18-Wheeler Accident Attorney in Cheyenne County, Nebraska

The I-80 corridor cuts through Cheyenne County like a steel artery, carrying 80,000-pound rigs past Sidney and through the Nebraska Panhandle around the clock. When one of those trucks crosses the centerline on a windswept stretch near Potter or loses control on black ice outside Dalton, the physics are brutal. Your sedan weighs 4,000 pounds. The truck that hit you? Up to 80,000 pounds. That’s not a collision—it’s a catastrophe.

Every year, thousands of commercial trucks traverse Cheyenne County’s stretch of the nation’s primary transcontinental freight route. Most drivers are professionals who follow the rules. But when a trucking company cuts corners on maintenance, pressures a driver to exceed federal hours-of-service limits, or loads cargo improperly at one of our local agricultural facilities, innocent people pay the price. If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident anywhere in Cheyenne County—from Sidney to Gurley, Lodgepole to Dalton—you need an attorney who understands the difference between a standard car crash and the complex, high-stakes litigation these cases demand.

We’ve been fighting for trucking accident victims across Nebraska and beyond for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts against some of the largest trucking companies in America. And here’s what gives our Cheyenne County clients a real advantage: our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working inside the insurance industry defending these same trucking companies. He knows their playbook—their delay tactics, their lowball strategies, and exactly how they evaluate claims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you. When the trucking company sends their lawyers to Cheyenne County, you need someone who speaks their language and knows where to find the evidence that proves negligence.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) today for a free consultation. We’ll answer immediately—because evidence in trucking cases doesn’t wait, and neither should you.

Why Cheyenne County 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different

Cheyenne County isn’t like other trucking corridors. We’re 1,600 miles from the nearest port, but we’re ground zero for some of the most dangerous long-haul trucking in America. Interstate 80 runs straight through our county, carrying freight from New York to San Francisco. The stretches between Sidney and the Colorado border are isolated, windswept, and prone to sudden weather changes that test even experienced drivers.

The agricultural economy of Cheyenne County also creates unique risks. During harvest season, our rural roads see increased traffic from grain haulers and livestock trucks connecting to I-80. These vehicles often share routes with transcontinental traffic that may be fatigued from thousands of miles of driving. When a local farmer’s truck pulls onto US-385 or a cattle hauler merges onto the interstate near the Sidney exit, the potential for catastrophic accidents multiplies.

But the biggest difference isn’t geography—it’s the complexity of the legal case. Unlike a simple car accident where you exchange insurance cards and file a police report, 18-wheeler accidents involve federal regulations, multiple liable parties, electronic evidence that disappears in days, and insurance policies worth 20 times what covers a passenger vehicle. The trucking company that hit you has already deployed their rapid-response team to Cheyenne County. Their lawyers are already working to protect their interests. Who’s protecting yours?

Ralph Manginello: 25 Years Fighting for Trucking Accident Victims

Ralph Manginello didn’t become one of the most respected trucking accident attorneys in America by accident. Since 1998, he’s been holding commercial carriers accountable for the devastation their negligence causes. He’s admitted to practice in federal court—critical for interstate trucking cases that cross state lines—and he’s litigated against Fortune 500 corporations including BP in the Texas City Refinery explosion litigation that killed 15 workers and injured 170 more.

Our firm’s track record includes multi-million dollar recoveries for catastrophic injuries: over $5 million for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by falling equipment, $3.8 million for a client who suffered a partial leg amputation after a car accident led to medical complications, and $2.5 million for commercial truck crash victims. We’ve taken on Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, UPS, Coca-Cola, and countless regional carriers who thought they could push injured victims around.

As client Chad Harris told us after his case settled, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” That family approach matters when you’re recovering from trauma. And when it comes to results, Glenda Walker put it simply: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

We handle cases throughout Cheyenne County, including Sidney, Potter, Dalton, Gurley, and Lodgepole. Whether your accident occurred on I-80, US-30, or US-385, we know the local roads, the Nebraska courts that serve Cheyenne County, and the specific challenges of litigating in the Nebraska Panhandle.

The Lupe Peña Advantage: Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Your Side

Here’s a secret trucking companies don’t want you to know: they know which personal injury attorneys actually try cases and which ones simply take the first settlement offer. When you hire Attorney911, you get something rare—Lupe Peña, an associate attorney who used to work for the insurance companies he’s now fighting against.

Lupe spent years at a national defense firm representing trucking companies and their insurers. He sat in the meetings where adjusters evaluated your claim. He learned their Colossus software algorithms that try to minimize your pain and suffering. He knows exactly how they train adjusters to ask leading questions when they call you “just to check in” after the accident.

