Drunk Driving Accidents
omaha nebraska
drunk driving accident attorneys
Drunk Drivers Don't "Just Have Bad Luck." They Make Choices That Injure People.
If a drunk driver crashed into your car, your motorcycle, your bicycle, or into you as you walked, you are dealing with an injury that could have been prevented entirely. Nebraska takes DUI seriously — the driver may be facing jail time — and the civil law gives you the right to pursue full compensation for everything the crash cost you.
Rensch & Rensch represents the injured and the families of those killed in drunk-driving crashes across Omaha, Bellevue, Papillion, Columbus, and the rest of Nebraska (plus parts of Iowa). Our Omaha drunk driving accident lawyers know how to build these cases — because alcohol is evidence, not just behavior.
For the 75+ years of our attorneys' combined experience and more than 100 jury trials, our firm has stood with Nebraskans whose lives were disrupted by impaired-driving crashes.
Why DUI Cases Are Different From Ordinary Car Accidents
- Liability is usually clear. A BAC over .08 is presumptive evidence of negligence under Nebraska law. Many DUI-caused crashes don't require proving who caused the crash — just that the drunk driver was impaired.
- Punitive damages may be available. Nebraska allows enhanced damages when conduct is intentional, willful, or grossly reckless. Drunk driving often meets that bar.
- Third-party liability may reach deeper pockets in some cases. If a bar, restaurant, or private host served alcohol to a driver who was under 21, Nebraska law may extend liability to the server. These claims are narrow and time-sensitive; evidence of the driver's drinking location must be preserved immediately.
- The criminal case runs in parallel. The driver's DUI conviction can be used as evidence in your civil case. We coordinate with the prosecutor's office while protecting your independent claim.
Types of Drunk-Driving Crashes We Handle
- Head-on collisions — often the result of a drunk driver crossing the centerline on I-80, Dodge St., or a rural highway
- T-bone/broadside crashes — a drunk driver blowing a red light or stop sign
- Rear-end collisions — impaired reaction time turns a routine traffic stop into a catastrophic pileup
- Hit-and-run — the drunk driver flees the scene; police find them later, often with damning evidence
- Pedestrian and bicyclist strikes — some of the most severe injuries occur when an impaired driver hits a vulnerable road user
- Drunk-driving wrongful death — the worst outcome; we handle these with the care families deserve
Compensation for DUI Victims
- Medical expenses — ER, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, future care
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity (past and future)
- Pain and suffering (physical and psychological)
- Emotional distress and disfigurement
- Loss of consortium — for spouses
- Punitive damages — where the conduct was egregious
- Wrongful death damages — for the family of someone killed by a drunk driver
What We Do That Other Firms Miss
- Immediate investigation of the driver's drinking location — receipts, bartenders, surveillance, credit-card trails
- Preservation letters to the driver's insurance, the bar, and any employer
- Coordination with law enforcement to track the criminal case and extract useful evidence (BAC results, dashcam footage, field-sobriety video)
- UM/UIM analysis — if the drunk driver is uninsured or underinsured (common), we identify every policy that can contribute, including your own
- Victim Impact Statements — we help your family prepare the statement presented at the driver's sentencing
Protect Your Rights
Call Rensch & Rensch Law at 402.498.4400
No fee unless we win. Free initial consultation. Home or hospital visits available.
Contact Rensch & Rensch Law
Call 402.498.4400 or submit the form below. We respond to e-mails and overnight messages at any hour, seven days a week.
Frequently Asked Questions — Omaha Drunk Driving Accident Claims
How much does it cost to hire Rensch & Rensch Law?
There is no up-front cost. We handle personal injury cases on a contingency-fee basis — you owe no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. Your initial consultation is always free, whether by phone, video, or in person at our Omaha or Columbus offices.
Can I still recover if I was partly at fault for the accident?
Yes, often. Nebraska follows a modified comparative-fault rule: you can recover damages as long as your share of the fault is less than 50%, but your award is reduced by your percentage of responsibility. An experienced Omaha personal injury lawyer can help reduce disputed fault arguments from the other side.
Do I have to go to court if I file a personal injury claim?
Most personal injury claims in Nebraska settle before trial — the insurer weighs the cost of litigation against a fair settlement. If the insurer refuses to negotiate in good faith, Rensch & Rensch Law is prepared to file suit. Our attorneys have participated in more than 100 jury trials, so insurers know our cases are trial-ready.
Can I sue the bar or restaurant that served the drunk driver?
Nebraska's dram-shop liability is narrower than in many other states, and whether a third-party server can be held responsible depends on the specific facts of the case. These claims are fact-specific — we obtain receipts, surveillance video, and server statements quickly to preserve the evidence.
Are punitive damages available against a drunk driver in Nebraska?
No. Nebraska courts have long held that punitive damages violate the Nebraska Constitution. This is an important distinction from many other states. However, a drunk driver's conduct often supports a full award of compensatory damages — medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and scarring — and criminal DUI charges run parallel to the civil case.
