Lincoln, NE — February 21, 2025, Two people were injured following a car accident that occurred at around 4:00 P.M. on 40th Street.

An investigation is underway following a car accident that left two people injured during the afternoon hours of February 21st. According to official reports, an accident involving two vehicle occurred at the intersection of 40th Street and and Old Cheney Road as both vehicle were attempting to turn, though further information is still under investigation.
When first responders arrived on the scene they found that both drivers had sustained injuries and they were transported to the hospital for treatment. At this time it remains unknown what caused the accident, and the identities of those involved, however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released in the future.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
When I see reports like this, my first thought is that I hope investigators can determine exactly what led to the crash. Intersection collisions are among the most common types of accidents, but that doesn’t mean they are always straightforward. To truly understand what happened, there are three key questions that must be answered.
The first question is whether authorities conducted a thorough investigation. Law enforcement officers typically document the scene, gather witness statements, and attempt to reconstruct the crash. However, the level of detail in these investigations can vary depending on available resources and experience. Since both vehicles were attempting to turn, it’s crucial to determine who had the right of way, whether traffic signals or signage played a role, and whether any external factors—such as another driver’s actions—contributed to the collision. Without a detailed investigation, critical information may be overlooked.
The second question is whether anyone has considered the possibility of a vehicle defect. While driver error is often assumed to be the primary cause in intersection crashes, mechanical failures can also contribute. Brake malfunctions, steering issues, or acceleration problems could have prevented one or both drivers from completing their turn safely. Additionally, modern vehicles rely heavily on advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), such as automatic braking or lane-keeping assistance, which can sometimes malfunction. These types of issues require a forensic examination of the vehicles involved before they are repaired or scrapped.
The final question is whether all electronic data related to the crash has been collected. Each vehicle’s electronic control module (ECM) may hold crucial details about speed, braking, and steering inputs leading up to the crash. Investigators should also check for any nearby surveillance footage, traffic cameras, or dashcam recordings that may provide additional insight. Cell phone records could also be relevant if distraction was a potential factor. Unfortunately, this kind of data is often overlooked unless someone specifically requests it.
Until these questions are fully addressed, it’s too soon to assume what caused this crash. A thorough investigation isn’t just about determining responsibility—it’s about ensuring all contributing factors are identified so that those affected can get the answers they deserve and, if necessary, steps can be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.