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Last Updated on July 17, 2026
Understanding Bicycle Accident Claims And Nebraska Laws
Bicycle enthusiasts all over Omaha and Nebraska pedal to their destinations or just for fun. The activity itself comes with physical and mental health benefits, and it’s a planet-friendly transportation alternative.
Unfortunately, there are dangers associated with riding a bicycle. When negligent drivers get behind the wheel and injure an unsuspecting cyclist, our Omaha bicycle accident lawyers are prepared to step up and hold them accountable for their actions, so the bicyclist can recover in peace.
Not all motorists are aware of the dangers bicyclists face while navigating through cities, towns, and rural roads. As a result, distracted or reckless drivers risk the chance of striking someone on a bicycle and seriously injuring them, or worse. An injured cyclist will have to cope with medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Our lawyers won’t let accident victims handle those burdens on their own.
If you’re planning on taking action against a negligent driver, you’ll benefit from understanding Nebraska’s bicycle laws, what you should do after a crash, how insurance companies typically handle claims involving cyclists, and how a bicycle accident attorney can help you receive full and fair compensation.
Injuries Cyclists Commonly Sustain
The majority of bicycle accidents result in serious injuries. This is understandable considering the lack of protection a cyclist has compared to someone driving a vehicle. When a car collides with a bicyclist, that person’s body takes the full impact.
These are some of the most common injuries we see in bicycle accident cases:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): A blow to the head can result in a TBI, which could cause permanent brain damage or death.
- Broken Bones: When a car hits a cyclist, the force is strong enough to break bones. Legs and arms are most susceptible because they’re typically extended during an accident.
- Road Rash: The skin on your body can tear when it drags against the pavement. This exposes sensitive tissue underneath and can lead to infection if not treated properly.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord often results in partial or complete paralysis.
A Bicyclist’s Rights In Nebraska
Many drivers don’t realize that bikers and cyclists have the same rights that they do while using the roadways. This is a big contributing factor because drivers who neglect to share the road properly are more likely to cause an accident.
In addition to having the same rights and being required to follow the same laws, like stopping at stop signs and traffic lights and yielding to the right-of-way, there are unique laws through the Department of Transportation that all motorists and cyclists need to be aware of.
Bicycles are not allowed on interstate highways or freeways. This is because of the speeds at which vehicles travel on those roadways. There’s no way for a bicycle to keep up and the risk of a fatal accident occurring is high. If on a state highway, however, bicyclists are required to ride single file. If the cyclist plans on leaving the shoulder, they must signal the turn and they are required to yield the right-of-way to all other vehicles.
At night, all bicycles must have reflectors and a light; however, the state does not recommend riding on rural roads at night because of the decreased visibility. Bicyclists are also required to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks or on sidewalks.
In regard to motorists, there is a three-foot passing law. This means that drivers have to maintain a safe distance of no less than three feet when passing a bicycle. If there is a motor vehicle involved in an accident with a bicyclist and the driver neglected to adhere to the three-foot law, they could be found liable for damages.
Bicycle Accidents In Nebraska: What The Data Shows
Bicyclist fatalities in Nebraska have risen sharply in recent years. According to the Nebraska Department of Transportation, Nebraska recorded four bicyclist fatalities in 2024 — a 122 percent increase compared to the 2019-2023 five-year average of 1.8 fatalities per year. In 2023, the state recorded six bicyclist deaths after recording none the previous year.
Omaha’s growing cycling infrastructure, including the Keystone Trail and Riverfront trails, has provided more options for riders. However, intersections along busy Omaha corridors like Dodge Street, Leavenworth Street, and Saddle Creek Road remain areas where vehicle and bicycle traffic converge.
Under Nebraska Revised Statute § 25-207, injured cyclists have four years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit in Nebraska. Acting early helps preserve critical evidence including surveillance footage, witness accounts, and physical evidence at the scene.
What To Do After A Bicycle Accident In Omaha
If you have been involved in a bicycle accident in Omaha, it’s crucial to take certain steps to protect your safety and legal rights. These include:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health and well-being should be your top priority. Even if you feel fine, it’s important to get checked out by a medical professional as some injuries may not manifest until later.
- Contact the Police: Call 911 immediately after an accident so that law enforcement can respond and create an official report of the incident.
- Gather Evidence: Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your bicycle or other property.
- Collect Information: Exchange contact information with the driver involved in the accident and any witnesses. This will be vital for your insurance claim and potential legal case.
- Report the Accident: Alert your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Be careful when speaking with them, as they may try to minimize your compensation.
- Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer: It’s important to have an experienced Omaha bicycle accident lawyer on your side who can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
How Insurance Companies Handle Bicycle Accidents
You might be surprised to learn that in the event a car hits you while you’re hit riding a bicycle, it’s likely your insurance company or the driver’s insurance company will cover your injuries and losses. It can be difficult to negotiate with insurance companies, which is why fully understanding your policy and how the claims process works will benefit you.
