeding is one of the most common causes of accidents in Nebraska, and it constitutes reckless driving.
Here’s a quick look at the speed limits on various types of roads:
- 20 mph in business districts
- 25 mph in residential districts and urban area construction zones
- 35 mph in rural area construction zones
- 55 mph on any dustless-surfaced highway not a part of the state highway system
- 60 mph on most parts of the state highway system other than an expressway or a freeway
- 65 mph on an expressway or freeway that are part of the state highway system
- 70 mph on most highways that are part of the interstate system.
If a driver is caught going over the speed limit they may be issued a ticket or fine. If they’re involved in a crash, your Nebraska accident lawyers can use this fact to establish negligence. This will allow you to file a personal injury claim or sue the other driver.
What is the Basic Speeding Law?
The speed limits mentioned above refer to good weather. If it’s a warm sunny day, you can go up to 70 mph on the highway and enjoy the ride. However, if the weather conditions are less than perfect, the Basic Speeding Law requires drivers to reduce their speed.
According to Nebraska statutes: “No person shall drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to the actual and potential hazards then existing.“
This applies to dangerous conditions such as fog, heavy rain, snowstorms, icy roads, debris-strewn roads, etc.
How does the Basic Speeding Law impact an accident claim?
Your lawyers will want to prove that the other driver did not exercise caution and the speed they were going at was dangerously high for the road conditions. They will need the police report for that, but they can also use surveillance camera recordings to show that the other driver was going too fast.
Make sure to take pictures of the road and weather conditions. Take a quick video at the crash scene. Also, get the contact info of eyewitnesses who can testify that the other driver was speeding. Maybe the guy was under the speed limit, but still going too fast for the conditions, in violation of the Basic Speeding Law.
If you were recently injured in a car accident in Nebraska, schedule a free consultation with a knowledgeable attorney at the Rensch & Rensch Law firm, with offices in Omaha and Columbus. Their attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t owe them anything unless they win your case.
Contact info:
Toll-free: 800-471-4100
Omaha office:
7602 Pacific St #102, Omaha, NE 68114
Columbus office:
1470 25th Ave, Columbus, NE 68601