Now he uses that insider knowledge for Cheyenne County victims. When the trucking company’s insurer tries to claim your injuries were pre-existing or that you were partially at fault under Nebraska’s comparative negligence rules, Lupe recognizes the playbook immediately. He knows when they’re bluffing about settlement authority and when they know they’re liable. That experience translates directly into higher settlements for our clients.

And for our Spanish-speaking neighbors in Cheyenne County—whether you’re a dairy worker, agricultural laborer, or truck driver yourself—Lupe is fluent. No interpreters. No misunderstandings. Just direct representation in your language. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Nebraska Law: Your Rights as a Cheyenne County Trucking Accident Victim

Understanding Nebraska’s specific legal framework is crucial for maximizing your recovery. Unlike some states that give you only one or two years, Nebraska provides a 4-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from trucking accidents. However, if you’ve lost a loved one in a fatal crash, the wrongful death statute of limitations is 2 years from the date of death.

Don’t let these timelines create a false sense of security. While four years sounds like plenty of time, critical evidence in trucking cases—black box data, driver logs, maintenance records—can be legally destroyed in months or even weeks if you don’t act to preserve it. We recommend contacting an attorney within days of your Cheyenne County accident, not years.

Comparative Negligence in Nebraska

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

• If you’re found less than 50% at fault, you recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault
• If you’re found 50% or more at fault, you recover nothing

Trucking companies and their insurers love to exploit this rule. They’ll try to shift blame to you—the Cheyenne County driver—claiming you were speeding on I-80, distracted, or failed to account for weather conditions. An experienced attorney knows how to gather the ECM data, ELD logs, and witness testimony that proves the truck driver or company was primarily responsible.

No Caps on Damages

Unlike some states that limit what juries can award, Nebraska imposes no statutory cap on compensatory damages in personal injury cases. For punitive damages—awarded when a trucking company acts with gross negligence or intentional disregard for safety—Nebraska allows full recovery without arbitrary limits. When a carrier knowingly puts a dangerous driver on I-80 or falsifies maintenance records to save money, they can be punished severely.

The Physics of Devastation: Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Cause Catastrophic Injuries

An 80,000-pound truck traveling at 65 miles per hour carries roughly 80 times the kinetic energy of a passenger car. When that energy transfers to your vehicle in a Cheyenne County crash, the results are predictable and devastating.

Stopping Distances: A fully loaded 18-wheeler needs approximately 525 feet to stop from highway speed—that’s nearly two football fields. On an icy stretch of I-80 near Sidney during a Nebraska blizzard, that distance can double. Meanwhile, your car needs about 300 feet. That 40% longer stopping distance explains why truck rear-end collisions are so common and so deadly.

Weight Disparity: The average Cheyenne County commuter vehicle weighs 3,500 to 4,000 pounds. The truck that hit you could weigh 20 to 25 times that amount. In a side-impact collision or override accident, the truck’s bumper may strike your windshield. In underride crashes, your car slides beneath the trailer, shearing off the passenger compartment.

Cargo Hazards: Nebraska’s agricultural economy means Cheyenne County roads see trucks hauling everything from flammable anhydrous ammonia to livestock. A cargo spill on I-80 can create multi-car pileups. Shifting loads on curves near the Wildcat Hills can cause rollovers that block all lanes for hours.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Cheyenne County

Cheyenne County’s unique geography—flat plains, sudden elevation changes in the Wildcat Hills, and extreme weather—creates specific accident risks. Here are the accident types we see most often in our area:

Jackknife Accidents

When a truck driver brakes too hard on a slick stretch of I-80 or hits black ice near the Lodgepole exit, the trailer can swing perpendicular to the cab, creating a deadly barrier across all lanes. Jackknifes often involve 49 CFR § 393.48 (brake system violations) or 49 CFR § 392.6 (speeding for conditions). These accidents frequently cause multi-vehicle pileups as secondary crashes occur in the blocked lanes.

In Cheyenne County’s winter months, when sudden blizzards reduce visibility to near zero on the Panhandle’s open stretches, jackknife accidents spike. The driver may have been pushed beyond safe driving hours trying to make delivery deadlines—a violation of 49 CFR Part 395 (Hours of Service).

Rollover Accidents

The transition zones near the Wildcat Hills and curves on rural routes like US-385 create rollover risks, especially for top-heavy grain haulers and livestock trucks common in Cheyenne County. Improperly secured cargo (49 CFR § 393.100-136) causes the center of gravity to shift during turns. Driver fatigue also plays a major role as long-haul drivers cross the Nebraska Panhandle on monotonous stretches of I-80.

