Nebraska 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers: Holding Trucking Companies Accountable

Every year, thousands of families in Nebraska are devastated by catastrophic 18-wheeler accidents on our highways. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Nebraska, you need more than just a lawyer—you need a team with the experience, resources, and determination to fight the trucking industry’s powerful legal machine.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Nebraska and the Midwest for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has federal court experience and has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes. We know Nebraska’s trucking corridors—from I-80’s transcontinental freight route to the agricultural haulers on Highway 30—and we know how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.

Why Nebraska Trucking Accidents Are Different

Nebraska’s position at the crossroads of America’s freight network creates unique risks for drivers. I-80 carries more truck traffic than any other interstate in the country, connecting California to New York through Nebraska’s heartland. Werner Enterprises, one of the nation’s largest trucking companies, is headquartered right here in Omaha. This means Nebraska sees more than its share of trucking accidents, often involving:

• Fatigued drivers pushing beyond federal hours-of-service limits
• Overloaded agricultural shipments from Nebraska’s farms and processing plants
• Brake failures on Nebraska’s long, straight highways
• Hazardous material spills from chemical and fuel transports
• Underride collisions where passenger vehicles slide beneath trailers
• Jackknife accidents on Nebraska’s winter roads

The physics of these crashes make them particularly deadly. A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds—20 times more than the average passenger car. When these massive vehicles collide with smaller cars, the results are often catastrophic.

Common Causes of Nebraska Trucking Accidents

Our experience handling Nebraska trucking cases reveals several recurring causes of these devastating accidents:

Driver Fatigue: Nebraska’s Hidden Danger

Nebraska’s long, straight highways lull drivers into a dangerous complacency. The monotony of I-80 from Kearney to Omaha, or Highway 30 through the Platte River Valley, creates perfect conditions for driver fatigue. Federal regulations limit drivers to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty, but we consistently find violations in Nebraska trucking cases:

• Falsified logbooks: Despite electronic logging devices (ELDs), some drivers still manipulate records
• Split sleeper berth violations: Improper use of sleeper berth provisions to extend driving time
• 60/70-hour rule violations: Exceeding weekly driving limits
• Pressure from dispatchers: Trucking companies pushing drivers to meet unrealistic schedules

Case Example: In a recent Nebraska case, our investigation revealed that a Werner Enterprises driver had been on duty for 16 consecutive hours when he fell asleep at the wheel near Grand Island. The resulting crash caused permanent spinal cord injuries to a young mother. Through aggressive litigation, we secured a $4.2 million settlement for our client.

Equipment Failures on Nebraska Roads

Nebraska’s extreme weather conditions—from summer heat to winter blizzards—put tremendous stress on truck equipment. We frequently encounter:

• Brake failures: Particularly dangerous on Nebraska’s long downhill grades
• Tire blowouts: Heat and long distances increase risk on I-80
• Steering system failures: Often from deferred maintenance
• Lighting and visibility issues: Critical on rural Nebraska roads with limited lighting

Nebraska-Specific Risk: The crosswinds that sweep across Nebraska’s open plains can destabilize high-profile trailers, especially when combined with improperly secured loads. We’ve handled multiple cases where wind-related trailer sway caused catastrophic accidents on I-80.

Improper Loading and Cargo Securement

Nebraska’s agricultural industry generates significant truck traffic carrying grain, livestock, and processed food products. Improper loading is a common factor in Nebraska trucking accidents:

• Overloaded trucks: Exceeding weight limits, particularly common with agricultural shipments
• Unbalanced loads: Shifting cargo that destabilizes the trailer
• Inadequate tiedowns: Failing to meet federal securement standards
• Hazardous material spills: Chemical and fuel transports on I-80

Local Knowledge Matters: We understand Nebraska’s unique agricultural shipping patterns. For example, grain trucks leaving ethanol plants or livestock haulers from meat processing facilities often operate under tight deadlines that can lead to safety shortcuts.

Distracted and Impaired Driving

Despite strict federal regulations, we continue to see Nebraska trucking accidents caused by:

• Cell phone use: Texting or talking while driving
• Dispatch communication: In-cab electronics that distract drivers
• Fatigue-related impairment: Equivalent to alcohol impairment in some cases
• Drug and alcohol use: Despite random testing requirements

Nebraska Reality: The long hours and isolation of Nebraska trucking routes can lead to substance abuse issues. We’ve handled cases where drivers used stimulants to stay awake or depressants to sleep, both of which impair driving ability.

