Deuel County 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers: Fighting for Maximum Recovery on I-80 and Beyond
The impact was catastrophic. One moment you’re driving west on I-80 toward Chappell, passing through the rolling agricultural lands of western Nebraska. The next, an 80,000-pound semi-truck changes your life forever. In a split second, everything you knew about your daily routine—your ability to work, to care for your family, to enjoy the wide-open spaces of Deuel County—shatters against the guardrail.
If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident anywhere in Deuel County, you’re facing a fight you never asked for. The trucking company has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already looking for ways to minimize what they owe you. While you’re dealing with hospital visits and physical therapy, they’re building a case to protect their bottom line.
We’re Attorney911, and we don’t think that’s right. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 right now—because in Deuel County trucking accidents, evidence disappears fast, and you need someone fighting for you immediately.
Why Deuel County Trucking Accidents Demand Specialized Legal Experience
Trucking accidents aren’t just bigger car wrecks. They’re an entirely different category of litigation that requires understanding federal regulations, commercial insurance structures, and the specific dangers of Nebraska’s interstate corridors. With farms and ranches spread across miles of western Nebraska, Deuel County sees a constant flow of commercial trucks hauling agricultural products, equipment, and freight between Denver and Salt Lake City via I-80.
Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has spent over 25 years fighting for injury victims. Since 1998, we’ve secured multi-million dollar settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes—including a $5 million recovery for a traumatic brain injury victim and a $3.8 million settlement for a client who suffered amputation after a commercial vehicle collision. We know how trucking companies operate, and we know how to make them pay.
What makes our Deuel County truck accident team different? We have a former insurance defense attorney on our staff. Lupe Peña used to work for the big trucking insurers—until he decided he’d rather fight for victims than protect corporate profits. Now he’s your secret weapon. He knows exactly how adjusters are trained to minimize your claim, what algorithms they use to calculate pain and suffering (usually Colossus), and when they’re bluffing about their “final offer.” That’s the kind of insider knowledge that turns the tables in your favor.
The Physics of Devastation: Why 18-Wheeler Crashes Cause Catastrophic Injuries
Your sedan weighs roughly 4,000 pounds. A fully loaded 18-wheeler rolling through Deuel County can weigh up to 80,000 pounds—that’s 20 times heavier than your vehicle. When that much mass collides with a passenger car at highway speeds, the results are devastating.
Here’s the math that matters: an 80,000-pound truck traveling at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop. That’s nearly two football fields. On I-80, where drivers face high winds across the plains and sudden weather changes, a fatigued trucker might not even see your brake lights in time. The force of impact isn’t just dangerous—it’s often fatal.
But the injuries aren’t just caused by the collision itself. We’ve seen cases where dry bean shipments from local Deuel County farms shifted during transport, causing rollovers that blocked the interstate for hours. We’ve investigated jackknife accidents on icy bridges where truck drivers violated federal hours-of-service regulations, staying behind the wheel long past safe limits. Every catastrophe has a cause, and that cause usually involves someone breaking the rules.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations: The Rules They Broke
Every commercial truck on Nebraska highways must comply with strict Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. These aren’t suggestions—they’re federal law. When trucking companies cut corners to maximize profits, they violate these regulations and put innocent lives at risk.
49 CFR Part 390: General Applicability
These regulations apply to all commercial motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more. That includes every semi-truck hauling agricultural equipment through Deuel County. When a trucking company operates in interstate commerce—which includes I-80—they must comply with these federal standards regardless of their home state.
49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards
Before a driver can legally operate an 18-wheeler, they must pass rigorous qualification standards. They need a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), a current medical examiner’s certificate proving they’re physically fit to drive, and a clean driving record.
We subpoena Driver Qualification Files in every case. If the trucking company failed to check a driver’s background, hired someone with a history of DUIs, or allowed a medically unqualified driver behind the wheel, they’ve committed negligent hiring—and they’re liable for the consequences. In Deuel County, where medical facilities are limited and emergency response times can be lengthy, putting an unqualified driver on the road is especially reckless.