If you’re dealing with your own insurance company after a wreck, you’ll mainly be dealing with receiving payment for your medical bills. If you’re dealing with the driver’s insurance company, it’s likely they will try to offer you the lowest settlement possible or no settlement at all. Anything you say on record could be used against you.
This is why you’ll want to ensure you have the help of an experienced bicycle accident attorney behind you to handle the difficult negotiations.
Knowing When To Hire A Lawyer
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed while trying to handle the ramifications of a crash on your own. That’s why you’ll benefit from hiring an Omaha bike accident lawyer who will fight for you. Knowing when to hire a lawyer is crucial. There are some common situations where it’s in your best interests.
In addition to dealing with the insurance company, your lawyer will ensure you don’t miss any deadlines. There are statutes of limitations associated with personal injury cases and missing a deadline could jeopardize your right to compensation.
Your lawyer will also have access to a team of experts, including doctors and accident reconstructionists, who will be able to help build a strong claim to prove you were wronged and are owed compensation for what you were put through.
There are numerous benefits to hiring a lawyer while you’re dealing with complicated personal injury matters. If you’re ready to learn more about your right and options, our Omaha bicycle accident lawyers are here for you. To start, schedule your free case evaluation today.
Types Of Personal Injury Cases Handled By Welsh & Welsh PC, LLO In Omaha, Nebraska
Car Accident: Car accidents can leave victims facing painful injuries, financial strain, and uncertainty. Welsh & Welsh PC, LLO helps Nebraskans pursue full compensation and hold negligent drivers accountable.
Truck Accident: Collisions with commercial trucks often result in severe, life-altering harm. Our firm has extensive experience navigating complex trucking regulations and fighting for victims’ rights.
Medical Malpractice: When medical professionals fail to meet the standard of care, patients suffer the consequences. We advocate for those harmed by preventable medical errors and negligence.
Birth Injury: Birth injuries can permanently affect a child’s health and a family’s future. Welsh & Welsh works to uncover what went wrong and secure justice for injured infants and mothers.
Premise Liability: Property owners must keep their premises safe. If hazardous conditions caused your injury, our attorneys can help pursue accountability and fair compensation.
Nursing Home Abuse: Elderly residents deserve dignity and proper care. We stand up for victims of nursing home abuse and neglect, helping families protect their loved ones.
Mesothelioma: A mesothelioma diagnosis brings difficult decisions. We help victims and families pursue justice from those responsible for asbestos exposure.
Burn Injury: Burn injuries can change every part of life. Our firm works tirelessly to hold negligent parties accountable and to secure meaningful recovery.
Head Brain Injury : Traumatic brain injuries can disrupt every aspect of life. Welsh & Welsh fights for clients suffering from TBIs to ensure they receive the care and compensation they deserve.
Motorcycle Accident: Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable on the road. Our team represents injured riders and seeks justice when careless drivers cause serious harm.
Pedestrian Accident: If you’ve been hit while walking, the impact can be life-changing. We help you pursue compensation and regain stability.
Dog Bites: If you’ve been bitten by a dog, you may be dealing with pain and unexpected medical bills. We hold negligent owners accountable.
Work Injury: Workplace injuries can impact your ability to earn a living. We help injured workers navigate their legal options and secure the benefits they are entitled to.
Bicycle Accident: If you’ve been injured while cycling, you deserve a fair chance to recover. We protect your rights and push back against negligent drivers.
Workers Compensation: If you’ve filed or need to file a workers’ compensation claim, the process can feel confusing. We guide you from start to finish.
Drug Litigation: Dangerous and defective medications can cause widespread harm. Our firm represents individuals injured by unsafe drugs and seeks accountability from manufacturers.
Slip and Fall: Slip-and-fall accidents often stem from preventable hazards. We help victims pursue claims against negligent property owners to recover medical and financial damages.
Fetal Distress: When signs of fetal distress are missed, the consequences can be lifelong. We help families seek justice for preventable birth injuries.
Product Liability: Consumers should be able to trust the products they use. When defective products cause injuries, we fight to hold manufacturers and distributors responsible.
Contact A Bicycle Accident Attorney In Omaha
After being in a bicycle accident, it’s important to prioritize your safety and health. Seeking medical attention and speaking with an experienced lawyer should be top priorities. At Welsh & Welsh, our team of skilled lawyers has years of experience handling bicycle accident cases in Omaha.
We understand that dealing with the aftermath of a bicycle accident can be overwhelming and stressful, especially when trying to navigate the legal process alone. That’s why we’re here to help you every step of the way. Our dedicated attorneys will fight for your rights and work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in Omaha, don’t hesitate to contact us today for a free case evaluation. We will review your case, answer any questions you may have, and provide expert guidance on how to proceed with a bicycle accident claim.
Don’t let a bicycle accident take control of your life. Contact Welsh & Welsh today, and let us fight for you.
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