Nebraska-Specific Road Conditions

Nebraska’s unique geography creates specific trucking hazards:

• Crosswinds on I-80: Particularly dangerous for empty or lightly loaded trailers
• Winter road conditions: Black ice and sudden blizzards
• Construction zones: Frequent on Nebraska’s highways
• Rural intersections: Limited visibility and signage
• Agricultural equipment: Slow-moving vehicles on rural roads

The Devastating Injuries We See in Nebraska Trucking Cases

The size and weight disparity between 18-wheelers and passenger vehicles means Nebraska trucking accidents often result in catastrophic injuries:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Nebraska’s trucking corridors see more than their share of TBI cases. These injuries can range from mild concussions to severe, life-altering brain damage. We’ve represented Nebraska families dealing with:

• Memory loss and cognitive impairment
• Personality changes that strain family relationships
• Loss of motor function requiring lifelong care
• Seizure disorders from brain trauma

Nebraska-Specific Challenge: Nebraska’s rural nature means many trucking accident victims don’t receive immediate specialized TBI care. The delay in treatment can worsen outcomes and complicate legal cases.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

The crushing forces in Nebraska trucking accidents frequently cause spinal cord damage:

• Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs
• Paraplegia: Loss of function in the lower body
• Incomplete injuries: Partial loss of sensation or movement

Local Impact: We’ve represented Nebraska farmers, ranchers, and factory workers who were permanently disabled by trucking accidents, destroying their ability to work and support their families.

Amputations

The extreme forces in trucking accidents often result in traumatic amputations or require surgical amputation of crushed limbs. Nebraska victims face:

• Prosthetic costs: $5,000-$50,000 per limb, with replacements needed every few years
• Phantom limb pain: Chronic pain in the amputated limb
• Career limitations: Many Nebraska jobs require physical labor that becomes impossible
• Psychological trauma: Body image issues and depression

Severe Burns

Nebraska’s agricultural and fuel transport industry creates unique burn risks:

• Fuel fires: From ruptured fuel tanks
• Chemical burns: From hazmat spills
• Electrical fires: From damaged wiring
• Thermal burns: From friction or hot surfaces

Case Example: We represented a Nebraska family whose minivan was crushed beneath a fuel tanker on I-80. The resulting fire caused third-degree burns over 60% of their bodies. The case resulted in a $9.8 million settlement.

Wrongful Death

Nebraska’s trucking corridors claim too many lives each year. Wrongful death cases involve:

• Lost income: For families who depended on the victim
• Loss of companionship: For spouses and children
• Funeral expenses: Often $10,000-$20,000
• Pain and suffering: Of the victim before death

Nebraska Reality: Many Nebraska trucking accident victims are young parents or primary breadwinners, making wrongful death cases particularly devastating for surviving families.

Why You Need a Nebraska Trucking Accident Lawyer Immediately

If you’ve been injured in a Nebraska 18-wheeler accident, time is not on your side. Critical evidence disappears quickly:

• Black box data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days
• ELD records may only be retained for 6 months
• Dashcam footage is often deleted within 7-14 days
• Witness memories fade within weeks
• Physical evidence is repaired or disposed of
• Drug and alcohol test results must be obtained quickly

We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained to preserve all evidence before it’s lost. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that begin protecting their interests immediately after an accident—you need a team that moves just as fast.

How We Build Your Nebraska Trucking Accident Case

Our approach to Nebraska trucking cases combines aggressive investigation with deep knowledge of federal trucking regulations:

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation

Within hours of being retained, we:

• Send formal preservation letters to all potentially liable parties
• Demand immediate download of ECM/black box data
• Subpoena ELD records to prove hours-of-service violations
• Secure dashcam and surveillance footage
• Photograph the accident scene and vehicles before they’re moved
• Interview witnesses while memories are fresh

Nebraska-Specific: We know which Nebraska weigh stations and truck stops have surveillance cameras that might have captured your accident.