49 CFR Part 392: Driving Rules
This section governs how truckers actually operate their vehicles. Key violations we see in Deuel County cases include:
Ill or Fatigued Operation (§ 392.3): No driver shall operate a commercial motor vehicle while their ability or alertness is impaired through fatigue, illness, or any other cause. Given the long, monotonous stretches of I-80 through western Nebraska, fatigue is a constant danger. We examine Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data to prove when drivers violated hours-of-service limits.
Speeding for Conditions (§ 392.6): Trucking companies cannot schedule runs that require drivers to exceed safe speeds. In Deuel County, this often means driving too fast for winter weather conditions—something we see all too often during Nebraska blizzards when truckers feel pressure to maintain delivery schedules despite ice-covered roads.
Following Too Closely (§ 392.11): The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent. With 525-foot stopping distances, tailgating is deadly.
Mobile Phone Use (§ 392.82): Drivers cannot use hand-held mobile phones while driving. We subpoena cell phone records to prove distraction.
49 CFR Part 393: Vehicle Safety and Cargo Securement
This section covers the equipment itself. We’ve handled cases where failed brakes, worn tires, and improper cargo securement caused devastating accidents.
Cargo Securement (§§ 393.100-136): Cargo must be contained, immobilized, or secured to prevent leaking, spilling, or shifting. Given Deuel County’s role in transporting agricultural products, we often see cases involving shifting loads of grain or farming equipment that wasn’t properly tied down. The performance criteria require securement systems to withstand 0.8g deceleration forward, 0.5g acceleration rearward, and 0.5g lateral force.
Brake Systems (§§ 393.40-55): All CMVs must have properly functioning service brakes on all wheels, parking brakes, and properly adjusted air brake systems. Brake problems factor into approximately 29% of large truck crashes.
Tire Requirements (§ 393.75): Minimum tread depth is 4/32″ for steer tires and 2/32″ for other positions. Given the extreme weather conditions on I-80 through western Nebraska, maintaining proper tires isn’t just a regulation—it’s a safety necessity.
49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations
These are the rules most commonly violated in Deuel County trucking accidents, largely due to the isolated nature of I-80 through the Nebraska Panhandle.
Property-Carrying Drivers Must Follow:
- 11-hour driving limit (cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off)
- 14-hour duty window (cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty)
- 30-minute break requirement (must take break after 8 cumulative hours driving)
- 60/70 hour weekly limit (cannot drive after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days)
- 34-hour restart (can reset the weekly clock with 34 consecutive hours off)
ELD data proves these violations. Since December 18, 2017, most trucks must use Electronic Logging Devices that automatically record driving time and synchronize with the engine. This data shows exactly when a driver exceeded their legal limits—and it’s objective evidence that can’t be disputed.
49 CFR Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance
Trucking companies must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain their vehicles. Drivers must conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections, documenting any defects. Maintenance records must be kept for at least one year.
When we investigate a Deuel County truck accident, we immediately demand these records. If the trucking company deferred brake repairs, ignored tire wear, or failed to address known mechanical issues, they’ve violated federal law—and they’re responsible for the consequences.
Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Deuel County
The geography of western Nebraska creates specific dangers. Long, straight stretches of highway invite highway hypnosis. Sudden blizzard conditions create whiteouts. Remote locations mean delayed emergency response. Here are the accident types we see most often in Deuel County:
Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife occurs when the trailer and cab skid in opposite directions, with the trailer folding at an angle. On I-80, where high winds are common and winter ice creates treacherous conditions, sudden braking can cause a truck to jackknife across multiple lanes. These accidents often involve FMCSA violations—specifically § 393.48 regarding brake system maintenance or § 392.6 regarding speeding for conditions.
Rollover Accidents
Rollovers happen when trucks tip onto their sides or roofs. In Deuel County, these often occur when drivers take curves too fast—particularly during harvest season when trucks are loaded with wet beans or other agricultural products that shift unexpectedly. Improper cargo securement under 49 CFR § 393.100 is frequently the cause.
