Nebraska Car Accident Settlement 2026

Average NE settlement values, state-specific laws, and free calculator

8 min read
Updated January 2026

2026 Nebraska Settlement Average

The average car accident settlement in Nebraska in 2026 is $38,000. This is 25% higher than the national average of $30,416. Nebraska's modified comparative fault system, reasonable insurance requirements, and lower cost of living contribute to these moderate settlement values.

$38,000
NE 2026 Average
+25%
vs National Avg
4 Years
Statute of Limitations
No Cap
Pain & Suffering

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Nebraska Personal Injury Laws (2026)

Nebraska has specific laws that impact car accident settlements:

Modified Comparative Negligence (50% Bar)

Nebraska uses a modified comparative fault system. You can recover damages only if you're 49% or less at fault. If you're 50% or more at fault, you recover nothing. Your award is reduced by your percentage of fault.

No Damage Caps

Nebraska has no caps on economic or non-economic damages in personal injury cases from car accidents. There's no statutory limit on pain and suffering compensation.

4-Year Statute of Limitations

You have 4 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in Nebraska (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-207). This is one of the longest timeframes in the country.

At-Fault Insurance State

Nebraska is an at-fault state, meaning the at-fault driver (or their insurance) is responsible for damages. You can file a claim with their insurance or sue directly.

Nebraska Minimum Insurance

Nebraska requires 25/50/25 minimum coverage ($25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for injuries, $25,000 property damage). The higher property damage minimum reflects the state's concern with vehicle damage from rural highway accidents.

2026 Nebraska Settlement by City

Settlement values vary within Nebraska based on urban vs rural location:

City/Region2026 AverageNotes
Omaha$45,000Highest in NE
Lincoln$42,000State capital
Bellevue$40,000Omaha suburb
Grand Island$35,000Central NE
Kearney$34,000I-80 corridor
North Platte$32,000Western NE
Rural Nebraska$30,000More conservative

I-80 Corridor Risks

Interstate 80 crosses the entire state and sees heavy truck traffic. Semi-truck accidents along I-80, especially in winter conditions, result in some of Nebraska's most serious crashes.

2026 Nebraska Settlement by Injury Type

Here's what to expect for different injury types in Nebraska in 2026:

Injury TypeNE 2026 AvgNational Avg
Spinal Cord Injury$1,350,000$1,200,000
Traumatic Brain Injury$950,000$850,000
Internal Injuries$285,000$250,000
Broken Bones$140,000$125,000
Herniated Disc$85,000$75,000
Whiplash$22,000$18,950
Soft Tissue$17,500$15,000

Nebraska Premium: ~15% Above National

Nebraska settlements average approximately 10-20% above national averages. The state's lower cost of living keeps settlements moderate compared to coastal states.

Factors Unique to Nebraska Cases

Several factors make Nebraska car accident claims unique:

+
4-Year Statute of Limitations

One of the longest timeframes in the US — more time to assess injuries and build your case.

+
No Damage Caps

No statutory limits on pain and suffering in auto accident cases.

+
Higher Property Damage Minimums

$25,000 property damage minimum is higher than many states.

Conservative Jury Tendencies

Nebraska juries tend to be more conservative, which can limit large verdicts.

Severe Weather Risks

Nebraska experiences severe weather including blizzards, tornadoes, and ice storms. Weather-related accidents spike dramatically during winter months, particularly on I-80.

Calculate Your Nebraska Settlement

To estimate your Nebraska settlement value, you need a calculator that accounts for Nebraska's specific laws and regional variations.

Nebraska Multiplier Method (2026)

NE Settlement = (Medical Bills + Lost Wages) × NE Multiplier (1.5 - 3.5x)

Nebraska multipliers tend to be moderate due to conservative jury tendencies. Severe injuries typically use 2.5-3.5x multipliers; minor injuries use 1.5-2x.

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Our AI calculator uses Nebraska-specific 2026 data, including your city, injury type, and case details. Get your estimated range in minutes — completely free.

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