18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Cherry County, Nebraska
When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything on Cherry County’s Highways
One moment you’re driving home to Valentine along US-20, and the next, an 80,000-pound semi-truck has changed your life forever. On the rural highways of Cherry County, where cattle trucks and grain haulers share the road with passenger vehicles, a trucking accident isn’t just a fender-bender—it’s a fight for your future. If you or a loved one has been devastated by an 18-wheeler crash on our county roads, you need more than just a lawyer. You need a team that understands the brutal physics of 80,000 pounds against 4,000 pounds, knows every FMCSA regulation the trucking industry violated, and has the resources to hold negligent carriers accountable.
At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for trucking accident victims. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has been admitted to federal court and has secured multi-million dollar settlements against Fortune 500 trucking companies. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working inside insurance defense firms before joining our team—now he uses that insider knowledge to fight against the very tactics he once deployed. When a truck driver falls asleep on the long stretches of NE-7 or a loaded grain trailer jackknifes on black ice near the Niobrara River, we know exactly how to build your case for maximum recovery.
Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. But don’t wait—evidence from your Cherry County trucking accident can disappear within days.
Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in Cherry County Are Different
Cherry County sits at the heart of Nebraska’s Sand Hills region, where US-20 cuts east-west across the state and NE-7 runs north toward South Dakota. This isn’t just scenic ranch country—it’s a vital corridor for agricultural freight. Every harvest season, the weight of commerce travels these roads: cattle trucks heading to market, grain haulers moving wheat and corn, and refrigerated units carrying perishables to distribution centers.
The physics don’t care that Cherry County is rural. When a truck driver violates federal hours-of-service regulations on the long, lonely stretch between Valentine and Cody, the devastation is just as catastrophic as a crash on I-80 in Omaha. In fact, the rural nature of our highways makes these accidents more dangerous. Limited cell service, long distances between hospitals, and winter weather that can turn US-20 into an ice sheet within minutes create deadly conditions.
The 80,000-Pound Reality Check:
- A fully loaded semi weighs 20-25 times more than your average passenger vehicle
- At 65 mph, a truck needs nearly 525 feet to stop—two football fields
- Rural two-lane highways leave nowhere to escape when a truck drifts across the centerline
- Agricultural trucks often carry shifting loads of grain or livestock that create instability
As client Chad Harris told us after we handled his case, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” That’s the level of care you need when facing life-altering injuries from a trucking accident in Cherry County.
Federal Trucking Regulations That Protect Cherry County Drivers
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes strict rules governing every commercial truck on Cherry County roads. When trucking companies violate these regulations, they put profit over safety—and we hold them accountable by proving these violations in court.
49 CFR Part 390: General Applicability
These regulations apply to all commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) operating in interstate commerce, including those traversing Cherry County. A CMV is defined as any vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 10,001 pounds, designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver, or transporting hazardous materials requiring placards. 49 CFR § 390.3 establishes that these rules protect everyone on Nebraska highways.
49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards
Trucking companies cannot allow unqualified drivers to operate vehicles in Cherry County. Under 49 CFR § 391.11, every driver must:
- Be at least 21 years old for interstate commerce
- Speak and read English sufficiently to understand road signs and communicate with law enforcement
- Hold a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) appropriate for the vehicle class
- Pass a medical examination every 24 months (or less if medical conditions exist)
The Driver Qualification File (DQ File):
Every motor carrier must maintain a DQ File for each driver containing employment applications, driving records, medical certificates, and drug test results. When we investigate your Cherry County trucking accident, we subpoena these files immediately. If the trucking company hired a driver with a history of accidents or medical conditions that should have disqualified them, that’s negligent hiring—and it makes the company liable for your damages.
49 CFR Part 392: Driving Rules
Section 392.3 prohibits drivers from operating CMVs while fatigued or impaired: “No driver shall operate a commercial motor vehicle… while the driver’s ability or alertness is so impaired, or so likely to become impaired, through fatigue, illness, or any other cause, as to make it unsafe for him/her to begin or continue to operate.”
This is critical on Cherry County’s rural highways, where driver fatigue causes trucks to drift across centerlines or miss stop signs at rural intersections. 49 CFR § 392.11 requires drivers to maintain safe following distances—when they tailgate on US-20 and cause rear-end collisions, they’ve violated federal law.
Cell Phone Restrictions:
Under 49 CFR § 392.80 and § 392.82, truck drivers cannot text or use hand-held mobile phones while driving. We subpoena cell phone records to prove distraction when investigating Cherry County accidents.