Underride Collisions
Among the most fatal accidents, underrides occur when a smaller vehicle slides under the trailer from the rear or side. Due to the height difference between passenger cars and trailers, the car’s passenger compartment often gets sheared off. While rear impact guards are required under § 393.86, side guards are not federally mandated—a gap in safety standards that costs lives.
Rear-End Collisions
Given the 525-foot stopping distance of a loaded truck, rear-end collisions are common on I-80 when traffic slows unexpectedly or when drivers are distracted. These cases often involve violations of § 392.11 (following too closely) or § 392.82 (cell phone use).
Wide Turn Accidents
When trucks swing left before making a right turn—often necessary at rural intersections in Deuel County—they create “squeeze play” situations where cars get trapped between the truck and the curb.
Blind Spot Accidents
18-wheelers have massive blind spots on all four sides—20 feet in front, 30 feet behind, one lane to the left, and two lanes to the right. Lane change accidents on I-80 frequently result from drivers failing to check these “no-zones,” violating § 393.80 which requires mirrors to provide clear views.
Tire Blowout Accidents
The extreme temperature variations and long distances between services in western Nebraska contribute to tire failures. Underinflated or worn tires overheat and explode, causing drivers to lose control. This violates § 393.75 and § 396.13 regarding pre-trip inspections.
Brake Failure Accidents
Brake problems contribute to 29% of truck crashes. On the steep grades of Wyoming-bound I-80 or mountainous Colorado routes accessed from Deuel County, brake fade from overheating or deferred maintenance causes catastrophic failures.
Cargo Spill/Shift Accidents
When loads of agricultural equipment, dry beans, or livestock feed shift during transport, they can destabilize the truck or spill onto the highway. These cases involve violations of Parts 393.100-136 regarding cargo securement.
Head-On Collisions
Driver fatigue on long hauls through the Nebraska Panhandle can cause trucks to drift across the center line. Head-on collisions at highway speeds are almost always fatal for passenger vehicle occupants.
Who Can Be Held Liable? More Than Just the Driver
Most people assume you can only sue the truck driver. That’s exactly what the trucking companies want you to think. The reality is that multiple parties may share responsibility for your Deuel County accident:
1. The Truck Driver
Direct negligence includes speeding, distracted driving, impaired operation, or fatigue. We examine their driving history, ELD logs, and cell phone records.
2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)
Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are responsible for their employees’ negligent acts. Additionally, trucking companies are directly liable for:
- Negligent hiring (failing to check backgrounds)
- Negligent training (inadequate safety instruction)
- Negligent supervision (ignoring HOS violations)
- Negligent maintenance (deferring repairs to save money)
3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper
If a Deuel County agricultural cooperative overloaded a truck or failed to disclose hazardous cargo characteristics, they share liability.
4. The Loading Company
Third-party loaders who failed to properly secure agricultural equipment or bulk commodities violated 49 CFR § 393.
5. Truck and Trailer Manufacturers
Defective brakes, faulty steering systems, or inadequate underride guards can trigger product liability claims.
6. Parts Manufacturers
Defective tires or brake components that failed under normal use conditions create strict liability.
7. Maintenance Companies
Third-party mechanics who performed negligent repairs or failed to identify critical safety issues share responsibility.
8. Freight Brokers
Brokers who negligently selected carriers with poor safety records (low CSA scores) or failed to verify insurance can be held liable under negligent selection theories.
9. The Truck Owner
In owner-operator arrangements, the owner may be independently liable for negligent entrustment or maintenance failures.
10. Government Entities
If dangerous road design on Nebraska highways or inadequate signage contributed to the accident, the state or county may share liability—though sovereign immunity limits apply.
The key to maximizing your recovery is identifying ALL potentially liable parties. Every defendant brings another insurance policy to the table. While individual drivers might carry minimum coverage, trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million in federal insurance requirements—and often additional umbrella coverage.
The 48-Hour Evidence Crisis: Why You Must Act Immediately
Here’s a truth the trucking companies hope you never learn: critical evidence in your case can disappear within days.
Black Box/ECM Data: The Electronic Control Module records speed, braking, throttle position, and engine fault codes. This data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days—or sooner if the truck continues operating.
