- No fees unless we win
- 100% free consultation
- Millions recovered for victims
Key Takeaways About Hiring a Truck Accident Attorney
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Truck accident lawyers navigate complex legal issues, investigate accidents thoroughly, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent clients in court to secure fair compensation.
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Truck accidents often involve multiple liable parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, and others. Experienced truck accident lawyers are essential to identify all liable parties, deal effectively with insurance companies, and ensure fair compensation.
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Truck accidents frequently result in severe injuries such as broken bones, brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries. Compensation claims can cover extensive medical expenses, lost wages, future earnings, and pain and suffering.
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Trucking companies and manufacturers may be held liable for accidents due to negligence or defective products, such as tire blowouts, bad brakes, and defective safety equipment.
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Finding the right Omaha truck accident lawyer through recommendations, reviews, and initial consultations is crucial. Experienced lawyers can handle complex truck accident cases, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, and provide peace of mind during the legal process.
What Can Our Omaha Truck Accident Attorneys Do for You?
A truck accident lawyer plays a vital role in your journey to recovery and justice after being involved in a truck accident case. Omaha truck accident lawyers provide legal assistance and representation, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Here’s how our law firm can assist:
Navigate Legal Complexities
Truck accident claims are complex, involving multiple parties and stringent regulations. Your lawyer has the knowledge to navigate these complexities, ensuring your claim adheres to all legal requirements and deadlines.
Investigate the Accident & Truck Driver
A thorough investigation is crucial. Your lawyer will gather evidence, including accident reports, witness statements, and camera footage, to build a strong case on your behalf. This evidence is critical in proving liability and the extent of your damages.
Negotiate With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies aim to minimize payouts. Your lawyer will handle all communications with insurers, advocating for your best interests and fighting for a fair settlement that reflects the full extent of your damages, not just the immediate costs.
Represent You in Court
If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, your lawyer is prepared to represent you in court by filing a truck accident lawsuit. They will present your case compellingly, aiming to secure the compensation you deserve.
Provide Peace of Mind
Perhaps most importantly, having a truck accident lawyer means you have someone on your side, providing guidance and support through a challenging time. They take on the burden of the legal process, allowing you to focus on recovery.
A truck accident lawyer is your advocate, advisor, and defender, working tirelessly to ensure you are compensated for your losses. Their expertise and dedication can make a significant difference in the outcome of your truck accident case, offering not just legal representation, but also peace of mind during a difficult period.
Why Do You Need an Omaha Truck Accident Lawyer?
When you’re involved in a truck accident in Omaha, navigating the aftermath can be daunting. Omaha truck accident lawyers specialize in cases like yours, understanding the ins and outs of the legal system that can be bewildering to those not familiar with it. Their expertise is crucial for several reasons.
First, truck accidents often involve complex liability issues, with potential fault lying not just with the truck driver but possibly with the trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, or other parties. A skilled lawyer from Knowles Law Firm can identify all liable parties to ensure you’re compensated fairly.
Second, injuries from such accidents tend to be more severe due to the sheer size and weight of trucks, leading to more substantial medical bills and potentially long-term health implications. A truck accident lawyer can accurately assess the full extent of your damages, including future medical costs and lost earnings, to secure the compensation you need to recover.
Last, dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming. They have vast experience minimizing payouts, but a seasoned truck accident lawyer knows how to negotiate effectively on your behalf, leveling the playing field.
In Omaha, having a truck accident lawyer by your side means having an advocate dedicated to protecting your rights and interests every step of the way.
What Are the Most Common Injuries in Truck Accidents?
Truck accidents often result in severe injuries to all victims of the accident which lead to lengthy hospital stays and long recovery periods.
Truck crash injuries often include:
- Broken bones
- Amputations
- Burns
- Brain injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Catastrophic injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Concussions
- Fatal crashes
Fatal Truck Accidents
Thousands of commercial trucks move through Omaha daily. Nebraska is an important state in the trucking industry. The State Department of Transportation reports that the number of fatal accidents over-represents heavy trucks, meaning they cause fatal accidents more often than their passenger vehicle counterparts.