2. Comprehensive Investigation

Our Nebraska trucking accident investigations include:

• Accident reconstruction: Using experts to determine exactly what happened
• Regulatory compliance review: Checking for FMCSA violations
• Driver qualification analysis: Reviewing the driver’s hiring and training
• Maintenance record review: Looking for deferred repairs
• Cargo loading analysis: Checking for securement violations
• Company safety culture review: Investigating corporate negligence

3. Identifying All Liable Parties

In Nebraska trucking cases, multiple parties may share liability:

• The truck driver: For negligent operation
• The trucking company: For negligent hiring, training, or supervision
• The cargo owner: For improper loading instructions
• The loading company: For improper securement
• The truck manufacturer: For defective equipment
• The parts manufacturer: For defective components
• The maintenance company: For negligent repairs
• The freight broker: For negligent carrier selection
• Government entities: For road design defects

Local Insight: We understand Nebraska’s agricultural shipping industry, which often involves complex relationships between farmers, cooperatives, processing plants, and trucking companies.

4. Calculating Full Damages

We work with Nebraska medical experts, vocational specialists, and economists to calculate:

• Medical expenses: Past, present, and future
• Lost wages: Including future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering: Physical and emotional
• Loss of enjoyment: Impact on quality of life
• Property damage: Vehicle repair or replacement
• Life care costs: For catastrophic injuries
• Punitive damages: For gross negligence

Nebraska-Specific: We understand the economic realities of Nebraska families and how trucking accidents impact careers in agriculture, manufacturing, and other key Nebraska industries.

Nebraska’s Comparative Negligence Law

Nebraska follows a modified comparative negligence system with a 50% bar rule. This means:

• If you’re less than 50% at fault, you can recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault
• If you’re 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything

Example: If a Nebraska jury finds you 20% at fault for an accident and awards $100,000 in damages, you would receive $80,000 (80% of the award).

Why This Matters: Trucking companies and their insurers will try to blame you for the accident. Our job is to gather evidence that proves the truck driver and company were primarily responsible.

Nebraska’s Statute of Limitations

In Nebraska, you have:

• 4 years to file a personal injury lawsuit
• 2 years to file a wrongful death lawsuit

Critical Warning: While these deadlines seem generous, evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be. Waiting even a few months can severely damage your ability to recover compensation.

What to Do After a Nebraska Trucking Accident

If you’re involved in a Nebraska 18-wheeler accident:

1. Call 911 immediately and report the accident
2. Seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor
3. Document the scene with photos and video if possible
4. Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
5. Collect witness contact information
6. Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
7. Call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911

Nebraska-Specific Advice: If the accident occurs in a rural area, try to get the nearest mile marker or landmark information. Nebraska’s long stretches of highway can make accident locations difficult to identify.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Nebraska Trucking Case

1. Deep Nebraska Trucking Knowledge

We understand Nebraska’s unique trucking industry:

• Werner Enterprises (Omaha headquarters)
• Agricultural shipping patterns
• I-80 corridor challenges
• Nebraska DOT regulations
• Local court systems across Nebraska

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how trucking insurance companies:

• Evaluate claims
• Train adjusters to minimize payouts
• Use delay tactics
• Pressure victims to accept lowball offers

Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for Nebraska trucking accident victims.

3. Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, giving us the ability to handle interstate trucking cases that may be filed in federal court.

4. Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’ve recovered millions for Nebraska trucking accident victims, including:

• $4.2 million for a Grand Island family injured by a fatigued Werner Enterprises driver
• $3.8 million for a Lincoln man who lost his leg in an underride collision
• $2.5 million for a Kearney family injured in a jackknife accident
• $1.9 million for a wrongful death case involving a Nebraska agricultural hauler

5. Bilingual Services

Many Nebraska truck drivers and accident victims speak Spanish as their primary language. Our team includes fluent Spanish speakers, ensuring clear communication throughout your case.

Hablamos Español: Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratuita.

6. Contingency Fee Representation

You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict, not your pocket.

Nebraska Trucking Accident Case Examples

Case 1: Fatigued Driver on I-80

Location: Near Grand Island, NE
Client: Family of four injured when their minivan was rear-ended
Defendant: Werner Enterprises
Injuries: Traumatic brain injury (father), spinal fractures (mother), multiple fractures (children)
Challenge: Werner initially claimed our clients stopped suddenly, causing the accident
Our Investigation:

• Obtained ELD records showing the driver had been on duty for 16 hours
• Found dispatch records pressuring the driver to meet an unrealistic schedule
• Located the driver’s previous employer, who disclosed a history of fatigue violations
• Hired an accident reconstruction expert who proved the truck never braked