ELD Records: While FMCSA requires 6-month retention, drivers can edit logs within certain timeframes, and data can be lost during system updates.
Dashcam Footage: Many trucks have forward-facing cameras that record crashes. This footage is often deleted within 7-14 days if not specifically preserved.
Maintenance Records: Trucking companies might “lose” repair logs that show deferred maintenance.
Witness Statements: Memories fade fast. The sooner we interview witnesses to your Deuel County accident, the more accurate their testimony.
That’s why we send spoliation letters immediately—within 24 hours of being retained. This formal legal notice puts the trucking company on notice that they must preserve:
- ECM and ELD data
- Driver Qualification Files
- Maintenance and inspection records
- Dispatch communications
- Cell phone records
- The physical truck itself
If they destroy evidence after receiving our letter, courts can impose sanctions, instruct juries to assume the destroyed evidence was damaging to their case, or even enter default judgment.
Catastrophic Injuries: What You’re Really Facing
Trucking accidents don’t cause minor injuries. The physics involved—80,000 pounds versus 4,000 pounds—create catastrophic, life-altering trauma:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): From mild concussions to severe diffuse axonal injuries, TBI can cause permanent cognitive impairment, personality changes, and loss of executive function. Our firm has recovered between $1.5 million and $9.8 million for TBI victims.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Paraplegia and quadriplegia result when spinal cords are severed or compressed. These injuries require lifetime care costing $1.1 million to $5 million or more, depending on the level of injury and age of the victim.
Amputations: When a car is crushed or pinned under a truck, limbs may be severed at the scene or require surgical amputation later. We’ve secured settlements between $1.9 million and $8.6 million for amputation cases, accounting for prosthetics, rehabilitation, and lifetime disability.
Severe Burns: Fuel fires and chemical spills (common in agricultural transport) cause third and fourth-degree burns requiring multiple skin grafts and leaving permanent disfigurement.
Internal Organ Damage: Blunt force trauma from trucking accidents frequently causes liver lacerations, spleen ruptures, and internal bleeding requiring emergency surgery.
Wrongful Death: When trucking accidents kill, surviving family members face not just emotional devastation but financial ruin. We’ve recovered between $1.9 million and $9.5 million for wrongful death claims, providing for lost income, loss of consortium, and funeral expenses.
Nebraska Law: Your Rights and Time Limits
If your accident happened in Deuel County, Nebraska law governs your claim. Here’s what you need to know:
Statute of Limitations: Nebraska gives you four years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, you have two years from the date of death. While this is longer than many states, waiting is dangerous. Evidence disappears, witnesses move away, and your medical condition may worsen without documentation.
Comparative Negligence: Nebraska follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule with a 50% bar. This means you can recover damages as long as you are less than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re 20% at fault, you recover 80% of your damages. If you’re 51% at fault, you recover nothing.
This makes immediate investigation critical. The trucking company will try to blame you—claiming you stopped suddenly or merged improperly. We gather ECM data, ELD logs, and physical evidence to prove what really happened on that stretch of Nebraska highway.
Punitive Damages: Unlike some states, Nebraska does not cap punitive damages in personal injury cases. If the trucking company acted with gross negligence—such as knowingly hiring a dangerous driver or falsifying maintenance records to save money—you may be entitled to additional damages meant to punish the wrongdoer.
Why Trucking Companies Fear Us
We don’t just handle trucking cases—we specialize in them. Over 25 years, Ralph Manginello has built a reputation trucking companies respect and insurers fear. Here’s why:
Federal Court Experience: Ralph is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. This federal court access is crucial for interstate trucking cases, which often involve federal regulations and diversity jurisdiction.
Former Insurance Defense Attorney: Lupe Peña spent years defending trucking companies. He knows their playbook—their delay tactics, their lowball settlement formulas, their “independent” medical examiner schemes. Now he uses that knowledge against them.
Multi-Million Dollar Results: We don’t just settle cases—we maximize them. Our track record includes:
- $5+ million for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by a falling log
- $3.8+ million for a car accident victim who suffered partial leg amputation due to medical complications
- $2.5+ million in commercial truck crash recoveries
- $2+ million for a maritime worker with a back injury
24/7 Availability: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 any time, day or night. We answer emergency calls because we know trucking accidents don’t happen on business hours.