49 CFR Part 393: Vehicle Safety and Cargo Securement
This section governs the equipment on every truck. When a grain hauler’s load shifts on a curve near the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, causing a rollover, they likely violated 49 CFR § 393.100, which requires cargo to be contained and secured to prevent shifting. The regulation specifies that securement systems must withstand 0.8g deceleration forces.
Brake Requirements:
Section 393.40 mandates that all CMVs have adequate brake systems. We see too many Cherry County accidents caused by brake failures on long downgrades. When a truck enters Cherry County with faulty brakes, the driver and company violated federal safety standards.
49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS)
This is the most commonly violated regulation in rural trucking accidents. The rules are clear:
- 11-Hour Driving Limit: Cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off-duty
- 14-Hour Window: Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
- 30-Minute Break: Required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
- 70-Hour/8-Day Limit: Cannot drive after 70 hours on duty in 8 days, followed by a 34-hour restart
Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are federally mandated under 49 CFR § 395.8. These devices record driving time and cannot be altered by drivers. When we send our spoliation letter after your Cherry County accident, we demand immediate download of ELD data that shows whether the driver was operating illegally.
Why This Matters in Cherry County:
Long-haul drivers crossing Nebraska on US-20 often push past their limits to reach destinations. Driver fatigue causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. If the driver who hit you was on their 13th hour of driving, that’s not just tired driving—it’s a federal violation that proves negligence.
49 CFR Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance
Under 49 CFR § 396.3, motor carriers must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain their vehicles. Drivers must complete pre-trip inspections before every trip and post-trip inspections at day’s end.
When a tire blowout causes a truck to jackknife on NE-7, we examine maintenance records. If the trucking company deferred repairs to save money, we prove negligent maintenance under federal regulations.
Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Cherry County
Every truck accident is unique, but certain types dominate our rural highways. Understanding how these accidents happen—and which FMCSA violations cause them—strengthens your case.
Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes of traffic. On Cherry County’s two-lane highways, there’s nowhere for oncoming traffic to go.
Common Causes:
- Sudden braking on ice or wet pavement (violating 49 CFR § 392.6 regarding speed for conditions)
- Empty or lightly loaded trailers that lack traction
- Improper braking technique by inexperienced drivers
Evidence We Gather:
- ECM data showing brake application timing
- Weight tickets proving load distribution
- Weather reports from the Valentine area
Rollover Accidents
Given Cherry County’s agricultural economy, we see too many grain trucks roll over on curves. A fully loaded grain trailer has a high center of gravity and shifting load dynamics.
Common Causes:
- Taking curves too fast (violating 49 CFR § 392.6)
- Unsecured cargo shifting during turns (violating 49 CFR § 393.100 cargo securement rules)
- Overcorrection after tire failure
The Physics:
A truck traveling at 55 mph on a curved county road generates significant lateral forces. When the center of gravity shifts due to liquid surge or grain movement, the trailer rolls. These accidents often crush smaller vehicles or spill cargo across the roadway.
Underride Collisions
When a passenger vehicle strikes the rear or side of a trailer and slides underneath, the roof is often sheared off at windshield level. These are among the most fatal accidents on rural highways.
Federal Requirements:
49 CFR § 393.86 requires rear impact guards on trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998. However, many trailers lack side underride guards, and rear guards often fail in crashes. We inspect guard integrity and maintenance records to prove violations.
Rear-End Collisions
On US-20, trucks following too closely cannot stop in time when traffic slows for agricultural equipment or cattle drives crossing the highway.
The Stopping Distance Problem:
A loaded truck needs 525 feet to stop from 65 mph—40% more than a passenger car. When a trucker follows too closely behind you on the way to Valentine and traffic stops suddenly, physics guarantees a collision.
Regulatory Violations:
49 CFR § 392.11 prohibits following more closely than is “reasonable and prudent.” We use ECM data to prove the truck was following too closely or traveling too fast for conditions.
Cargo Spill Accidents
Cherry County sees heavy agricultural traffic. When a grain hauler takes a corner too fast near the Cherry County Fairgrounds and spills corn across the highway, secondary accidents often follow.
Securement Failures:
Under 49 CFR § 393.102, cargo securement systems must withstand specific force levels. If the load wasn’t properly secured with adequate tiedowns, the trucking company violated federal law and is liable for the crash.
Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)
Trucks making right turns onto rural roads often swing left first, creating a gap that smaller vehicles enter. When the truck completes its turn, it crushes the vehicle.
Driver Error:
Drivers must check mirrors and signal properly under 49 CFR § 392.11. Failure to do so constitutes negligence.
Tire Blowout Accidents
Heat buildup on long stretches of US-20, combined with underinflation or worn treads, causes catastrophic blowouts.
Maintenance Violations:
49 CFR § 393.75 specifies minimum tread depths and tire conditions. We examine maintenance logs to prove the trucking company knew tires were unsafe.
Brake Failure Accidents
Descending the hills into the Niobrara River valley with overheated or poorly maintained brakes leads to runaway trucks.
Federal Standards:
Brake violations account for 29% of trucking accidents. Under 49 CFR § 396.11, drivers must report defective brakes. If they ignored warning signs or the company deferred repairs, they’ve committed federal violations.
Head-On Collisions
Driver fatigue is the primary culprit here. A truck drifting across the centerline on NE-7 at 2 AM means someone violated 49 CFR § 395 (hours of service) or 392.3 (fatigued operation).
Winter Weather Accidents
Cherry County winters bring blizzards and black ice. Trucks must adjust speed for conditions under 49 CFR § 392.6. When a trucker drives 65 mph on ice because “the schedule demands it,” they’ve chosen profit over safety.
All Liable Parties in Your Cherry County Trucking Accident
Unlike car accidents where typically only one driver is at fault, 18-wheeler accidents often involve multiple responsible parties. We investigate every potential defendant because more defendants mean more insurance coverage—and better compensation for you.
1. The Truck Driver
The driver who caused your accident may be personally liable for:
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Distracted driving (cell phone use in violation of 49 CFR § 392.82)
- Fatigued driving beyond legal limits
- Impaired driving (CDL holders face stricter standards: 49 CFR § 392.5 prohibits alcohol use within 4 hours of duty)
- Failure to conduct required pre-trip inspections
2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)
The company employing the driver is often your primary recovery source. Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment.
Direct Negligence Claims:
- Negligent Hiring: Did they check the driver’s record? We subpoena Driver Qualification Files.
- Negligent Training: Did they teach proper cargo securement and winter driving?
- Negligent Supervision: Did they monitor ELD data for HOS violations?
- Negligent Maintenance: Did they maintain brakes and tires according to 49 CFR Part 396?
Insurance Implications:
Motor carriers must carry substantial insurance:
- $750,000 for non-hazardous freight
- $1,000,000 for oil and large equipment
- $5,000,000 for hazardous materials
These limits far exceed typical auto insurance, making trucking companies the deep pockets in your Cherry County case.
3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper
The rancher or farmer who loaded the cattle or grain may be liable if they:
- Required overweight loading
- Failed to disclose hazardous characteristics
- Provided improper loading instructions
- Pressured the driver to speed or skip rest breaks
4. The Loading Company
Third-party loaders at grain elevators or cattle facilities may improperly distribute weight or fail to secure cargo. Under 49 CFR § 393.100, whoever loaded the truck shares responsibility for securement.
5. Truck and Trailer Manufacturers
If a design defect or manufacturing error caused the accident—such as faulty brakes, defective steering, or inadequate underride protection—the manufacturer faces product liability claims.
6. Parts Manufacturers
Companies that produced defective tires, brake components, or lighting systems may be liable under product liability theories.
7. Maintenance Companies
Third-party mechanics who performed brake work or tire service may be liable for negligent repairs. We examine work orders and mechanic certifications.
8. Freight Brokers
Brokers who arrange transport but don’t own trucks may be liable for negligent carrier selection. If they hired a carrier with poor safety ratings to haul freight through Cherry County, they share the blame.
9. The Truck Owner (if different from Carrier)
In owner-operator arrangements, the individual owning the truck may be liable for negligent entrustment or maintenance failures.
10. Government Entities
The State of Nebraska or Cherry County may be liable for:
- Poor road design on US-20
- Inadequate signage on rural highways
- Failure to maintain roads during winter storms
- Improper work zone setup
Note: Government claims have special rules and shorter deadlines. In Nebraska, you generally have 4 years for personal injury claims, but government tort claims may have different notice requirements.
Nebraska Law and Your Cherry County Trucking Accident
Understanding Nebraska’s specific legal framework is crucial to protecting your rights after a trucking accident in Cherry County.