Rollovers are particularly dangerous because the truck may slide into oncoming traffic or crush vehicles in adjacent lanes. We’ve seen cases where a rollover on a windy Cheyenne County afternoon caused the cargo—whether grain, machinery, or chemicals—to spill across the roadway, creating secondary accidents.

Underride Collisions

Nebraska ranks among the states with the highest rates of underride fatalities—accidents where a passenger vehicle slides beneath the trailer from the rear or side. Rear underride guards are required under 49 CFR § 393.86, but many are inadequately maintained or designed for crashes at only 30 mph. Side underride guards aren’t federally mandated at all, though they’re proven lifesavers.

When a truck makes a wide right turn onto a rural Cheyenne County road or merges onto I-80 without checking blind spots, passenger vehicles can become trapped underneath. These accidents are almost always fatal or cause traumatic brain injuries and decapitation.

Rear-End Collisions

Following-too-closely violations (49 CFR § 392.11) are common when fatigued drivers fail to account for their 525-foot stopping distance. On I-80 through Cheyenne County, where traffic may slow unexpectedly for weather, construction, or agricultural equipment crossing, a distracted or tired truck driver can slam into stopped vehicles at highway speed.

These accidents often cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and fatalities. The trucking company will claim the Cheyenne County driver stopped suddenly, but ECM data can prove the trucker was following too closely or distracted by a cell phone (49 CFR § 392.82).

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Trucks turning right from Sidney’s Main Street onto US-30 or navigating tight corners in downtown Gurley often swing wide to the left first. Unsuspecting drivers may try to pass on the right, getting caught between the truck and curb. These accidents involve 49 CFR § 392.2 (failure to obey traffic signals) and improper turn signals.

Blind Spot Accidents (No-Zones)

18-wheelers have massive blind spots—20 feet in front, 30 feet behind, and entire lanes to the sides. When a truck changes lanes on I-80 near the Sidney interchange or merges from on-ramps without checking mirrors, they can sideswipe or crush vehicles in their “No-Zones.”

49 CFR § 393.80 requires proper mirrors, but many drivers fail to adjust them or check blind spots before maneuvering. This is particularly dangerous in Cheyenne County where high winds require drivers to make sudden steering corrections that can drift them into adjacent lanes.

Tire Blowouts

Nebraska’s temperature swings—from summer heat to winter cold—cause tire pressure fluctuations. Improperly maintained tires (49 CFR § 393.75) can blow out suddenly, especially on the long, straight stretches of I-80 where heat builds up. A steer tire blowout can cause immediate loss of control, while “road gators” (shredded tire debris) create hazards for following vehicles.

We investigate tire maintenance records, including pre-trip inspection reports required under 49 CFR § 396.13, to prove the trucking company knew or should have known about unsafe tires.

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake problems contribute to approximately 29% of large truck crashes. The steep grades entering the Wildcat Hills area, though not as severe as mountain passes, can overheat brakes if they’re poorly maintained. 49 CFR § 393.40-55 mandates brake system requirements, but trucking companies often defer maintenance to save costs.

When a truck can’t stop approaching the US-385 junction or entering Sidney, 49 CFR § 396.3 (systematic maintenance requirements) violations are often to blame. We subpoena maintenance records going back months to prove a pattern of neglect.

Cargo Spill and Shift Accidents

Cheyenne County’s agricultural industry means trucks carrying grain, hay, or livestock traverse our roads daily. Improperly secured loads (49 CFR § 393.100) can shift during transit, causing rollovers or spilled cargo that creates secondary accidents. Hazardous materials, including anhydrous ammonia used in farming, create additional poisoning and explosion risks under 49 CFR Part 397.

Head-On Collisions

When a fatigued long-haul driver drifts across the median on I-80 or attempts to pass on two-lane roads like NE-19, the closing speed of a head-on collision with a truck is catastrophic. These accidents often involve 49 CFR § 395 Hours of Service violations, with drivers having been awake for 18+ hours.

FMCSA Regulations: The Rules Trucking Companies Break

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates every commercial truck on Cheyenne County roads. When trucking companies violate these federal rules, they create the dangerous conditions that cause accidents. Here are the critical regulations we investigate in every case:

49 CFR Part 391 – Driver Qualification Standards

Before a driver can legally operate an 18-wheeler, they must meet strict qualification standards:

• Minimum 21 years old for interstate commerce
• Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Medical certification (maximum 2 years)
• Clean driving record verified through previous employer checks
• Successful road test or equivalent

Trucking companies must maintain a Driver Qualification (DQ) File containing these documents. When they hire unqualified drivers—those with suspended licenses, medical conditions, or histories of drug violations—they violate 49 CFR § 391.11 and become liable for negligent hiring.

