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Speeding and Teen Drivers: Omaha’s Rising Concern

By Jason Bottlinger on August 17, 2025

Every year, headlines in Nebraska highlight a tragic reality: teen drivers are involved in a disproportionate number of speeding-related crashes.

In cities like Omaha, this issue has become a serious public safety concern, with local law enforcement and legal professionals urging families to take proactive steps to keep young drivers—and everyone else on the road—safe.

If your family has been impacted by a teen-related crash or you’re seeking guidance about the risks and responsibilities tied to youth driving, this article breaks down what you need to know.

The Alarming Rise of Teen Speeding in Omaha

According to teen driving statistics in Nebraska, speeding is one of the leading factors in fatal crashes involving drivers aged 16 to 19. In 2023 alone, the Nebraska Department of Transportation reported that teen drivers were involved in 24 percent of speed-related crashes.

Why is this such a problem? Teen drivers often:

• Underestimate how long it takes to stop
• Struggle with impulse control and decision-making
• Lack experience in high-speed driving conditions
• Overestimate their own driving abilities

Combine these issues with distractions like cell phones and peer passengers, and it’s clear why Omaha teen speeding accidents are a growing hazard on city roads and highways.

Nebraska Teen Driver Laws

Nebraska uses a graduated driver licensing (GDL) system to help teens ease into driving responsibilities. However, even with restrictions, young drivers often break the rules—particularly around speeding.

Key laws include:

• School Permit (SCP): Available to 14- and 15-year-olds for driving to school or school-related events only.
• Learner’s Permit (LPD): Allows supervised driving with a licensed adult.
• Provisional Operator’s Permit (POP): Available at age 16, with restrictions on night driving and passenger count for the first six months.
• Full License: Granted after turning 17 and completing the intermediate stages without violations.

Speeding violations during the provisional period can delay progression to a full license and may result in fines, points, or license suspension. However, the legal consequences become more serious when an accident occurs.

Legal Consequences of Speeding Accidents Involving Teen Drivers

Civil Liability

In most Nebraska car accident cases, the at-fault driver (or their insurance) is responsible for damages. When a teen causes a speeding-related crash, they—and in some cases, their parents—may be financially liable for:

• Medical expenses
• Property damage
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Wrongful death

Parental Liability for Teen Drivers

Under Nebraska Revised Statute 60-4,123, parents or legal guardians must sign a form accepting financial responsibility for their teen’s driving until the teen turns 19. That means:

• Parents can be liable if their teen causes a crash due to negligence, including speeding.
• Victims can pursue compensation from the family’s auto insurance policy or, in some cases, through personal legal action if coverage is insufficient.

This makes understanding parental liability for teen drivers critical, especially in serious injury cases where damages may exceed insurance limits.

Criminal Charges

Depending on the severity of the crash, the teen may face:

• Speeding tickets and license suspension
• Reckless driving charges
• Vehicular homicide charges (if a fatality occurs)

These charges can affect a teen’s criminal record, future insurance rates, and even college admissions.

What to Do After a Teen-Involved Car Crash

If you or your teen has been involved in a car accident—either as a driver or as a victim—here’s what you need to do immediately.

For Parents of At-Fault Teens

• Notify your insurance company and provide all relevant details
• Avoid admitting fault before legal consultation
• Consult an Omaha car crash attorney to understand liability and damage exposure

For Victims of a Teen Driver Crash

• Get medical treatment as soon as possible
• Collect evidence, including police reports and witness statements
• File an insurance claim, but don’t accept early offers
• Seek Omaha car crash legal advice to determine your rights and best legal options

A speeding accident attorney in Omaha can help you assess damages, determine fault, and pursue a fair settlement or court verdict if necessary.

Preventive Measures for Parents and Teen Drivers

It’s possible to reduce the risk of Omaha teen speeding accidents through proactive steps, education, and accountability.

Limit Night Driving and Peer Passengers

Teens are more likely to engage in risky driving when unsupervised or when transporting friends. Set clear limits on nighttime driving and passenger count—even beyond legal requirements.

Use Driver Monitoring Apps

Apps like Life360, Bouncie, or those offered by insurers can track speed, location, and driving habits in real time. This gives parents insight into how their teen behaves behind the wheel.

Sign a Teen Driving Agreement

Put rules in writing. Establish consequences for speeding, phone use while driving, and failing to follow curfews or seatbelt rules.

Talk About Real Consequences

Discuss the financial, legal, and emotional fallout of car accidents. Emphasize that even one mistake could lead to injuries or death—for themselves or others.

Enroll in Defensive Driving Courses

Extra driver training can build confidence and instill good habits that reduce speeding tendencies and improve awareness of road conditions.

How Bottlinger Law L.L.C. Supports Families and Victims

At Bottlinger Law L.L.C., we’ve seen firsthand how a single moment of inattention or recklessness can change lives forever. Whether your teen was injured in a crash or caused one, we can help you navigate the legal process with clarity, empathy, and purpose.

We offer representation in the following:

• Personal injury claims for accident victims
• Defense strategies for teens facing liability or charges
• Insurance claim disputes
• Wrongful death lawsuits involving underage drivers

Lead attorney Jason Bottlinger brings over a decade of legal experience and is licensed in Nebraska, Iowa, and Texas. Recognized by Expertise.com as one of the Best Car Accident Attorneys in Omaha, our firm is committed to personalized, strategic representation.

Speak With an Experienced Car Accident Attorney in Omaha

Let Bottlinger Law L.L.C. help you understand your rights, evaluate your options, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call our Omaha car accident lawyer today at (402) 505-8234 for a free consultation. We’re here to provide thorough legal guidance that Omaha families can trust.