Buffalo County 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney: Your Advocate After a Devastating Truck Crash
The impact changed everything. One moment you’re driving along I-80 through Buffalo County, Nebraska—perhaps heading toward Kearney or crossing the Platte River Valley—the next, an 80,000-pound semi-truck has turned your life upside down. If you’re reading this from a hospital bed in Kearney or recovering at home in Gibbon, Ravenna, or Shelton, you need to know that trucking companies move fast to protect their interests. They have teams of lawyers and insurance adjusters working right now to minimize what they owe you.
At Attorney911, we move faster. Ralph Manginello has spent over 25 years fighting for truck accident victims, and our firm’s managing partner brings something rare to Buffalo County cases: federal court experience in the Southern District of Texas and a track record of recovering multi-million dollar settlements—including over $5 million for a traumatic brain injury victim and $3.8 million for a client who suffered an amputation. We know the specific dangers that Nebraska highways present, from the high winds that blow across the prairie to the agricultural trucks hauling grain to the elevators.
And here’s what makes us different: our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, used to work for insurance companies. He defended them. Now he fights against them, bringing insider knowledge of exactly how they try to deny legitimate claims. That is your advantage when you call 1-888-ATTY-911.
Call us today at 1-888-288-9911. The consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless we win.
Why 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything in Buffalo County
Think an 18-wheeler is just a bigger version of a car? Think again. The physics are brutal and unforgiving. A fully loaded commercial truck weighs twenty times more than your passenger vehicle. When that truck is traveling at highway speeds through Buffalo County—whether on I-80 heading toward Grand Island or I-29 near the Kansas border—it carries eighty times the kinetic energy of a standard car.
Here’s what that means for you: when an 18-wheeler slams into a passenger vehicle on Nebraska’s highways, the results are catastrophic. The truck driver might walk away with minor injuries while you’re facing months of hospitalization, multiple surgeries, or the loss of a loved one. Client Glenda Walker put it best after we fought for her: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
In Buffalo County, we see specific patterns that make trucking accidents particularly dangerous:
The Rural Factor: Buffalo County’s vast agricultural landscape means long, straight stretches of highway where driver fatigue becomes deadly. Truckers pushing from Omaha to Denver on I-80 often violate federal Hours of Service regulations right here in Nebraska.
Weather Extremes: Prairie blizzards roll across Buffalo County with little warning. High winds—sometimes gusting to 60+ mph—can blow an empty trailer into your lane in an instant. Black ice on I-80 during Nebraska winters has caused pile-ups that shut down the interstate for miles.
Agricultural Traffic: During harvest season, farm trucks, grain haulers, and combines share the road with interstate commerce. The mix of slow-moving agricultural equipment and fast-moving freight trucks creates deadly scenarios, especially on County Road 10 or Highway 30.
The Specific Dangers on Buffalo County Roads
Nebraska’s highway system serves as the backbone of American commerce. Interstate 80—the nation’s primary east-west corridor—runs directly through Buffalo County, carrying everything from California produce to New York manufactured goods. Interstate 29 connects the agricultural heartland to points north and south. But this heavy traffic creates specific dangers for local residents.
The Buffalo County Corridors Where Truck Accidents Happen
I-80 Through Kearney: The stretch near the Great Platte River Road Archway and the Kearney exit sees massive truck congestion. Drivers coming off long hauls from Cheyenne or Salt Lake City often exceed the 11-hour federal driving limit by the time they reach Buffalo County.
Highway 30 (Lincoln Highway): This historic route parallels I-80 but sees significant truck traffic avoiding tolls or looking for shorter routes to local grain elevators. The intersection near the BNSF rail yards creates blind spots where wide-turn accidents happen frequently.
County Roads and Rural Routes: In the areas surrounding Shelton and Gibbon, narrow county roads force large trucks to take up both lanes during turns. When these trucks meet passenger vehicles at uncontrolled intersections, the results are devastating.
Weather-Related Trucking Hazards Unique to Buffalo County
Nebraska’s weather isn’t just inconvenient—it’s deadly for trucking. We know these conditions because we’ve represented Buffalo County victims who were caught in them:
Sudden Blizzards: January and February bring whiteout conditions to Buffalo County without warning. Truck drivers unfamiliar with prairie weather often misjudge stopping distances on I-80, leading to multi-vehicle pileups.
High Wind Advisories: The flat terrain of central Nebraska offers no protection from prevailing winds. Empty trailers—common after drops in Kearney or Grand Island—act like sails. We’ve handled cases where trucks were blown into oncoming traffic on Highway 44.
Flash Flooding: Summer thunderstorms can dump inches of rain in minutes, causing hydroplaning on I-29 near the Platte River crossings.