In 2020, 2,215 accidents total involved heavy trucks. Fifty one of these accidents were fatal, while 644 caused injuries. Heavy trucks accounted for 4.5% of all crashes in Nebraska yet about 15.1% of all fatal crashes.
As a truck accident victim, you are entitled to bring a claim for your injuries to recover compensation.
Truck accidents often pit an ordinary motor vehicle against a vehicle that is 4 times its size. An ordinary sedan or sports utility vehicle cannot easily offer protection from a heavy truck.
While cars are now equipped with more safety features, these often do not make much of a difference when a severe truck accident occurs. Large trucks are more dangerous than passenger vehicles in accidents due to their size, weight, and unique features.
Compensation for Trucking Accident Claims
If you suffered a serious injury that results in a complete alteration to your daily life, you will need to factor in ongoing medical expenses and rehabilitative care, as well as the emotional distress which occurs from this type of injury.
A truck accident claim can consider the following expenses when calculating the full amount of damages:
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Hospital expenses
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Rehabilitation expenses
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Medical treatment
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Lost wages
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Future earnings
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Pain and suffering
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Loss of consortium
While many of these damages can be easily calculated in time, a personal injury attorney with experience knows how to project future damages that will impact your life in the years to come.
Many truck accident victims experience a loss of income during their recovery period if their employer does not offer disability leave. An injury attorney will take into account all of these factors in calculating the resulting personal injury claim.
It is important that you do not sign a settlement agreement immediately after the accident occurs. The responsible party’s insurance company will often try to settle their claim with you shortly after the accident occurs. However, keep in mind that anything you sign could relinquish your ability to bring a claim for damages later on.
While an insurance company may promise you a set amount of money immediately, you may be entitled to a larger amount.
Employer Liability for Truck Drivers
Truck accidents are unique in that they do not just involve two vehicle drivers. They may also involve the trucking company, truck owner, leasing company or cargo loaders. An employer’s vicarious liability for its employees applies to most truck accident cases. Although most truck drivers operate as independent contractors, trucking companies will still be liable for their actions and misconduct under federal law.
Holding a truck company accountable for a truck driver’s negligence takes proving that the driver breached a duty of care and that this action or omission caused the collision. It will also take proving that the truck driver was performing work-related duties at the time of the accident. A truck company may also be responsible for an accident due to its negligence, such as a lack of proper driver training or failing to conduct background checks.
The Knowles Law Firm can help you hold a trucking company in Nebraska accountable for your injuries. We have years of experience in this practice area. We are not afraid to go up against the largest trucking corporations in the country in pursuit of damages on your behalf. Our truck accident attorneys can help you prove the trucking company’s liability using available evidence. We can help you get the most for your claim.
Truck Manufacturer Liability
Some truck accident lawsuits involve product liability rather than a trucking company’s negligence alone.
Product liability is a product manufacturer or distributor’s financial responsibility for injuries and deaths that defective items cause. A semi-truck accident claim may involve product liability if the truck manufacturers or passenger vehicles contained a defect that contributed to injuries.
Tire Blowout
Tire blowouts on 18-wheelers can cause the truck to lose control and rollover. A tire may experience a blowout when it contains manufacturing defects such as thin walls or a lack of tread.
Bad Brakes
A truck’s brake system must function optimally for the safety of everyone on the road. Defective brakes may give out at a crucial time, causing the big rig to jackknife or careen out of control.
Loose Cargo
Trucking companies and cargo loaders must obey federal cargo securement laws. If the load straps and locks they use contain defects, however, the truck could lose its load on the road. Lost loads can cause deadly personal injuries.
Hydraulic Problems
The hydraulic pumps in a commercial truck could malfunction and cause an accident if they contain defects. Defective or dangerous hydraulic pumps may leak fluid, overheat or fail during transport.
