Omaha Truck Accident Attorney
Legally Reviewed By: Robert M. Knowles
Attorney & Partner At Knowles Law Firm
Commercial truck accidents devastate families across Omaha when massive 18-wheelers collide with passenger vehicles. These catastrophic crashes often result in life-changing injuries that require extensive medical treatment and years of rehabilitation to recover.
Our family-run practice at Knowles Law Firm has dedicated over 55 years to representing Omaha truck accident victims with the personalized legal services you need. We have recovered over $6 million for truck accident victims and understand how to navigate the regulations governing commercial trucking to secure maximum compensation for your injuries.
What Makes Omaha Truck Accidents More Dangerous Than Car Accidents?
The size and weight difference between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles creates devastating crash dynamics that often prove fatal. An empty tractor-trailer weighs approximately 35,000 pounds, while a fully loaded truck can reach 80,000 pounds, compared to your 3,000-pound passenger car.
Truck accidents in Omaha frequently result in catastrophic injuries due to these massive weight differences and the unique challenges commercial vehicles present. The U.S.Department of Transportation reports that in 2023, heavy trucks accounted for 16% of all fatal crashes in Nebraska.
What Are the Most Common Truck Accident Injuries in Omaha, NE?
Truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries that lead to lengthy hospital stays and extended recovery periods for victims. The violent forces involved in these collisions can cause multiple types of trauma simultaneously across different body systems.
Common truck accident injuries include:
- Broken Bones and Fractures: Arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis requiring surgical repair and rehabilitation
- Traumatic Brain Injuries: Concussions, skull fractures, and brain bleeding affecting cognitive function
- Spinal Cord Damage: Paralysis, loss of sensation, and permanent mobility limitations
- Amputations and Burns: Severe tissue damage requiring reconstructive surgery and prosthetics
These severe injuries often require months or years of rehabilitation and can permanently affect your ability to work and support your family. As a truck accident victim, you are entitled to bring a claim for your injuries to recover compensation.
Truck Accident Case Results Won for Former Clients
Truck accident with traumatic brain injury and multiple orthopedic injuries
Truck accident & traumatic brain injury
Truck accident
Truck accident & wrongful death
Truck accident
Truck accident & wrongful death
What Causes Most Omaha Truck Accidents?
Driver error and federal regulation violations account for the majority of truck accidents across Nebraska’s highways and city streets. Commercial truck drivers face unique pressures, including long hours, tight delivery schedules, and employer demands to maximize profits over safety.
Evidence related to truck driver fatigue proves crucial in many cases, as exhausted drivers often exhibit dangerous behaviors, such as distracted driving and poor decision-making. When trucking companies prioritize profits over safety compliance, innocent drivers suffer the devastating consequences of serious accidents and life-altering injuries.
Federal Safety Violations Contributing to Accidents
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration establishes strict regulations governing commercial trucking operations to protect public safety.
Common federal violations that contribute to truck accidents include:
- Hours of Service Violations: Drivers exceeding legal limits for consecutive driving time without rest
- Inadequate Vehicle Maintenance: Failing to inspect brakes, tires, and critical safety systems properly
- Improper Cargo Loading: Overweight loads or unsecured freight affecting vehicle stability and control
- Driver Qualification Issues: Operating without proper commercial licenses or required medical certifications
These violations demonstrate negligence that can significantly strengthen your compensation claim against all responsible parties.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Your Omaha Truck Accident?
Truck accident cases often involve multiple liable parties beyond just the truck driver who caused your crash. Trucking companies may be held responsible through vicarious liability for the actions of their employees, even when drivers operate as independent contractors under federal law.
Employer liability extends to negligent hiring practices, inadequate driver training programs, and failure to conduct proper background checks on commercial drivers. Trucking companies can also face direct liability for poor fleet maintenance that contributes to mechanical failures, causing serious accidents.
When Do Product Liability Claims Apply?
Some truck accident lawsuits involve product liability claims against manufacturers when defective truck components contribute to crashes. Manufacturing defects in critical truck systems can cause devastating accidents even when drivers operate vehicles safely and adequately.
Product liability issues commonly involve:
- Tire Blowouts: Manufacturing defects in tire walls or tread, causing loss of vehicle control
- Defective Brake Systems: Brake failures at crucial moments leading to jackknife or rollover accidents
- Loose Cargo Problems: Defective load straps and securement systems are causing freight to fall onto roadways
- Hydraulic System Failures: Pump malfunctions causing fluid leaks, overheating, or complete system breakdowns
Manufacturers bear responsibility when defective products leave their factories, while trucking companies may face liability when poor maintenance causes equipment failures over time.
How Much Compensation Can You Recover After an Omaha Truck Accident?
Several key factors influence the final value of your truck accident compensation claim beyond just immediate medical expenses. The severity and permanence of your injuries directly impact both current costs and future damages you can recover from responsible parties.
Important compensation factors include:
- Medical Treatment Expenses: Emergency care, surgeries, therapy, and ongoing medical needs throughout recovery
- Lost Earning Capacity: Reduced ability to work and maintain income due to permanent disabilities
- Pain and Suffering Damages: Physical discomfort and emotional trauma caused by the truck accident
- Loss of Consortium: Impact on relationships and family life due to your injuries and limitations
Experienced legal representation ensures all these factors receive proper evaluation. The lawyers at Knowles Law Firm have secured significant recoveries, including $1.85 million for traumatic brain injury cases, $1.84 million for brain trauma, and multiple settlements exceeding $700,000 for wrongful death claims.
Contact Knowles Law Firm for Your Omaha Truck Accident Attorney Needs
Omaha truck accidents require immediate legal attention to preserve crucial evidence and secure maximum compensation for your injuries and losses. Our family-owned law firm has secured substantial settlements for truck accident victims throughout Nebraska, providing personalized attention that you won’t find at larger firms.
We provide direct access to experienced attorneys who answer their own phones and offer personal cell phone numbers for immediate communication when you need answers or updates about your case. Call Knowles Law Firm today at (402) 431-9000 or complete our contact form to schedule your free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents in Omaha
What is the statute of limitations on truck accidents?
The statute of limitations for truck accidents typically allows individuals up to 4 years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit seeking damages. It’s important to act within this timeframe to preserve your right to pursue compensation.
How much are most truck accident settlements?
The amount of truck accident settlements varies greatly based on factors like the extent of injuries, property damage, liability, and negotiation strategies. Settlements can range widely, from thousands to potentially millions of dollars, especially in cases involving severe injuries or fatalities. For an accurate assessment of potential settlement amounts specific to your case, consult with our experienced attorney.
What should I do after a truck accident?
After a truck accident, prioritize your safety and seek medical attention for any injuries. Notify law enforcement to file a report and gather evidence such as photographs, witness statements, and the truck driver’s information. Contact your insurance company to report the accident, but avoid discussing fault until consulting with a qualified attorney who can guide you through the legal process and protect your rights.
How long does a truck accident lawsuit take?
The duration of a truck accident lawsuit can vary widely depending on factors such as the complexity of the case, the extent of injuries and damages, and the court’s schedule. Generally, these lawsuits can take anywhere from several months to several years to resolve, with some cases settling out of court and others proceeding to trial. Consulting with a knowledgeable attorney can provide a clearer timeline based on the specifics of your situation.
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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