Federal Regulations That Protect Buffalo County Victims
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations exist to prevent exactly the kinds of tragedies we see in Buffalo County. When trucking companies violate these rules, they create the conditions for catastrophic accidents. Here are the specific regulations that apply to crashes in our area:
Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395)
Federal law limits truck drivers to:
- 11 hours of driving time after 10 consecutive hours off duty
- 14 hours maximum on-duty time per day
- 30-minute break required after 8 cumulative driving hours
- 60/70 hour weekly limits before a 34-hour reset
In Buffalo County, we often find drivers violating these rules. A trucker hauling grain from Lincoln to North Platte might log 14 hours straight, then pick up a load of cattle in Gibbon without adequate rest. This fatigue causes the delayed reaction times that lead to rear-end collisions on I-80.
Driver Qualification Standards (49 CFR Part 391)
Before a truck driver can legally sit behind the wheel in Nebraska, they must have:
- A valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
- A current Medical Examiner’s Certificate (maximum 2 years)
- A clean driving record (verified through previous employers)
- Proper training documentation
We subpoena Driver Qualification Files in every Buffalo County case. If the trucking company hired a driver with a history of failed drug tests or previous accidents, they committed negligent hiring—and they’re liable for your injuries under Nebraska law.
Vehicle Safety and Cargo Securement (49 CFR Parts 393 & 396)
Federal law requires:
- Proper brake adjustment and maintenance
- Tire tread depth of at least 4/32″ on steer tires
- Cargo securedment capable of withstanding 0.8g deceleration forward and 0.5g laterally
- Annual inspections for all commercial vehicles
When a truck’s brakes fail on the descent into the Platte River Valley or a grain trailer spills its load on Highway 10, we investigate whether the company violated these maintenance requirements. Maintenance records must be retained for one year—evidence we demand immediately.
Drug and Alcohol Testing (49 CFR Part 382)
Trucking companies must conduct:
- Pre-employment drug screening
- Random testing throughout employment
- Post-accident testing within 32 hours
If we find the Buffalo County truck driver tested positive for amphetamines, opioids, or had a blood alcohol content above 0.04%, that is automatic liability under federal law.
The Ten Parties Who May Owe You Money
Most law firms only look at the driver and the trucking company. We dig deeper. In a Buffalo County 18-wheeler accident, up to ten different parties may share liability:
1. The Truck Driver: Direct negligence for speeding, distraction, fatigue, or impairment.
2. The Trucking Company: Under Nebraska’s respondeat superior doctrine, employers are liable for their employees’ negligent acts. Plus, we look for negligent hiring: did they check the driver’s background? Negligent training: did they teach proper cargo securement for Nebraska’s high winds? Negligent supervision: did they monitor Hours of Service compliance?
3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper: If you’re hit by a truck hauling grain from a local Buffalo County elevator, that elevator may be liable for demanding an overloaded truck or creating unrealistic delivery deadlines that forced the driver to violate HOS rules.
4. The Loading Company: Third-party loaders who failed to secure cargo properly. We’ve seen cases where shifting grain caused rollovers on the curves near Fort Kearny State Historical Park.
5. The Truck Manufacturer: Defective brakes, faulty steering, or inadequate underride guards.
6. Parts Manufacturers: Defective tires that blowout on hot Nebraska pavement or brake components that fail under heavy loads.
7. The Maintenance Company: Third-party mechanics who performed negligent repairs. Did they actually inspect the brakes, or just check the box?
8. The Freight Broker: The dispatcher who arranged the shipment may be liable if they selected a carrier with a poor safety record or inadequate insurance.
9. The Truck Owner: In owner-operator arrangements, the individual truck owner may have separate liability for maintenance failures.
10. Government Entities: If the Nebraska Department of Transportation knew about a dangerous intersection or failed to maintain I-80 signage during construction, they may share responsibility. Note: Nebraska has specific notice requirements for claims against government entities—shorter deadlines apply.
Evidence Disappears Fast: The 48-Hour Rule
If you’ve been injured in a Buffalo County trucking accident, the clock started ticking the moment the impact occurred. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams—sometimes arriving at the scene before the Nebraska State Patrol finishes their investigation. Their job is to protect the company, not you.
Critical evidence that disappears:
- ECM/Black Box Data: Records speed, braking, and throttle before impact. Overwrites in 30 days or with new driving events.
- ELD Data: Electronic logs proving Hours of Service violations. Required retention is only 6 months under 49 CFR § 395.
- Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days.
- Physical Evidence: The truck gets repaired and put back into service.
