Pedestrian Accident Claims in Nebraska

Where no traffic signals are in operation, a driver must stop and yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk who is in the driver's lane or the lane next to it, and may not pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk for a pedestrian. Pedestrians may not suddenly step into the path of a vehicle too close to stop. A pedestrian crossing outside a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection must yield to all vehicles, may cross only in a marked crosswalk between adjacent signalized intersections, and may not cross an intersection diagonally unless signals allow it. Local authorities and the Department of Transportation may ban crossing outside crosswalks in business districts or on designated highways by posting signs.

Modified comparative negligence (50% bar). The injured person's contributory negligence reduces damages proportionately but does not bar recovery, unless it is equal to or greater than the total negligence of all persons being sued, in which case recovery is completely barred. The jury must be told the effect of its allocation.

An owner may not allow a vehicle to be operated on a public highway without a current automobile liability policy or proof of financial responsibility. A qualifying policy must cover at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage.

Four years for an action for injury to the rights of the plaintiff not arising on contract and not otherwise listed, which covers most negligence personal injury claims.