Nebraska Car Accident Laws: Your Legal Duty After an Accident

Written by

Amy Grover, Esq.

Amy Grover, Esq.

Licensed Attorney

Amy is a licensed attorney with a range of experience in the legal field, including work with the Department of Justice in administering victim compensation funds, and representing clients in trial court, appellate, and administrative proceedings.

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Learn your legal duties after a Nebraska car crash, such as exchanging information with the other driver and contacting the police.

No one likes to think about being in a car accident. Unfortunately, accidents happen, and when they do, you need to be prepared with knowledge of Nebraska car accident laws.

This article will explain the steps you must take if you’re involved in a crash. You can also review the Nebraska Motor Vehicle Code to learn more about your legal duties after an accident.

1. Nebraska Driver Exchange of Information Law

Nebraska law states that, if you get into an accident where someone is hurt and killed, you must stop immediately. Then, you must identify the people involved and give them your name, address, and vehicle license number. You also must show them your driver’s license.

The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury or death to any person, shall immediately stop and ascertain the identity of all persons involved [and] give his or her name and address and the license number of the vehicle and exhibit his or her operator’s license to the person struck or the occupants of any vehicle collided with.

Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-697

2. Nebraska Car Accident Injury Law: Duty to Render Aid

In Nebraska, if you are involved in an accident, you must provide “reasonable assistance” to anyone who is hurt. This includes transporting the injured person to receive medical attention if it is obviously needed or requested by the individual.

The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury or death to any person, shall immediately stop and render to any person injured reasonable assistance, including the carrying of such person to a physician for medical treatment if it is apparent that such treatment is necessary or is requested by the injured person.

Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-697

3. Nebraska Law on Reporting a Car Accident to Police

If you’re involved in a car accident in Nebraska that injures or kills someone, or causes more than $1,500 worth of damage to someone’s property,  you must report it to the Department of Transportation within 10 days.

However, you are not required to report any accidents that were investigated by a local police officer.

The operator of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injuries, death, or damage to the property of any one person that equals or exceeds one thousand five hundred dollars shall within ten days forward a report of such accident to the Department of Transportation. Such report shall not be required if the accident is investigated by a peace officer.

Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-699

What if I Fail to Report an Accident in Nebraska?

Under Nebraska law, it is a Class V misdemeanor to fail to report an accident that you are legally obligated to report. Class V misdemeanors are punishable by a fine of up to $100.

The failure by any person to report an accident as provided in this section or to correctly give the information required in connection with the report shall be a Class V misdemeanor.

Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-699

4. Nebraska Car Accidents With No Injuries: Your Legal Duty

After a Nebraska car accident that results in property damage, the law requires you to stop at the scene and exchange information with the other driver. This obligation applies even if nobody was injured in the crash.

The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident upon a public highway, private road, or private drive, resulting in damage to property, shall immediately stop such vehicle at the scene of such accident and give his or her name, address, telephone number, and operator’s license number.

Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-696

5. What if I Hit a Parked Car in Nebraska?

When you hit a parked car in Nebraska, you must leave your give name, address, telephone number, and operator’s license number in a note. You must leave the note in a conspicuous place and then notify the police of the accident.

The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in damage to an unattended vehicle shall immediately stop and leave in a conspicuous place in or on the unattended vehicle or property a written notice containing [his or her name, address, telephone number, and operator’s license number].

In addition, such driver shall, without unnecessary delay, report the collision, by telephone or otherwise, to an appropriate peace officer.

Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-696

As a driver, it’s important to understand your obligations when you get involved in a car accident in Nebraska. Failing to comply with your legal duties can result in severe penalties, so make sure you follow the law after a car crash.