- Witness Statements: Memories fade; the independent witness who saw the crash on I-80 near the Archway needs to be interviewed now.
What we do immediately:
When you call 888-ATTY-911, we send preservation letters (spoliation letters) within 24 hours to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties. This puts them on notice: destroy evidence, and face sanctions from the Nebraska courts.
Lupe Peña, our associate attorney who used to defend insurance companies, knows exactly what evidence adjusters try to hide. He uses that insider knowledge to ensure we get every record, every log, and every piece of electronic data that proves negligence.
Common 18-Wheeler Accident Types in Buffalo County
We’ve represented victims of every type of truck accident imaginable in Buffalo County. Here are the crashes we see most often:
Jackknife Accidents
When a truck driver hits their brakes too hard on I-80 or encounters ice near the Platte River, the trailer swings perpendicular to the cab. The 53-foot trailer blocks multiple lanes, creating an unavoidable obstacle for passenger vehicles. These accidents often involve 49 CFR § 393.48 brake violations or improper braking technique.
Rear-End Collisions
A fully loaded truck needs nearly two football fields to stop from highway speed. When a distracted or fatigued driver follows too closely on I-29 through Buffalo County, they cannot stop in time for traffic backed up at the Kearney exits. These cases often involve 49 CFR § 392.11 violations (following too closely) and Hours of Service breaches.
Underride Accidents
When a passenger vehicle crashes into the rear or side of a trailer and slides underneath, the roof of the car is often sheared off. Federal law (49 CFR § 393.86) requires rear impact guards, but many trucks have inadequate guards or none at all. Side underride—where a car hits the side of the trailer—has no federal guard requirement but is equally deadly.
Rollover Accidents
Buffalo County’s agricultural economy means tanker trucks hauling liquid cargo. The “slosh” of liquid in partially filled tanks raises the center of gravity. Combined with high winds on Highway 30 or sudden maneuvers on County Road 10, these trucks roll, crushing anything in their path. Violations of 49 CFR § 393.100 (cargo securement) are common.
Tire Blowouts
Nebraska’s temperature swings—freezing winters to 100-degree summers—destroy truck tires. When a steer tire blows at 75 mph on I-80, the driver loses control instantly. We investigate whether the trucking company violated 49 CFR § 396 by deferring tire maintenance to save money.
Cargo Shifts and Spills
During harvest season, trucks hauling grain from Buffalo County fields to elevators sometimes overload or fail to secure tarps. When grain spills across I-80, it creates multiple secondary accidents. We pursue claims against the loading facility under 49 CFR § 393.100-136.
Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)
Trucks making deliveries to businesses on Main Street in Kearney or warehouses near the railyard must swing left before turning right. Passenger vehicles in the right-side blind spot get crushed. These involve violations of 49 CFR § 380.80 (mirror requirements) and improper turn signals.
Catastrophic Injuries and Your Future
The injuries from 18-wheeler accidents aren’t minor bumps and bruises. Because of the massive weight disparity, victims often face:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Even with a seatbelt, the violent forces of a truck collision cause the brain to impact the skull. Moderate to severe TBIs can require lifetime care costing millions. Our firm has recovered between $1.54 million and $9.83 million for TBI victims.
Spinal Cord Injury: Paralysis from spinal damage is devastating. Victims face wheelchairs, home modifications, and loss of independence. These cases often settle in the $4.7 million to $25.8 million range.
Amputations: When a truck crushes a vehicle, limbs may be severed at the scene or require surgical amputation later. Our client who lost a leg after medical complications from a car accident (later amended to include the trucking negligence) recovered $3.8 million, while other amputation cases have ranged from $1.9 million to $8.6 million.
Wrongful Death: When a Buffalo County family loses a parent, spouse, or child to a trucking accident, no amount of money can replace them. But financial security allows families to grieve without facing bankruptcy. We’ve secured wrongful death recoveries between $1.9 million and $9.5 million, including cases against Fortune 500 companies like Walmart and Amazon drivers.
Nebraska Law and Your Rights
Buffalo County residents need to understand three critical Nebraska legal standards:
The Statute of Limitations: Four Years (Not Two)
Unlike neighboring states that give you only two years, Nebraska provides four years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-207). For wrongful death, the limit is typically two years from the date of death.
However, waiting is dangerous. Evidence disappears within weeks. Witnesses move away from Kearney or Gibbon. We recommend contacting an attorney immediately—within days, not years.
Modified Comparative Negligence: The 50% Bar
Nebraska follows a “50% bar” rule for comparative fault (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-21,185.09). If you are found to be 50% or more at fault for the accident, you recover nothing. If you are 49% or less at fault, your recovery is reduced by that percentage.
