Car Accidents

Car accidents change lives in an instant. One moment, you’re driving along, and the next, you’re dealing with debilitating injuries, medical bills, insurance claims, and missed work. The physical and emotional trauma alone feels overwhelming, but the financial stress compounds the pain. You may wonder how you’ll cover the costs and if you should seek legal help.

Statistics highlight the growing risk on Omaha’s streets and show why experienced legal support matters when crashes happen close to home.

The Omaha car accident lawyers of Mueller, Schmidt, Mulholland & Cooling understand what you’re going through and want to help you demand justice from the person who hit you. Contact us today for a Free Consultation*, and let’s get started on your case today.

Common Injuries Sustained in Omaha Car Accidents

Omaha drivers are facing increasingly dangerous road conditions. In 2024, Omaha recorded 41 traffic deaths, nearly three times the city’s total number of homicides that year, according to a City of Omaha Traffic Safety Update.

As of October 15, 2024, Omaha Police reported 48 fatalities, which at the time had already surpassed 2023’s total. Among those, 140 crashes critically injured someone, and 37 involved drugs or alcohol.

The inherently violent nature of car accidents can result in serious, life-altering injuries like the following:

• Whiplash
• Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
• Back and spinal cord damage
• Broken bones
• Soft tissue injuries
• Internal injuries
• Burns
• Dental and facial injuries
• Hearing Loss
• Psychological trauma, such as PTSD

These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, including emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitative therapy, medication, and more. The bills quickly pile up, especially if you cannot work due to your injuries. What’s more, in the immediate aftermath of a car crash, your adrenaline runs high, and you may not realize the extent of your injuries. However, in the days following the accident, the pain often worsens, and new symptoms may emerge.

Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle

At Mueller Schmidt Mulholland & Cooling, our Omaha car accident lawyers handle a variety of cases including:

• Distracted Driving Accidents
• Drunk Driving Accidents
• Speeding Accidents
• Uber Accidents

Our team understands how and where serious accidents occur throughout Omaha. Crashes frequently happen along major corridors such as West Dodge Road, Pacific Street, L Street, and interstates I-80, I-480, and I-680. We also see higher incident rates in nightlife and entertainment areas like Old Market, North Downtown, and Aksarben Village, where drunk driving and rideshare collisions are more common.

Recent news reflects these risks. A wrong-way crash on I-480 near 10th Street sent multiple people to the hospital, while a semi-truck rollover on West Dodge Expressway near 168th Street left one person critically injured and shut down lanes during the investigation.

Because we focus on Omaha cases, our attorneys understand the city’s road design, local enforcement patterns, and crash-reporting process. This local insight helps build stronger, more accurate claims for every client.

If your car accident is not listed here, we may still be able to help you. Contact us to discuss your specific situation with our law firm.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

Nebraska operates under a fault-based system for car accidents and insurance. This means the driver at fault for causing an accident is financially responsible for its aftermath, and that the at-fault driver’s insurance company should cover these costs on the policyholder’s behalf. However, insurance adjusters often attempt to settle claims quickly and for as little money as possible.

The adjuster may pressure you to provide a recorded statement or accept a lowball settlement offer. They may also try to use your words against you to shift blame and reduce their payout. Remember, the insurance company’s goal is to protect their bottom line, not to compensate you for your losses fully.

An Omaha car accident lawyer with Mueller, Schmidt, Mulholland & Cooling can fight back against these tactics. We can handle all communication with the insurance company on your behalf, protecting your rights and negotiating for a fair settlement that covers your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.

Proving Negligence in an Omaha Car Accident Case

Negligence, in the context of a car accident, refers to a failure on the part of a driver to exercise reasonable care while operating a vehicle. This legal principle forms the basis of most personal injury claims arising from car accidents. To prove negligence, your attorney must establish four key elements:

• Duty of Care: The driver owed a duty to operate their vehicle responsibly to avoid causing harm to others.
• Breach of Duty: The driver failed to uphold this duty in some way, perhaps by speeding, running a stop sign, or failing to check their blind spot.
• Causation: The driver’s breach of duty directly caused the accident and resulting injuries.
• Damages: The accident led to measurable damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering.

Practically speaking, negligent driving behaviors encompass a range of actions, including distracted driving, speeding, running red lights, driving under the influence, and failing to signal turns. Each of these behaviors increases the risk of accidents and constitutes a breach of the duty of care.

Building a strong case that the other driver behaved negligently involves collecting compelling evidence, such as:

• Police Reports: Official reports filed by responding officers detailing the circumstances of the accident
• Photographic and Video Evidence: Visual documentation of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any contributing factors
• Eyewitness Testimony: Statements from individuals who witnessed the accident and can provide firsthand accounts of what occurred
• Medical Records: Documentation of injuries sustained in the accident and the resulting medical treatment
• Expert Testimony: Testimony from accident reconstruction experts who can analyze the evidence and provide insight into how the accident occurred

Nebraska’s modified comparative negligence rule lets you recover compensation even if your own negligence contributed to the accident – provided you were not more than 50 percent to blame. However, your share of fault will also reduce your recovery in proportion. So, if you were found 20 percent at fault and awarded $100,000 in damages, you would ultimately receive $80,000. An Omaha car accident lawyer advocates for you to receive the maximum allowable compensation.