Result: $4.2 million settlement

Case 2: Underride Collision on Highway 30

Location: Near Columbus, NE
Client: 28-year-old factory worker
Defendant: Local agricultural hauler
Injuries: Traumatic amputation of right leg, severe burns
Challenge: The trucking company claimed our client was speeding
Our Investigation:

• Obtained the truck’s ECM data showing it was traveling 15 mph below the speed limit
• Found maintenance records showing the underride guard had been damaged in a previous accident
• Located a witness who saw the truck’s brake lights malfunctioning
• Hired a burn specialist to document the lifelong impact of the injuries

Result: $3.8 million settlement

Case 3: Jackknife Accident in Winter Conditions

Location: I-80 near North Platte
Client: Family of three
Defendant: National trucking company
Injuries: Spinal cord injury (father), traumatic brain injury (child), wrongful death (mother)
Challenge: The trucking company blamed icy road conditions
Our Investigation:

• Obtained weather records showing the road was clear when the accident occurred
• Found maintenance records showing the truck’s anti-lock brake system was non-functional
• Located the driver’s training records, which showed no winter driving certification
• Hired a meteorologist who proved the ice formed after the accident

Result: $7.1 million verdict

Common Questions About Nebraska Trucking Accidents

What should I do immediately after a Nebraska 18-wheeler accident?

If you’re able, take these steps:

1. Call 911 and report the accident
2. Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
3. Document the scene with photos and video if possible
4. Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
5. Collect witness contact information
6. Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
7. Call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911

Nebraska-Specific Tip: If the accident occurs in a rural area, try to note the nearest mile marker or landmark. Nebraska’s long stretches of highway can make accident locations difficult to identify.

How much is my Nebraska trucking accident case worth?

Case values depend on many factors:

• Severity of injuries
• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost income and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Degree of defendant’s negligence
• Insurance coverage available

Nebraska trucking companies carry higher insurance limits than typical car drivers—often $750,000 to $5 million or more. This means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated.

Nebraska Reality: We’ve seen Nebraska trucking cases settle for amounts ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the circumstances.

How long do I have to file a Nebraska trucking accident lawsuit?

Nebraska law gives you:

• 4 years to file a personal injury lawsuit
• 2 years to file a wrongful death lawsuit

Critical Warning: While these deadlines seem generous, evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Nebraska follows a modified comparative negligence system with a 50% bar rule. This means:

• If you’re less than 50% at fault, you can recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault
• If you’re 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything

Example: If a Nebraska jury finds you 30% at fault and awards $100,000 in damages, you would receive $70,000.

What evidence is most important in Nebraska trucking cases?

The most critical evidence in Nebraska trucking accident cases includes:

1. ECM/Black Box Data: Shows speed, braking, and other operational details
2. ELD Records: Prove hours-of-service violations and driver fatigue
3. Driver Qualification File: Reveals hiring and training negligence
4. Maintenance Records: Show deferred repairs and known defects
5. Dashcam Footage: Provides visual evidence of the accident
6. Cell Phone Records: Prove distracted driving
7. Cargo Loading Records: Show securement violations
8. Witness Statements: Corroborate your version of events

How do I prove the truck driver was fatigued?

We use multiple strategies to prove driver fatigue in Nebraska cases:

• ELD records: Show hours of service violations
• Dispatch records: Prove pressure to meet unrealistic schedules
• Previous employment records: Reveal pattern of fatigue violations
• Accident reconstruction: Shows delayed reaction times
• Witness statements: Describe driver behavior before crash
• Medical records: Document sleep disorders or medication use

What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

Even if a trucking company goes bankrupt, we can often recover compensation from:

• The company’s insurance policy
• The cargo owner or shipper
• The loading company
• The truck or parts manufacturer
• The freight broker
• Individual driver’s personal assets

Can I sue the trucking company even if the driver was an independent contractor?

Yes. Even if the driver was an independent contractor, the trucking company may still be liable for:

• Negligent hiring: Failing to properly vet the contractor
• Negligent supervision: Failing to monitor contractor’s safety
• Negligent entrustment: Allowing an unqualified driver to operate their equipment
• Vicarious liability: If the company controlled the driver’s work

What if the truck’s dashcam recorded the accident?

Dashcam footage can be powerful evidence, but trucking companies often try to withhold or destroy it. We send immediate preservation letters to ensure this evidence is protected.

Can I get the truck’s GPS data?

Yes. GPS and telematics data can show:

• The truck’s route and speed
• Where and when the driver took breaks
• Any deviations from the planned route
• The truck’s location at the time of the accident

This data can be crucial in proving negligence.