Insurance companies will try to blame you—claiming you were speeding, changed lanes improperly, or failed to see the truck. We fight these allegations with ECM data, witness statements, and accident reconstruction.
No Damage Caps (With Exceptions)
Nebraska does not cap compensatory damages (medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering) in trucking accident cases. This means the full extent of your damages is recoverable. However, punitive damages are limited and rarely awarded in Nebraska, requiring “willful and wanton” conduct by the defendant.
Insurance Coverage: What’s Available?
Federal law requires trucking companies to carry substantial insurance:
- $750,000 for non-hazardous freight (most common)
- $1,000,000 for oil, petroleum, or large equipment
- $5,000,000 for hazardous materials
In Buffalo County, where agricultural chemicals and fuel transport are common, these higher limits often apply. But getting access to that money requires knowing how to navigate commercial insurance policies—something Lupe Peña mastered while working defense-side for years.
We also investigate whether ** MCS-90 endorsements** apply, which guarantee payment to accident victims even when the policy has technical loopholes that insurers try to exploit.
What to Do If You’ve Been Hit by a Truck in Buffalo County
Immediate Steps:
- Call 911: Get medical help and a police report from the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Department or Nebraska State Patrol.
- Document Everything: Photograph the truck’s DOT number (usually on the door), license plates, damage to all vehicles, and the scene. Get contact information from witnesses.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel “okay,” see a doctor at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney or another local facility. Adrenaline masks injuries.
- Do Not Speak to the Trucking Company’s Insurance: They will ask for a recorded statement and try to get you to accept a lowball offer. Refer them to your attorney.
- Call Attorney911: Reach us at (888) 288-9911 or 1-888-ATTY-911. We answer 24/7.
What We Handle:
- Free consultation to evaluate your case
- Immediate evidence preservation (spoliation letters)
- Investigation of all liable parties
- Coordination with medical providers (we can help you get treatment on a lien basis if you lack insurance)
- Negotiation with insurance companies
- Litigation if necessary (Ralph Manginello is admitted to federal court and ready to take your case to trial)
Frequently Asked Questions: Buffalo County Truck Accidents
How long do I have to sue after a truck accident in Buffalo County?
You have four years under Nebraska law, but don’t wait. Critical evidence like black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Call us immediately to preserve your claim.
What if the truck driver was from out of state?
This is common on I-80 and I-29. We can pursue the driver, the trucking company (which may be based in Texas, California, or elsewhere), and their insurance carriers. Ralph Manginello’s federal court admission allows us to handle interstate cases seamlessly.
How much is my case worth?
It depends on the severity of your injuries, the amount of insurance coverage, and the degree of negligence. We’ve recovered millions for Buffalo County-area clients, but every case is unique. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your specific situation.
What if I was partially at fault?
Under Nebraska’s comparative negligence law, you can recover damages as long as you were less than 50% at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of blame. Even if you were speeding or failed to signal, you may still have a substantial claim.
Do I need a lawyer if the insurance company already offered me a settlement?
Almost certainly yes. Insurance companies offer quick settlements to close claims cheaply before you know the full extent of your injuries. Client Donald Wilcox had one firm decline his case entirely—then we took it and secured a handsome settlement. Never accept an offer without consulting an attorney.
Can I afford an attorney?
Yes. We work on contingency—you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win. We advance all costs of litigation. You can reach us at 888-288-9911 for a free case evaluation.
What if I don’t speak English fluently?
Hablamos Español. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratuita.
Will my case go to trial?
Most settle, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Why? Because insurance companies pay more when they know the lawyer is willing to go to court. With 25+ years of courtroom experience and millions recovered, we have the reputation that forces fair settlements.
Why Buffalo County Chooses Attorney911
When you’re facing the aftermath of an 18-wheeler crash, you need more than just any lawyer. You need a team that understands the unique challenges of Buffalo County—the specific highways, the agricultural traffic patterns, the local medical facilities, and the Nebraska court system.
Ralph Manginello has spent over two decades building a reputation as a fighter. He’s gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 companies like BP in the Texas City refinery explosion case ($2.1 billion in total industry settlements). He knows how to handle the complex federal regulations that govern interstate trucking.
Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows the playbook they use against you. We have three offices in Texas (Houston, Austin, Beaumont), but we handle trucking cases nationwide, including right here in Buffalo County. We offer fluent Spanish services through Lupe Peña. And we have the results to prove we fight for every dime—because as Glenda Walker said, that’s what family does.
You are not just a case number to us. You’re family. We answer calls 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911. We advance all costs. And we don’t get paid unless you do.
Call 1-888-288-9911 today. The trucking company is already building their defense. Let us start building yours.