Three Office Locations: With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve trucking accident victims across the country—including Deuel County, Nebraska. We offer remote consultations and travel to you when necessary.
Spanish Language Services: Hablamos Español. Lupe Peña provides fluent Spanish representation without interpreters, serving Nebraska’s Hispanic agricultural workers and trucking professionals.
No Fee Unless We Win: We work on contingency—33.33% if settled pre-trial, 40% if we go to trial. You pay nothing upfront. We advance all investigation costs, expert fees, and court expenses. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.
Our Clients Say It Best
Don’t take our word for it. Here’s what trucking accident victims have said about working with Attorney911:
Chad Harris told us: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
Glenda Walker put it simply: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
Donald Wilcox shared his experience: “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.”
Ernest Cano wrote: “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.”
Angel Walle noted our efficiency: “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”
Deuel County Truck Accident FAQ
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a trucking accident in Deuel County?
Nebraska law gives you four years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, and two years for wrongful death claims. However, you should never wait that long. Critical evidence like black box data and witness statements disappear quickly. Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Under Nebraska’s modified comparative negligence law, you can recover damages as long as you were less than 50% at fault. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Don’t let the trucking company bully you into accepting blame—let us investigate the true cause.
How much is my Deuel County truck accident case worth?
Case values depend on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and available insurance. Trucking companies carry minimum $750,000 coverage, often $1-5 million. We’ve recovered millions for clients with catastrophic injuries. The only way to know your case value is to call 888-ATTY-911 for a free evaluation.
Will my case go to trial?
Most cases settle, but we prepare every case for trial. Insurance companies offer better settlements to attorneys willing to go to court—and we are. With 25+ years of trial experience, Ralph Manginello isn’t afraid to take your case to a Nebraska jury if that’s what justice requires.
Can I afford an attorney?
Absolutely. We work on contingency. You pay nothing unless we win. Zero upfront costs. We even advance medical costs and investigation expenses. Call 1-888-ATTY-911—there’s no financial risk.
What if the truck driver was from out of state?
Interstate trucking cases often involve out-of-state drivers and companies. That’s where our federal court experience matters. We can pursue cases in federal court when necessary, and we handle interstate discovery to get records from trucking companies anywhere in the country.
Do you handle cases involving agricultural trucks?
Yes. Deuel County’s economy depends on agriculture, and we handle accidents involving grain trucks, equipment haulers, and livestock transports. These cases involve unique FMCSA regulations regarding weight limits and cargo securement.
What if I don’t have health insurance?
We can help you find medical providers who will treat you on a Letter of Protection (LOP)—meaning they get paid when your case settles. Don’t let lack of insurance prevent you from getting the care you need.
How do I prove the driver was fatigued?
We subpoena ELD (Electronic Logging Device) data which tracks driving hours, examine dispatch records showing unrealistic delivery schedules, and review cell phone records. We also hire accident reconstruction experts to analyze sleep deprivation’s role in your crash.
What is a spoliation letter and why do you send one?
A spoliation letter is a legal notice demanding preservation of all evidence. Once sent, the trucking company cannot legally destroy ECM data, maintenance records, or driver logs. We send these within 24 hours of being hired.
Your Next Step: Call Attorney911 Today
The trucking company is already building their defense. They’re reviewing the driver’s logs, downloading ECM data (or deleting it), and coaching their driver on what to say. While you focus on healing, they focus on paying you as little as possible.
Don’t let them get away with it.
Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911. Speak with Ralph Manginello or Lupe Peña about your Deuel County trucking accident. We’ll listen to your story, explain your rights under Nebraska law, and start protecting your evidence immediately.
You didn’t ask for this fight. But now that it’s here, you deserve someone who knows how to win it. We’ve spent 25 years holding trucking companies accountable. Let us fight for you.
Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 hoy.
Attorney911 | The Manginello Law Firm
25+ Years Fighting for Injury Victims
Your Deuel County 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys
Call 24/7: 1-888-288-9911