49 CFR Part 392 – Driving of Commercial Motor Vehicles

This section contains the “rules of the road” for truckers, including:

• § 392.3: No driving while fatigued or impaired
• § 392.4/5: Prohibition on drugs and alcohol (4-hour alcohol rule, .04 BAC limit)
• § 392.6: Speeding for conditions (critical on I-80 during Nebraska winters)
• § 392.11: Following too closely
• § 392.80/82: No texting or hand-held cell phone use while driving

49 CFR Part 393 – Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation

Technical requirements for vehicle safety:

• § 393.40-55: Brake systems must meet specific performance standards
• § 393.75: Tire tread depth minimums (4/32″ steer tires, 2/32″ others)
• § 393.80: Mirror requirements
• § 393.86: Rear impact guards (underride protection)
• § 393.100-136: Cargo securement rules requiring tiedowns to withstand 0.8g forward deceleration

49 CFR Part 395 – Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations

These are the most commonly violated regulations:

• 11-hour driving limit after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-hour duty window—cannot drive beyond the 14th hour on duty
• 30-minute break required after 8 cumulative hours driving
• 60/70-hour weekly limits requiring 34-hour restart
• Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate since December 2017

Fatigue is a factor in 31% of fatal truck crashes. We subpoena ELD data to prove violations.

49 CFR Part 396 – Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance

Requires:

• Pre-trip inspections (§ 396.13)
• Post-trip written reports noting defects (§ 396.11)
• Annual comprehensive inspections (§ 396.17)
• Systematic maintenance records kept for 14 months (§ 396.3)

All Liable Parties in Your Cheyenne County Trucking Case

Unlike car accidents with one insurance policy, 18-wheeler accidents often involve multiple liable parties with separate insurance coverage. We investigate and pursue claims against all of them:

1. The Truck Driver: For negligence, distraction, fatigue, or impairment
2. The Trucking Company/Motor Carrier: Under respondeat superior and for negligent hiring, training, supervision, and maintenance
3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper: For improper loading instructions or overweight requirements
4. The Loading Company: For violating 49 CFR § 393 cargo securement rules
5. Truck/Trailer Manufacturer: For design defects in brakes, stability systems, or underride guards
6. Parts Manufacturers: For defective tires, brakes, or steering components
7. Maintenance Companies: For negligent repairs or returning unsafe vehicles to service
8. Freight Brokers: For negligently selecting carriers with poor safety records
9. Truck Owner (if different from operator): For negligent entrustment
10. Government Entities: For dangerous road design or failure to maintain safe highways (sovereign immunity may apply)

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

Critical Warning: Evidence in 18-wheeler accidents disappears fast. The trucking company that hit you has already contacted their lawyers. Their rapid-response team may already be in Cheyenne County photographing the scene and interviewing witnesses. Meanwhile, black box data can be overwritten in 30 days, dashcam footage deleted in 7 days, and driver logs legally destroyed after 6 months under FMCSA record retention rules.

When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, we immediately send spoliation letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties. These letters put them on legal notice that they must preserve:

• ECM/Black Box Data: Speed, braking, throttle position, fault codes
• ELD Records: GPS tracking, hours of service violations, route history
• Driver Qualification Files: Background checks, medical certification, previous violations
• Maintenance Records: Brake inspections, tire logs, repair history
• Cell Phone Records: Proving distraction at time of crash
• Dispatch Communications: Evidence of schedule pressure
• Surveillance Footage: From nearby businesses along I-80 or in Sidney

If they destroy evidence after receiving our letter, courts can impose adverse inference instructions (telling the jury the destroyed evidence was unfavorable to them), monetary sanctions, or even default judgment.

Catastrophic Injuries: When Trucks Change Lives Forever

The compensation you recover depends on the severity of your injuries. In Cheyenne County trucking accidents, we commonly see:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

From mild concussions to severe diffuse axonal injuries, TBI affects cognition, memory, personality, and independence. Lifetime care costs range from $85,000 to $3 million+. Our firm has recovered $1.5 million to $9.8 million for TBI victims.

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

Quadriplegia and paraplegia require lifetime care costing $3.5 million to $5 million+. We’ve secured $4.7 million to $25.8 million for spinal injury victims to cover wheelchairs, home modifications, and lost earning capacity.

