An Omaha man has been sentenced to eight to sixteen years in prison in connection with a deadly impaired-driving crash in Papillion. According to KETV, 39-year-old Wade Harvey was sentenced on Monday after being convicted of motor vehicle homicide while driving under the influence. The crash occurred in October 2024 near Richland Drive and Glenn Street. The Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office reported that speed was a factor when the vehicle struck a tree in a median. A 26-year-old passenger, Juan Guillen, was killed.<\/p>\n
Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this loss. While we are not involved in this case, situations like this raise important questions for families across the Omaha area who may find themselves navigating the aftermath of a serious crash. Below, we offer some plain-English information that may help.<\/p>\n
One point that often surprises families is that a criminal conviction and a civil injury claim are two different legal processes. A criminal case, like the one described above, is brought by the state to hold a person accountable through penalties such as prison time. It does not compensate the victim’s family for their losses.<\/p>\n
A civil claim, on the other hand, is filed by the injured person or the family of someone who died. Its purpose is to recover financial compensation for things like medical bills, funeral costs, lost income, and the profound loss of a loved one. A family can pursue a civil claim even while a criminal case is underway, and even if no criminal charges are ever filed.<\/p>\n
When a passenger is killed in a crash, Nebraska law allows certain family members to bring a wrongful death claim through the deceased person’s estate. This can help surviving relatives address the financial and emotional toll of an unexpected loss.<\/p>\n
Passengers are among the most vulnerable people in any crash because they have no control over how a vehicle is driven. It is important to know that a passenger who is hurt or a family who loses a passenger generally has the right to seek compensation, regardless of who was operating the vehicle. Being a passenger does not reduce your ability to pursue a claim.<\/p>\n
In the difficult days after a serious or fatal crash, a few practical steps can make a real difference:<\/p>\n
Grieving families sometimes accept the first offer from an insurance company simply to move forward, only to discover later that it did not cover their true costs. Others assume that because a criminal case is being handled by prosecutors, their financial recovery is taken care of. Neither is usually the case. Understanding these distinctions early can prevent added hardship down the road.<\/p>\n
Every situation is unique, and the details of a case matter. Speaking with an attorney who understands Nebraska law can help you make informed decisions rather than rushed ones.<\/p>\n
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a crash caused by an impaired or reckless driver, you do not have to sort through the legal process alone. The team at Johnson Tabor & Johnson offers free, no-pressure consultations to help you understand your options. You can reach us at (402) 506-4444<\/a> or through our contact page<\/a>. We are here to listen and to help when you are ready.<\/p>\n
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