Nebraska 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Lawyer
Legally Reviewed By: Robert M. Knowles
Attorney & Partner At Knowles Law Firm
Semi-truck collisions create devastating consequences far beyond typical auto accidents. With trucks weighing up to 80,000 pounds, these collisions result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities for occupants of passenger vehicles. The destruction extends beyond physical harm—medical bills accumulate, income disappears during recovery, and future earning potential may be permanently diminished. Nebraska families affected by truck accidents face an uphill battle against powerful trucking companies and their insurance carriers.
For 55 years, Knowles Law Firm has represented Nebraska truck accident victims throughout the state. Our truck accident attorneys understand the unique complexities of commercial vehicle cases and have obtained multi-million dollar settlements for clients injured in 18-wheeler collisions. We meticulously investigate each case, identify all responsible parties, and pursue compensation for injuries and losses.
The Unique Challenges of 18-Wheeler Accident Claims
Truck accident litigation differs substantially from standard car accident cases. These claims involve federal regulations, industry standards, and multiple potentially liable parties with varying insurance coverages.
Commercial trucking operates under strict Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations governing everything from driver qualifications to vehicle maintenance. Understanding these regulations proves essential when building a strong case. Violations often establish negligence automatically when they contribute to crashes.
Evidence in truck accident cases quickly disappears without prompt investigation. Trucks contain electronic data recorders providing critical information about speed, braking, and driver actions. However, this data remains with the trucking company unless legal action secures it. Similarly, driver logbooks documenting hours of service can disappear or face alteration without immediate legal intervention.
The experienced truck accident attorneys at Knowles Law Firm understand these challenges and take immediate action to preserve crucial evidence before it vanishes. Our team works with accident reconstruction specialists, trucking safety experts, and medical professionals to build compelling cases demonstrating liability.
Common Causes of Nebraska Truck Accidents
Large truck crashes typically result from preventable factors. Understanding the root causes helps establish liability against the appropriate parties.
Driver Fatigue and Hours-of-Service Violations
Despite federal regulations limiting driving time, fatigue remains a leading contributor to truck accidents. Commercial drivers face immense pressure to meet delivery deadlines, sometimes sacrificing safety by:
- Exceeding maximum daily driving limits
- Falsifying logbooks to hide excessive hours
- Failing to take mandatory rest breaks
- Driving during overnight hours when alertness naturally decreases
- Operating vehicles while experiencing sleep deprivation
Our attorneys analyze logbook records, electronic logging device data, fuel receipts, and delivery schedules to identify hours-of-service violations that may have contributed to your accident.
Inadequate Training and Supervision
Operating an 18-wheeler requires extensive knowledge and skills. Trucking companies sometimes hire inexperienced drivers without providing proper training to meet demand. This negligence places everyone on Nebraska roadways at risk.
Companies may:
- Rush driver qualification processes
- Provide minimal training on vehicle operation
- Fail to monitor driver performance appropriately
- Ignore red flags in driving records
- Neglect ongoing safety education requirements
When inadequate training contributes to accidents, both the driver and the trucking company may face liability for resulting damages.
Proving Liability in Nebraska Truck Accident Cases
Establishing responsibility requires understanding all potential factors that contributed to the crash. Our team conducts thorough investigations to identify every liable party.
The Trucking Company’s Responsibility
Trucking companies bear responsibility for their drivers’ actions under the legal principle of vicarious liability. Additionally, companies may face direct negligence claims for their own actions, including:
- Negligent hiring practices and inadequate background checks
- Failure to train drivers properly on safety procedures
- Improper vehicle maintenance or inspection
- Encouraging unsafe practices through unrealistic schedules
- Violations of federal safety regulations
We investigate the company’s safety history, maintenance records, and hiring practices to establish their role in creating conditions that led to your accident.
Other Potentially Responsible Parties
Multiple entities often share liability in truck accidents:
- Truck manufacturers or component suppliers, when defective parts contribute to crashes
- Maintenance companies responsible for vehicle upkeep
- Cargo loading companies, when improper loading affects vehicle stability
- Brokers who connected shippers with unsafe carriers
- Government entities responsible for roadway maintenance
By identifying all potentially liable parties, we maximize the sources of compensation available for your recovery.
Compensation Available for Nebraska Truck Accident Victims
The severe nature of 18-wheeler crashes typically results in substantial damages. Our attorneys fight to secure compensation for all accident-related losses.
Medical Expenses and Future Care
Truck accident injuries often require extensive treatment, including:
- Emergency medical care
- Surgical procedures
- Hospital stays
- Rehabilitation therapy
- Ongoing medical appointments
- Prescription medications
- Medical equipment
- Home modifications for accessibility
- Long-term nursing care
We work with medical experts to project the lifetime cost of your injuries, ensuring your settlement accounts for both present and future medical needs.
Lost Income and Earning Capacity
Serious injuries typically prevent victims from working for extended periods. Some never return to their previous employment. Our attorneys calculate:
- Wages lost during recovery
- Reduced earning capacity from permanent limitations
- Lost employment benefits
- Diminished retirement contributions
- Vocational rehabilitation costs
We use economic experts to quantify these losses accurately, particularly for cases involving permanent disability or career-ending injuries.
The Knowles Law Firm Advantage in Truck Accident Cases
Selecting the right attorney significantly impacts your case outcome. Unlike general practice firms, Knowles Law Firm brings extensive knowledge of commercial truck litigation to every case.
Our approach includes:
- Immediate dispatch of investigators to accident scenes
- Preservation letters to prevent evidence destruction
- Comprehensive review of driver qualification files
- Analysis of electronic control module data
- Consultation with industry experts
- Thorough examination of company safety practices
- Detailed documentation of accident-related damages
We handle all aspects of your case while you focus on physical recovery. Our attorneys provide direct communication throughout the legal process, keeping you up-to-date and involved in key decisions.
Contact a Nebraska 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney
When facing injuries as a result of a devastating truck collision, immediate legal action is essential. Federal regulations require trucking companies to maintain strict records for a limited time period. Without quick intervention, critical evidence may disappear forever.
The lawyers at Knowles Law Firm have dedicated their careers to helping truck accident victims throughout Nebraska. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges you face and work tirelessly to secure the maximum compensation available for your injuries. Our extensive experience with trucking regulations and industry practices allows us to build compelling cases even against the largest companies. Contact us today at (402) 431-9000 or through our contact form.
About Our Attorney
Robert M. Knowles
Attorney & Partner at Knowles Law Firm
Robert has tried cases in both state and federal courts and was selected as one of the top 100 litigation lawyers in Nebraska for 2014 by the American Society of Legal Advocates. Less than 1.5 percent of lawyers nationally are selected for this recognition. He is rated AV by Martindale-Hubbell which is the highest rating an attorney can obtain. He was also selected by Martindale-Hubbell as a 2019 Top Rated Lawyer.
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