Amputation

Whether traumatic (at the scene) or surgical (due to crush injuries), amputation costs include prosthetics ($5,000-$50,000+ each, requiring replacement every few years), rehabilitation, and phantom pain treatment. Our amputation cases have recovered $1.9 million to $8.6 million.

Severe Burns

Fuel fires and hazmat spills cause third and fourth-degree burns requiring skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, and psychological treatment for disfigurement.

Wrongful Death

When a Cheyenne County family loses a loved one on I-80, Nebraska law allows recovery for lost income, loss of consortium, mental anguish, and funeral expenses. We’ve recovered $1.9 million to $9.5 million in wrongful death actions against trucking companies.

As client Kiimarii Yup shared after we handled his case, “I lost everything… my car was at a total loss, and because of Attorney Manginello and my case worker Leonor, 1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.”

Insurance Company Tactics: What They’re Not Telling You

Trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million in federal minimum insurance—far more than passenger vehicles. But getting that money requires fighting.

Common Tactics:

• Quick Lowball Offers: Made while you’re still in the hospital, before you know the full extent of injuries
• Blame Shifting: Claiming you were speeding or partially at fault under Nebraska’s 50% comparative negligence rule
• Record Statements: Using trained techniques to get you to say “I’m fine” or “I didn’t see them”
• Surveillance: Hiring investigators to photograph you performing daily activities to claim you’re not injured
• Delay: Dragging out the case hoping you’ll settle for less out of desperation

Lupe Peña knows these tactics because he used them. Now he counters them. As client Donald Wilcox told us, “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.” And Angel Walle noted, “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheyenne County Trucking Accidents

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after an 18-wheeler accident in Cheyenne County?

Nebraska gives you 4 years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit, or 2 years for wrongful death. But waiting is dangerous—evidence disappears and witness memories fade. Contact us immediately.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident on I-80?

Under Nebraska’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can recover damages if you were less than 50% at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your fault percentage. But don’t assume you were at fault—the trucking company will try to shift blame. Let us investigate the ECM data and ELD logs first.

How much is my Cheyenne County trucking accident case worth?

Values vary based on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and available insurance. Trucking companies carry minimum $750,000 coverage (up to $5 million for hazmat). Our settlements range from hundreds of thousands to multi-millions for catastrophic cases.

Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?

Never give a recorded statement without an attorney present. Adjusters are trained to minimize your claim. They’ll use anything you say against you. Refer them to us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.

What if the truck driver was from another state?

Interstate trucking cases often involve out-of-state drivers and companies. That’s why Ralph Manginello’s federal court admission and multi-state licensure (Texas and New York) matter. We can pursue these cases in federal court if necessary, regardless of where the trucking company is headquartered.

Can I afford an attorney for a Cheyenne County trucking accident?

Absolutely. We work on contingency fee—you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. There are no hourly fees or retainers. Our initial consultation is free, and we advance all litigation costs.

What if my loved one was killed in a trucking accident near Sidney?

We offer our deepest condolences. Nebraska wrongful death law allows families to recover funeral expenses, lost future income, loss of consortium, and mental anguish. The statute of limitations is 2 years, shorter than personal injury claims. Contact us immediately to preserve your rights.

Do you handle cases for Spanish-speaking clients in Cheyenne County?

Yes. Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Why Trucking Companies Fear Attorney911

We’ve built our reputation on results and tenacity. When a BP refinery explosion killed 15 workers, we were among the few Texas firms involved in the litigation. When major universities need to be held accountable for hazing, we file the $10 million lawsuits. And when trucking companies try to hide evidence or deny responsibility, we find the truth.

Our 4.9-star Google rating from 251+ reviews reflects how we treat clients. As Dame Haskett wrote, “Ralph reached out personally.” We answer calls 24/7 because emergencies don’t wait for business hours.

We know the difference between a minor fender-bender and a catastrophic 18-wheeler collision. We know that “minor” injuries from an 80,000-pound impact often become major disabilities. And we know that the trucking company is already building their defense while you’re still in the hospital.

Ready to Fight for Your Future?

The trucking company has lawyers. Their insurance company has adjusters. You deserve someone fighting just as hard for you.

If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident anywhere in Cheyenne County—Sidney, Potter, Dalton, Gurley, Lodgepole, or rural areas along I-80—call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). We’ll send evidence preservation letters today, investigate every liable party, and fight for every dollar you deserve.

Don’t let the trucking company push you around. With 25+ years of experience, former insurance defense insight from Lupe Peña, and a track record of multi-million dollar verdicts, we’re ready to stand between you and the insurance giants.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. Or visit attorney911.com. Hablamos Español.

Your consultation is free. You pay nothing unless we win. And we never settle for less than you deserve.