Statute of Limitations
In Nebraska, you have 4 years from the date of your trucking accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, the limit is 2 years from the date of death. While this seems like ample time, waiting is dangerous. Evidence disappears, witnesses move, and trucking companies destroy records. Contact Attorney911 immediately to preserve your evidence.
Comparative Negligence: The 50% Bar Rule
Nebraska follows a modified comparative negligence standard with a 50% bar. This means:
- You can recover damages if you are 49% or less at fault
- Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault (e.g., 20% fault = 80% of damages)
- If you are 50% or more at fault, you recover nothing
Insurance companies will try to shift blame to you, claiming you were speeding or failed to yield on a rural highway. We gather ECM data, ELD logs, and accident reconstruction evidence to prove the truck driver was primarily responsible.
Punitive Damages
Unlike some states that cap punitive damages, Nebraska allows punitive damages without statutory caps (though subject to constitutional due process limits). These damages punish trucking companies for gross negligence, such as:
- Knowingly hiring drivers with dangerous histories
- Systematically violating HOS regulations
- Falsifying logbooks or maintenance records
- Destroying evidence (spoliation)
When a Cherry County trucking company puts profits over human life, we pursue punitive damages to punish them and deter future misconduct.
Nebraska’s Rural Highway Challenges
Cherry County’s location in the Sand Hills creates unique hazards:
- US-20: Major east-west corridor carrying interstate freight
- NE-7: North-south route connecting to South Dakota
- Limited Services: Long stretches without truck stops or rest areas contribute to driver fatigue
- Weather Extremes: Winter blizzards and summer thunderstorms create sudden hazards
- Agricultural Traffic: Seasonal peaks during harvest when grain trucks crowd highways
Trucking companies know these hazards. When they send drivers through Cherry County without proper training or equipment for rural conditions, they act negligently.
The Evidence That Wins Cherry County Trucking Cases
Time is not on your side. Trucking companies deploy rapid-response teams within hours of an accident. Their lawyers and insurance adjusters are already building their defense while you’re still in the hospital in Valentine or being transported to Avera St. Anthony’s Hospital.
Critical Evidence That Disappears Fast
| Evidence Type | Destruction Timeline | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| ECM/Black Box Data | 30 days or less | Records speed, braking, throttle position—proves if driver was speeding or distracted |
| ELD Data | 6 months (overwritable) | Proves hours-of-service violations and fatigue |
| Dashcam Footage | 7-14 days | Shows driver behavior and road conditions |
| Surveillance Video | 7-30 days | Nearby businesses may have recorded the crash |
| Physical Evidence | Immediate risk | Trucks get repaired or sold; cargo gets moved |
| Driver Records | At risk immediately | Companies “lose” incriminating DQ files |
The Spoliation Letter: Your Evidence Shield
Within 24-48 hours of retaining Attorney911, we send a spoliation letter to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties. This formal legal notice demands preservation of all evidence and puts them on notice that destroying evidence will result in severe court sanctions.
What We Preserve:
- Complete ECM and ELD downloads
- Driver Qualification Files and employment records
- Maintenance and inspection logs under 49 CFR Part 396
- Cell phone records (proving distraction)
- Dispatch logs showing schedule pressure
- GPS and telematics data
- Dashcam and forward-facing camera footage
- Drug and alcohol test results
If the trucking company destroys evidence after receiving our letter, courts can instruct juries to assume the destroyed evidence was unfavorable to the trucking company—a devastating blow to their defense.
Why Black Box Data is Gold
The Electronic Control Module (ECM) records objective data that contradicts driver stories:
- Exact speed before braking
- When brakes were applied and with what force
- Whether cruise control was engaged
- Engine fault codes indicating mechanical issues
- Hard braking events and sudden decelerations
This data doesn’t lie. When a truck driver claims they “slowed down” for the curve near the Niobrara River, ECM data will show if they were actually doing 75 mph until the moment of impact.
Catastrophic Injuries: The Real Cost of Cherry County Trucking Accidents
The size disparity between a semi-truck and a passenger vehicle means that when accidents happen, the injuries are catastrophic. Our firm has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for clients suffering:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Settlement Range: $1,548,000 – $9,838,000+
The violent forces of a trucking accident cause the brain to impact the skull, resulting in concussions, contusions, or diffuse axonal injuries. Symptoms may include:
- Memory loss and cognitive impairment
- Personality changes and mood disorders
- Chronic headaches and dizziness
- Loss of executive function
TBI victims often cannot return to work and require lifelong care. We work with neurologists and vocational experts to calculate the full lifetime cost of care.
Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis
Settlement Range: $4,770,000 – $25,880,000+
When an 80,000-pound truck crushes a passenger vehicle, spinal cord damage often results in:
- Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist ($1.1M-$2.5M lifetime cost)
- Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs ($3.5M-$5M+ lifetime cost)
These cases require life care planners to project costs for wheelchairs, home modifications, and 24/7 attendant care.
Amputation
Settlement Range: $1,945,000 – $8,630,000
Crushing injuries from underride accidents or rollovers often require amputation of limbs. Costs include:
- Initial surgery and hospitalization
- Prosthetics ($5,000-$50,000+ each, requiring replacement every few years)
- Rehabilitation and occupational therapy
- Psychological counseling for body image trauma
Severe Burns
Fuel tank ruptures in Cherry County trucking accidents cause thermal burns requiring skin grafts, reconstruction, and treatment for infection. Burns covering significant body percentages have no set settlement range but often reach seven figures due to pain, disfigurement, and multiple surgeries.
Wrongful Death
Settlement Range: $1,910,000 – $9,520,000+
When a trucking accident kills a loved one on Cherry County highways, Nebraska law allows surviving family members to recover:
- Lost future income and benefits
- Loss of consortium (companionship, guidance, support)
- Mental anguish and grief
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical costs before death
Nebraska’s 2-year wrongful death statute means you must act quickly. We handle these cases with the compassion and urgency they deserve, while aggressively pursuing the trucking company for every penny.
As client Glenda Walker said after we resolved her case, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That’s our promise to every Cherry County family we represent.
The Attorney911 Advantage: Why Cherry County Victims Choose Us
When you’re facing a trucking company with millions in insurance and teams of lawyers, you need a firm with the resources and experience to fight back. Here’s why victims across Nebraska choose Attorney911:
Ralph Manginello: 25+ Years of Federal Court Experience
Since 1998, Ralph has taken on the largest trucking companies in America. His federal court admission to the Southern District of Texas means he can handle complex interstate trucking cases that involve federal regulations and multi-state jurisdiction. He’s not intimidated by corporate defense attorneys—he’s beaten them.
We vary how we introduce Ralph’s credentials because his experience matters in different ways depending on your case:
- “With 25+ years of experience fighting for injury victims…”
- “Ralph Manginello has represented trucking accident victims since 1998…”
- “Our managing partner, admitted to the Southern District of Texas…”
- “For over two decades, the Manginello Law Firm has made trucking companies pay…”
Lupe Peña: The Insurance Defense Insider
Here’s your unfair advantage: our associate attorney spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate claims, train adjusters to minimize payouts, and use software like Colossus to undervalue your suffering. Now he fights against those tactics.
When we say “Lupe knows the playbook,” we mean he wrote pages of it. He knows:
- When insurance companies are bluffing about “policy limits”
- How to defeat their “independent” medical examiners
- What settlement authority adjusters really have
- How to expose bad faith claim denials
Hablamos Español. For Spanish-speaking clients in Cherry County’s agricultural communities, Lupe provides direct representation without interpreters. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.
Proven Multi-Million Dollar Results
- $5+ Million for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by a falling log
- $3.8+ Million for a client who lost a limb after a car crash
- $2.5+ Million for a truck crash victim
- Currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston for hazing injuries—proving we have the resources to take on institutional defendants
- BP Texas City Explosion Litigation: We were one of the few Texas firms involved in the $2.1 billion disaster litigation, proving we can stand up to Fortune 500 companies
Three Offices, Local Presence
With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve trucking accident victims throughout Nebraska and beyond. We know the Cherry County courts, the Nebraska State Patrol procedures for trucking accidents, and the local medical providers who document your injuries.
Client Satisfaction: 4.9 Stars
With 251+ Google reviews averaging 4.9 stars, our clients consistently praise our personal attention. As Chad Harris said, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” Donald Wilcox put it simply: “One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello… I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.”
We take cases other firms reject. We fight for every dime you deserve.
Contingency Fee: No Fee Unless We Win
You pay nothing upfront. We advance all costs for investigations, experts, and court filings. Our fee is 33.33% pre-trial or 40% if we go to trial—standard contingency rates that ensure you keep the majority of your recovery.