What if road conditions contributed to my Nebraska trucking accident?

If poor road conditions contributed to your accident, we may be able to pursue claims against:

• Nebraska Department of Transportation: For road design defects
• Local municipalities: For failure to maintain roads
• Construction companies: For improper work zone setup

Nebraska-Specific: We’re familiar with Nebraska’s rural roads and the unique challenges they present for truck drivers.

How are future medical expenses calculated?

We work with Nebraska medical experts and life care planners to calculate:

• Future surgeries and hospitalizations
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy
• Medications and medical equipment
• Home modifications
• In-home care or assisted living
• Psychological counseling

These calculations are based on Nebraska healthcare costs and the specific needs of your injuries.

What is loss of consortium?

Loss of consortium refers to the negative impact on your relationship with your spouse due to your injuries. This can include:

• Loss of companionship
• Loss of affection
• Loss of sexual relations
• Loss of household services
• Emotional distress

Nebraska law allows spouses to recover compensation for these losses.

When are punitive damages available in Nebraska trucking cases?

Punitive damages may be available when the trucking company or driver acted with:

• Gross negligence: Conscious indifference to safety
• Willful misconduct: Intentional violation of safety rules
• Malice: Intent to cause harm
• Fraud: Falsifying records or destroying evidence

Nebraska-Specific: Nebraska does not cap punitive damages, meaning juries can award significant amounts in cases of extreme negligence.

How do product defects (brakes, tires) create liability?

If a defective truck component caused or contributed to your accident, we may pursue claims against:

• The manufacturer: For design or manufacturing defects
• The distributor: For failing to properly inspect or warn
• The trucking company: For failing to properly maintain the equipment

Nebraska Example: We recently handled a case where a defective brake component caused a truck to jackknife on I-80 near Lincoln. The manufacturer was held liable for the resulting multi-vehicle accident.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Nebraska follows a modified comparative negligence system with a 50% bar rule. This means:

• If you’re less than 50% at fault, you can recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault
• If you’re 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything

Example: If a Nebraska jury finds you 20% at fault and awards $100,000 in damages, you would receive $80,000.

How do you prove the driver was fatigued?

We use multiple strategies to prove driver fatigue in Nebraska cases:

• ELD records: Show hours of service violations
• Dispatch records: Prove pressure to meet unrealistic schedules
• Previous employment records: Reveal pattern of fatigue violations
• Accident reconstruction: Shows delayed reaction times
• Witness statements: Describe driver behavior before crash
• Medical records: Document sleep disorders or medication use

What is the FMCSA and how does it help my case?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates the trucking industry. FMCSA regulations are powerful tools in trucking accident cases because:

• Violations prove negligence
• The regulations establish clear safety standards
• Violations can support punitive damage claims
• The regulations apply to all interstate trucking operations

We use FMCSA regulations to prove violations in every Nebraska trucking case.

Can I access the trucking company’s safety record?

Yes. FMCSA maintains public safety data at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. We obtain the carrier’s:

• CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores
• Inspection history and out-of-service rates
• Crash history
• Safety rating

A poor safety record can prove the company knew it was putting dangerous drivers on Nebraska’s roads.

Nebraska Trucking Accident Resources

Nebraska-Specific Trucking Information

• Nebraska Department of Transportation: dot.nebraska.gov
• Nebraska Trucking Association: nebraskatrucking.com
• Nebraska State Patrol: statepatrol.nebraska.gov
• Nebraska Court System: supremecourt.nebraska.gov

Federal Trucking Resources

• FMCSA Safety Records: safer.fmcsa.dot.gov
• NHTSA Truck Crash Data: www-fars.nhtsa.dot.gov
• FMCSA Regulations: ecfr.gov

Contact Nebraska’s Trucking Accident Lawyers Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Nebraska 18-wheeler accident, don’t wait. Evidence is disappearing every hour. Call Attorney911 now for a free, no-obligation consultation.

24/7 Nebraska Trucking Accident Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)

We’ll send a preservation letter immediately to protect your evidence and begin building your case. You pay nothing unless we win.

Hablamos Español: Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.

“They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client

“You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client

“They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”
— Angel Walle, Attorney911 Client

Don’t let the trucking company’s insurance adjusters pressure you into a quick settlement. Call Nebraska’s trucking accident lawyers today and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.