Does the driver's criminal DUI conviction help my civil case?
Yes. A criminal DUI conviction is generally admissible as evidence of negligence in the civil case and often establishes a presumption of fault. Even if the criminal case is pending, the civil case can proceed — and sometimes results in a settlement before the criminal matter concludes.
What clients say
60+ 5-star Google reviews
Worked with Chase primarily on my case but had Nate helping out too. Very kind people and very patient, don’t be afraid to ask them questions… i asked a million and more and always got a good response.
I worked with Chase for a car accident. He got me a really good amount for my settlement. He walked me through everything step-by-step. Definitely recommend Chase and his team for any Accidents :)
I've dealt with numerous lawyers in my life. I have referred people to lawyers I thought would do a good job. It seems like every time my friends/colleagues would report back that they had a negative experience. I started to wonder if I am just a bad judge of character, especially with regards to lawyers. That was until I met Sean and Dick Rensch. Personal injury law is way more complicated than I ever thought. These guys are pros and I feel lucky to have found them. Thanks for the chance to leave this review.
My mom was hit by a car and we were overwhelmed. Sean Rensch put us at ease immediately. He handled all medical bills, insurance, and secured a fair settlement so we could focus on her recovery. Professional, compassionate, and highly effective. Highly recommend Sean Rensch of Rensch and Rensch. Thank you, Sean!
I would highly recommend Chase Murphy if you have been in an accident. He is very kind and caring and will get you the best result from the insurance carriers involved.
So glad to give this review. I’ve been around lawyers my entire career videotaping depositions in Nebraska. When I got into a car crash recently, I did not hesitate to contact Rensch & Rensch Law. I’ve seen Dick and Sean in trial and in many depositions. This is the best injury firm in Nebraska. My case ended up being handled primarily by Rensch & Rensch attorney, Mitch Kohl (who I learned is a doctor and a lawyer!!!). Dr. Kohl did an excellent job for me. Clearly he fits in well with Sean and Dick. I need to thank them all, including paralegal Carley Adams. I’m so happy with how this case turned out. Thanks. John MacKnight
Sean Rensch, Nate and his team were so helpful, professional, always answered my phone calls or texts and always calmed me down when I was getting frustrated with how Workman's Comp was treating me. Sean and Nate told me from the beginning that it would be a LONG Process and it was, But they made it go smoothly and kept reassuring me that everything was going as they planned. It is in the pasted now, we Won my case and now I feel that I have made Life long Friends with Sean and Nate.
I was very pleased with the experience of working with Chase and Nate on my case, they were thorough, caring, and did everything they could to get the best outcome. I am very happy with how everything turned out! If you want to work with a lawyer who is truly caring about YOU and not just doing a job, please go see them. ALL of them at Rensch and Rensch are amazing and you won’t be disappointed!
I can’t thank this legal team enough for their incredible support. They communicated with me clearly and consistently throughout the entire process, making a difficult situation much easier to navigate. Chase and Nate truly went above and beyond checking in on how I was doing after the incident and even celebrating the small wins along the way. They were professional and compassionate. I’m so thankful for their help and highly recommend this team to anyone in need of legal representation.
I am so thankful to have found this law office on the internet! I had a few car accidents and even though this was a horrible experience to be in, Sean made this process and painless as possible. Thank you for all your help and support I will forever be thankful!
These guys were the upmost professional when I hired them. Were 100 percent of the time. Answered questions if I had them let me know how things were going. Gave me advice. Told me things might take long. It did and they were always there. I would hire them agian in a heartbeat.
I lost count on how many times I’ve recommended this team to people. They really know how to treat you like family; I don’t think any other firm would fight tooth and nail for my wife and I quite like Chase did. Eternally grateful for Rensch & Rensch Law.
I was injured in a car accident. A close family friend referred me to Rensch & Rensch. I am grateful to have had such a knowledgeable and empathetic team on my side. Nate, Chase, and Sean really went above and beyond showing up for my case. They made sure I understood every step and decision. I could not recommend them more.
I would recommend R&R a million times over if I could. Chase was so kind and patient with us, and he showed my wife and I nothing but compassion. He treated us like people, not just a case number or a paycheck. If you’re looking for a lawyer who actually cares about what they’re doing and want nothing but the best for their clients, this is absolutely the place to go. Thank you for everything Chase.
Results That Matter
Every case is unique and past results do not guarantee future outcomes, but the firm’s track record shows what is possible when the facts support full recovery.
- $6 Million+ Complex Federal Court Claim Settlement during litigation of a complex personal injury claim in United States District Court.
- $3.5 Million Wrongful Death Confidential settlement for a newly-married widow in a difficult wrongful-death case — a national-company defendant with extensive defense resources.
- $3.18 Million Complex Negligence Settlement of a complex negligence claim just before trial.
Rensch & Rensch injury law
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With our free consultations, you are able to get an idea of your claim, speak with our experienced attorneys, and know that your case will be in good hands.