Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Nebraska
Truck accidents can happen for many reasons, but some causes appear more often than others.
Common causes of truck accidents include:
- Fatigued driving
- Aggressive driving or speeding
- Poor weather conditions
- Poor judgment or inexperience
- Poor truck maintenance
- Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo
- Negligent hiring practices
- Traffic law violations
In and around Omaha, serious truck crashes often happen on major roads such as I-80, I-480, and Highway 75, where traffic volume and speed increase the risk of severe collisions. Some crashes are linked to texting and driving accidents or drunk driving accidents, while others happen when a commercial truck driver loses control, fails to pay attention, or makes an unsafe decision in heavy traffic or a construction zone.
Truck Driver Regulations: What You Should Know
Commercial truck drivers and trucking companies must follow rules set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These rules are meant to improve safety and reduce the risk of fatigue-related crashes.
Hours of service regulations limit how long truck drivers can stay on the road. Drivers may work up to 14 hours in a day, but they may only drive for 11 of those hours, and they must then take at least 10 consecutive hours off. They must also take regular days off. If a company operates seven days a week, a driver may work up to 70 hours in eight days before taking at least 34 consecutive hours off. If a company operates less than seven days a week, a driver may work up to 60 hours in seven days before taking at least 34 consecutive hours off.
When drivers or trucking companies ignore these rules, the risk of a serious crash increases. After a truck accident in Nebraska, we can review driver logs, electronic data recorders, and company policies to determine whether federal regulations or Nebraska laws were violated. If those violations contributed to the crash, that evidence may strengthen your claim.
How Omaha Truck Accident Claims Are Evaluated
Insurance companies begin evaluating truck accident claims right away. They review police reports, medical records, photos, witness statements, and other evidence to decide who they believe was at fault and how much they think the claim is worth.
They may also look for reasons to reduce what they pay. For example, they may question whether you sought prompt medical treatment, followed medical advice, or contributed to the crash in some way. A truck accident lawyer can gather evidence, present the full extent of your losses, and challenge an evaluation that does not reflect the true impact of the accident.
Turn To Our Experienced & Compassionate Omaha Advocates!
Fault is often heavily disputed in truck accident cases. Trucking companies and insurers know that these claims can involve substantial damages, especially in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases. That is why it is important to have experienced Omaha truck accident lawyers on your side.
At Burnett Legal Group, we provide focused, client-centered representation during some of the most difficult times in our clients’ lives. We offer free consultations, and you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Answering Your FAQ:
Who is liable after a truck accident?
Liability after a truck accident depends on what caused the crash. In many cases, the trucking company, truck driver, or truck manufacturer may be responsible. A trucking company may be liable if it pressured drivers to violate safety rules, a driver may be liable for negligent actions such as impaired or careless driving, and a manufacturer may be liable if a vehicle defect contributed to the collision. In some cases, cargo loading companies, maintenance contractors, or other drivers may also share fault. A truck accident lawyer can investigate the crash and identify the parties who may be responsible.
How long does it take to settle a truck accident claim?
A truck accident claim may settle in a few months or take several years, depending on the facts of the case. The timeline often depends on whether fault is disputed, how serious the injuries are, the insurance coverage involved, and whether the other side is willing to negotiate fairly. It is usually wise to speak with a truck accident lawyer before accepting any early settlement offer.
What damages can I recover in a truck accident case?
You may be able to recover compensation for property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning ability, and other financial losses. You may also be able to recover damages for pain and suffering, reduced quality of life, and other noneconomic losses. In serious cases, compensation may also include future medical care, rehabilitation, and other long-term needs.
What injuries are most common in truck accidents?
Common truck accident injuries include head and brain injuries, back and neck injuries, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, broken bones, internal injuries, lacerations, bruising, and seat belt injuries. Because of the size and weight of commercial trucks, these injuries are often severe and may require extensive treatment and long-term care.
Why hire a truck accident lawyer?
Hiring a truck accident lawyer can help protect your rights, preserve important evidence, deal with the trucking company and its insurers, and pursue fair compensation. A lawyer can also help you avoid mistakes that could harm your claim and handle the legal process while you focus on your recovery.
What should you do after a Nebraska truck accident?
After a Nebraska truck accident, call the police, give a statement, exchange information with the truck driver and trucking company, take photos of the scene, your vehicle, and your injuries, and get medical care as soon as possible. You should also keep records of your treatment and expenses, notify your insurance company without giving unnecessary details, and speak with a truck accident lawyer to protect your rights.
Don't wait to get started. Call our truck accident lawyers in Omaha to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation by calling (402) 810-8611 today.
