Omaha, NE (October 1, 2024) – A fatal car crash occurred on September 28 in downtown Omaha, resulting in the tragic deaths of four individuals. The incident occurred around 1:23 a.m. on Douglas Street, when a black 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee, driven by 33-year-old Rachel Bickerstaff, collided with a blue 2017 Subaru Outback, driven by 70-year-old Michael Sales from Council Bluffs.
According to the Nebraska State Patrol, Bickerstaff was allegedly driving at speeds between 105 and 116 mph while under the influence, with a blood alcohol content level of 0.216—nearly three times the legal limit. The crash occurred when Bickerstaff’s car rear-ended Sales’ Subaru, causing it to strike a light pole. The force of the collision resulted in Bickerstaff’s Jeep rolling over and catching fire, which subsequently spread to Sales’ car.
Tragically, two of Bickerstaff’s children, aged 11 days and 5 years old, identified as Amilia and Amiliana Bickerstaff, did not survive the crash. Bickerstaff, along with a man and an 18-month-old child, managed to escape the burning car. However, the 18-month-old child later succumbed to injuries sustained in the accident, passing away late Tuesday morning.
Emergency responders, including police and firefighters, were quickly on the scene to control the situation, manage traffic, and assist with the extraction of the cars involved. The injured were transported to Nebraska Medical Center for treatment. Medical staff described the situation as heartbreaking, noting the haunting nature of the child’s injuries.
Michael Sales, who was returning home from his job at FedEx, did not survive the incident. His family has expressed deep grief, describing him as a caring individual who brought joy to those around him. Mindi Sales, a relative, shared heartfelt memories of Michael, highlighting his close relationships with his daughters, Gracelyn and Laura, and the joy they shared while supporting the Huskers together.
The Nebraska State Patrol is continuing its investigation into the crash, and Bickerstaff has been charged with three counts of motor vehicle homicide. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of impaired and reckless driving.
We offer our heartfelt condolences to the families of all the deceased victims.
Fatal Car Accidents on the Rise: A Wake-Up Call for Omaha
Omaha has witnessed a concerning rise in fatal car accidents, reflecting a broader trend seen across the nation. In 2022, Nebraska recorded over 200 traffic fatalities, significantly increasing from previous years. Within Omaha, a notable percentage of these incidents have involved high-speed collisions and impaired driving. According to the Nebraska Department of Transportation, in 2023 alone, the city experienced at least 20 fatal crashes, prompting local authorities to enhance their focus on public safety initiatives aimed at reducing reckless driving behaviors.
Statistics reveal that distracted driving is a major contributor to accidents, with the NHTSA estimating that it accounts for nearly 10% of all traffic fatalities nationwide. In Omaha, campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of texting while driving and other distractions are crucial as they strive to combat this growing issue. As more vehicles occupy the roads, the call for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and increased public education becomes increasingly urgent.
In the wake of these tragic incidents, understanding wrongful death claims becomes essential for affected families. Damages in a wrongful death claim may include medical expenses incurred before death, funeral and burial costs, lost wages the deceased would have earned, loss of companionship, and emotional pain and suffering experienced by the surviving family members.
The specific damages will depend on the circumstances of the case and the financial impact on the family. In Nebraska, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim is generally three years from the date of the death. However, it’s essential to consult with an attorney to ensure that all legal deadlines are met and to navigate the complexities of the claims process.
If you have lost a loved one in an area fatal car accident, a knowledgeable Omaha car accident attorney from Johnson Tabor & Johnson Law is prepared to help. With a steadfast commitment to client advocacy and a proven track record of success, our law firm offers personalized legal representation to grieving families who have unexpectedly lost a loved one in a tragic car crash.
To speak with our lawyers about your loved one’s fatal Omaha car accident, call Johnson Tabor & Johnson Law at (402) 506-4444 to schedule a free initial consultation. Our dedicated team is ready to guide you through the legal process and ensure that your rights and interests are tirelessly defended.
Notes: Our team collects accident information in Nebraska from a variety of external sources, such as news outlets, police records, social media platforms, and direct accounts from witnesses. Please note that the specifics of this incident have not been independently confirmed by our team. We encourage you to contact Johnson Tabor & Johnson Law immediately if you discover any discrepancies in our reporting. We will make the necessary corrections or remove the content as required.
Disclaimer: This post is not an attempt to solicit business. Please be aware that the information provided here does not serve as legal advice or form an attorney-client relationship. Legal outcomes can differ based on specific factual and legal circumstances. If you need personalized legal advice, please directly reach out to Johnson Tabor & Johnson Law. Additionally, the image featured in this post does not depict the actual scene of the accident.