Involved in a car accident in Omaha, NE and not sure what to do? Here is what Nebraska law requires of its drivers after they been involved in a wreck. 

accident lawyers in Omaha, NE

Nebraska law requires its drivers to exchange certain information at the scene of a crash with those involved. Failure to do so could result in serious consequences including being criminally charged.

According to the Nebraska Revised Statute 60-696, after engaging in a car collision, whether it occurs on a public highway, private road, or private drive that results in property damage, a driver must do the following:

  • Immediately stop their vehicle at the scene of such accident.
  • Provide their name, address, telephone number, and driver’s license number to the owner of the property struck or the driver or occupants of any other vehicle that was involved in the accident.

In the event the incident involved an unattended vehicle or property, the driver is then required to:

  • Stop their vehicle and leave a written note containing the same information mentioned above in an obvious place in or on the unattended vehicle or property.
  • The driver must then report the incident either by phone to law enforcement if they leave the scene or remain at the scene and wait for an officer to arrive who can then write up a report. If an officer determines that “any vehicle, cargo, or other property is obstructing the roadway creating or aggravating an emergency situation or otherwise endangering the public safety,” they can have it removed in the most “expeditious means available” without obtaining consent from the driver or owner.

What this means is that if your vehicle or the vehicle that was damaged is left in the road and is either obstructing traffic or poses as a danger to the surrounding public, the officer who responds to the scene can order it to be removed.

Now, if the accident resulted in injury or death to any person, Nebraska Revised Statute 60-697 states that a driver must:

  • Stop at the scene and determine the identity of all those that were involved.
  • Provide his or her name, address, license plate number of the vehicle, and show their driver’s license to the those involved in the collision.
  • Render aid to any person who may have suffered an injury in the accident including the carrying of such person to a physician or surgeon for medical or surgical treatment if it is apparent that such treatment is necessary or is requested by the injured person.”

 

What are the consequences of leaving the scene of an accident without providing the required information stipulated in the Nebraska Revised Statue 60-696?

When an individual violates the laws presented above, they are found guilty of a Class II misdemeanor. In the event they have one or more prior convictions within the past 12 years where they failed to provide other drivers with the necessary information and fled the scene of an accident instead, that person is said to be guilty of a Class I misdemeanor. If convicted of the charge, that driver may lose their driving privileges for up to one year and face other penalties as well.
If the driver violates the Nebraska revised Statue 60-697, they will be found guilty of a Class IIIA felony given the accident resulted in an injury to any person, but not a serious bodily injury. If the accident did, in fact, result in serious bodily injury or death, they are then guilty of a Class III felony [Source: Nebraska Revised Statute 60-698].

Are you the victim of a hit-and-run accident that transpired in Omaha?

 

Omaha, NE accident lawyers

If a driver hit your vehicle and then fled the scene, don’t attempt to handle the situation on your own. Instead contact an Omaha, NE accident attorney who will help you handle the matter.

Hit-and-run collisions are not only some of the more complex types of cases, but they can be very frustrating to those involved, especially when the individual isn’t caught. However, if you are the victim of a hit-and-run that occurred in Omaha, NE, you are encouraged to contact an accident lawyer as soon as possible who can assist you in recovering the money you need, regardless of whether the driver was identified.
The Omaha, NE accident lawyers at Rensch & Rensch Law have experience in handling hit-and-run cases along with many other types and would be more than willing to assess yours and determine how much they can help you recover in compensation for your injuries and/or losses.

You can visit Rensch & Rensch Law at their Omaha office located at:

7602 Pacific Street, Suite 102
Omaha, NE 68114
Toll Free: 800-471-4100
Website: www.renschandrensch.com