What to Do After an Omaha Car Accident

The steps you take after a car accident can significantly impact your health, well-being, and potential legal claim. Follow these steps to protect yourself:

• Prioritize Safety: Begin by assessing the situation for injuries. If anyone is injured, dial 911 immediately and request medical assistance. If it’s safe to do so, move to a secure location away from traffic.
• Wait for Authorities: Stay at the scene and wait for the police to arrive. Their investigation will provide crucial documentation for insurance claims and legal proceedings. Cooperate with law enforcement, providing factual information without suggesting you were at fault for the accident.
• Exchange Information: Exchange contact details, insurance information, license plate numbers, and vehicle specifics with the other involved parties. Thorough documentation at this stage lays a solid groundwork for potential legal action.
• Document the Scene: Capture the accident scene thoroughly. Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, weather patterns, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Write down your recollection of events while your memory is still fresh.
• Request a copy of the police report: If your crash occurred in Omaha, you can request a copy of the official Omaha Police Department Accident Report by completing an Accident Report Request Form or by calling 402-444-5600. You can also request records in person at the OPD Records Office, located at 505 South 15th Street, Omaha.
• Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries appear minor at first, it’s imperative to seek a medical evaluation promptly. Some injuries may take time to manifest themselves, and early medical intervention can mitigate their severity. Doing so also establishes a medical record crucial for legal purposes. 

  Omaha residents have access to several facilities that provide high-quality emergency and follow-up care for crash injuries:

  • The Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC)
  • CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center – Bergan Mercy
  • Children’s Nebraska Hospital & Medical Center
  • OrthoNebraska Urgent Care

  Visiting a medical provider immediately protects your health and ensures injuries are documented properly for any insurance or legal claim.

• Notify Your Insurer: Promptly inform your insurance company about the accident, providing essential details while refraining from admitting fault or agreeing to recorded statements until you’ve consulted with legal counsel.
• Contact a Car Accident Lawyer: Get in touch with an experienced Omaha car accident attorney for personalized guidance. Most offer complimentary case evaluations and operate on a contingency fee basis, ensuring you receive expert representation without upfront costs.

The Importance of Acting Quickly

It’s essential to contact an Omaha car accident lawyer as soon as possible after the crash. In Nebraska, the statute of limitations for car accident lawsuits is four years from the accident date. While this may seem like a long time, building a solid case takes considerable effort. Your lawyer needs time to gather evidence before it disappears, interview witnesses while their memories are fresh, and consult with experts to strengthen your case. Moreover, the sooner you get started, the sooner your lawyer can resolve your case.

How an Omaha Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

Navigating the complexities of a car accident claim often requires the help of a skilled attorney with experience in personal injury law. Your lawyer can guide you through the legal process, advocate for you, and work to secure fair compensation for your injuries and losses. An experienced Omaha car accident lawyer can:

• Thoroughly investigate the accident to uncover all evidence
• Identify all potentially liable parties, such as the other driver, their employer (if they were driving a company vehicle), vehicle manufacturers, and government entities responsible for road maintenance
• Handle all communication with the insurance companies and opposing counsel
• Carefully calculate damages, including future medical costs and lost earning capacity
• Aggressively negotiate for a settlement that fairly compensates you
• Prepare your case for trial if the insurance company refuses a reasonable settlement
• Represent you in court and present a compelling case to the judge and jury
• Deal with the paperwork, deadlines, and red tape so you can focus on healing

With an Omaha car accident lawyer in your corner, you level the playing field against the insurance company and its teams of adjusters and lawyers. Your lawyer is your advocate and works tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for you.

The Mueller, Schmidt, Mulholland & Cooling Difference

At Mueller, Schmidt, Mulholland & Cooling, we recognize the toll that a serious car accident exacts on victims and families. We understand that beyond physical injuries, there are emotional scars and financial burdens to bear. You’re not just another statistic to us; you’re a person with a story, and we’re here to lend a compassionate ear and offer comprehensive support.

With a wealth of experience advocating for car accident victims in Omaha, Nebraska, our empathetic team dedicates themselves to securing justice and compensation for those we represent. Our commitment begins with a no-cost, no-obligation consultation, where we take the time to understand your unique circumstances and outline your options in clear, understandable terms. Importantly, we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will only pay if we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.

Don’t wait to demand the justice and compensation you deserve for what you’ve suffered. Contact Mueller, Schmidt, Mulholland & Cooling today at (402)999-9000 to schedule your free consultation. Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on healing.