What To Do After a Cherry County Trucking Accident
If you’ve been involved in an 18-wheeler accident on US-20, NE-7, or any Cherry County road, follow these steps to protect your health and legal rights:
Immediate Actions:
- Call 911 – Report the accident immediately. Ask for Nebraska State Patrol or county sheriff
- Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel fine, adrenaline masks pain. Internal injuries and TBI may not show symptoms for days
- Document Everything – Photograph all vehicles, damage, road conditions, and your injuries
- Get Information – Truck driver’s name, CDL number, trucking company name, DOT number, license plates
- Witnesses – Get names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the crash
- Do NOT Speak to Insurance – Do not give recorded statements to the trucking company’s insurer
- Preserve Evidence – The truck’s black box data and driver logs are critical—call us immediately
Within 48 Hours:
- Contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 or (888) 288-9911
- We will send spoliation letters to preserve ECM, ELD, and maintenance data
- We will begin gathering FMCSA violation evidence
- We will identify all liable parties and insurance coverage
In the Days Following:
- Follow all medical advice and keep appointments
- Keep a journal of your pain, limitations, and emotional state
- Do NOT post about the accident on social media
- Save all medical bills and receipts
- Let us handle all communications with insurance companies
Frequently Asked Questions: Cherry County Trucking Accidents
Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a trucking accident in Cherry County?
A: Nebraska law gives you 4 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, and 2 years for wrongful death claims. But waiting is dangerous—evidence disappears quickly. Call us immediately.
Q: Can I still recover if I was partially at fault for the accident?
A: Yes, under Nebraska’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can recover if you are 49% or less at fault. Your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you can still receive substantial compensation.
Q: Who can be held liable for my damages?
A: Multiple parties: the truck driver, trucking company, cargo owner, loading company, maintenance company, parts manufacturers, freight brokers, and potentially government entities responsible for road maintenance.
Q: How much is my Cherry County trucking accident case worth?
A: Value depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and available insurance. Trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million in coverage. We have recovered multi-million dollar settlements for catastrophic injuries.
Q: What if the trucking company offers me a quick settlement?
A: Do not accept. Quick offers are designed to pay you far less than your case is worth before you understand your full injuries. Once you accept, you cannot go back for more money. Let us evaluate the offer first.
Q: How do you prove the truck driver was fatigued?
A: We subpoena ELD data to show hours-of-service violations under 49 CFR Part 395. We also examine dispatch records showing schedule pressure and driver log history.
Q: Can I afford an attorney?
A: Yes. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. There are no upfront costs, and we advance all expenses.
Q: Do you handle cases in rural Cherry County if you’re based in Texas?
A: Yes. We handle 18-wheeler accidents throughout Nebraska. We offer remote consultations and travel to Cherry County for your case. Federal trucking regulations apply nationwide, and we have the resources to represent you wherever the accident occurred.
Q: What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?
A: Even if the driver is an owner-operator, the trucking company that contracted them may still be liable for negligent hiring or supervision. We investigate all contractual relationships.
Q: Are there damage caps in Nebraska?
A: No caps on compensatory damages. Punitive damages are available without statutory limits for gross negligence, such as when trucking companies knowingly violate safety regulations.
Q: What happens if the trucking company destroys evidence?
A: If they destroy evidence after we send a spoliation letter, courts can impose sanctions, instruct juries to assume the evidence was unfavorable, or even enter default judgment. That’s why we act fast.
Q: How long will my case take?
A: Simple cases may settle in 6-12 months. Complex trucking cases with catastrophic injuries often take 18-36 months due to the need for extensive expert analysis, but we work to resolve them as quickly as possible without sacrificing value.
Q: Can I get compensated for PTSD after a trucking accident?
A: Yes. Mental anguish, PTSD, anxiety, and depression are compensable damages. Document these symptoms with mental health professionals just as you would physical injuries.
Call Attorney911 Today: Your Cherry County 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys
The trucking company has lawyers working right now to minimize your claim. You need someone fighting just as hard for you. At Attorney911, we don’t just handle cases—we fight for families. We’ve recovered over $50 million for injury victims, and we bring 25+ years of experience to every Cherry County case we handle.
The clock started ticking the moment that truck hit you. Within 48 hours, critical evidence can be overwritten—and the trucking company knows it.
Don’t let them destroy your evidence. Don’t let them minimize your injuries. Don’t let them get away with putting a dangerous driver on our Cherry County roads.
Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 or (888) 288-9911.
We answer calls 24/7. We offer free consultations. And we don’t get paid unless you win.
As our client Ernest Cano said, “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.” That’s exactly what we’ll do for you.
Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.
Your fight is our fight. Let’s get started.