Defective Safety Equipment
Regardless of who caused the crash, if the airbag or seat belt did not perform as intended, the item’s manufacturer could be responsible for injuries. Defective safety equipment in a commercial truck or passenger car could contribute to serious injuries.
Defective truck equipment could be the manufacturer’s fault if the item had a defect when it left the factory. It could also be the truck company’s fault if the product became defective over time due to a lack of proper maintenance.
Poor fleet maintenance has contributed to thousands of serious and deadly truck accidents over the years. It is a company’s responsibility to properly inspect and repair its trucks.
How to File a Truck Accident Claim With Insurance Companies
When facing insurance companies after a truck accident in Omaha, it’s crucial to approach the situation with caution. These companies are in the business of making money, not spending it. Therefore, their initial offers might be much lower than what your claim is actually worth.
First, always ensure you have reported the accident to your insurance, but limit what you share until you have spoken with a lawyer. Avoid admitting fault or giving detailed statements without legal advice.
Next, document every interaction you have with insurance representatives, including dates, the names of individuals you spoke with, and the gist of your conversations. This documentation can be invaluable, especially if disputes arise later.
It’s also wise to refrain from accepting the first settlement offer without consulting your Omaha truck accident lawyer. They can evaluate if the offer fairly compensates for your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses. Insurance companies often use pressure tactics to encourage quick settlements, but patience and the guidance of a knowledgeable lawyer can lead to a more favorable outcome.
Let your lawyer negotiate on your behalf; their experience and skills in dealing with insurance companies can make a significant difference in the process and outcome.
When to Call an Omaha Truck Accident Attorney
A commercial truck accident in Omaha is not your standard car crash. Determining liability and proving fault can be difficult against a trucking company in Nebraska. Many parties could share fault for the accident.
Evidence related to truck driver fatigue is crucial in truck accident cases, as fatigue is a common factor leading to drowsiness, distracted driving, and dangerous habits. You may face countersuits alleging your responsibility for the accident. Hiring an Omaha injury lawyer attorney can remove the burden of the claims process from your shoulders.
While you focus on medical treatments for your injuries, your attorney can investigate your truck accident and determine its proximate cause. Your lawyer can gather evidence such as the truck’s black box information and the driver’s electronic logging device records.
Your attorney will build a case against the defendant(s) in pursuit of fair compensation on your behalf. A lawyer will know how to negotiate for maximum compensation.
How Do You Find an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer?
Finding the right truck accident lawyer in Omaha might seem like a daunting task, but it’s simpler than you might think. Start by asking friends or family members for recommendations, especially those who have had a similar experience. Word-of-mouth can lead you to a lawyer who has proven their worth.
Next, take advantage of the internet. Look for lawyers who specialize in truck accidents, and don’t forget to check reviews and testimonials from their past clients. This can give you insight into their expertise and how they treat their clients.
Additionally, consider looking for a lawyer who offers a free initial consultation. This meeting can give you a feel for whether they understand your truck accident claim and if they’re someone you can work with. When you meet, ask about their experience specifically with truck accidents, their success rate, and how they communicate with clients.
It’s important that you feel comfortable with your lawyer, as you’ll be working closely with them. Remember, the right truck accident lawyer for you is someone who not only has the legal expertise you need but also values your case as much as you do.
Contact Our Omaha Truck Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one have been involved in a truck accident, do not hesitate to contact the Knowles Law Firm. Our truck accident attorneys in Omaha have years of experience in bringing truck accident claims on behalf of victims of these accidents. We understand the intricacies of truck accidents and how different they are from ordinary car accidents.
Our experienced truck accident lawyers will work through your claim with you and ensure that we are accurately representing the facts of the case to get you the maximum amount of compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Contact our Omaha, Nebraska office today at (402) 382-9186 or via our contact form for your initial 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.
