18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Grant County, Nebraska
When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Everything
The moment an 18-wheeler collides with a passenger vehicle on a Grant County highway, life changes in an instant. On rural Nebraska roads like US-20 or US-83, where agricultural trucks share pavement with family cars, the results are often catastrophic. Your sedan weighs roughly 4,000 pounds. The grain truck or livestock hauler that hit you? Up to 80,000 pounds. That’s not a fair fight, and you shouldn’t have to face the aftermath alone.
At Attorney911, we’ve spent more than 25 years fighting for families across Nebraska’s heartland. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has been holding trucking companies accountable since 1998. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña used to work for insurance companies—now he fights against them, bringing insider knowledge of how insurers minimize claims from the inside. When you’re facing medical bills, lost wages, and the uncertainty of recovery after a trucking accident in Grant County, you need a team that treats you like family, not a case number. As our client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
The physics of these crashes explain why injuries are so severe. An 80,000-pound semi traveling at 65 mph needs nearly two football fields to come to a complete stop. When that mass hits a passenger vehicle on a Grant County roadway, the results are devastating: traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, and wrongful death. The trucking company already has lawyers working to protect their interests. Who’s protecting yours?
Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Why Grant County 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different
The Rural Reality
Grant County isn’t like urban trucking corridors. Here in west-central Nebraska, we face unique challenges that increase the danger of commercial truck accidents. The Nebraska Sandhills region creates distinct hazards: sudden weather changes, limited emergency services in remote areas, and agricultural traffic patterns that differ from typical interstate commerce.
Interstate 80 runs just south of Grant County, but US-20 and US-83 serve as critical corridors for agricultural freight moving between Ogallala and the panhandle. During harvest season, grain trucks traverse these highways continuously. Livestock haulers move cattle from ranch to market. Equipment transports move heavy machinery between fields. Each of these scenarios creates specific risks that don’t exist on urban interstates.
At Attorney911, we understand Grant County’s particular dangers. We’ve handled cases where tired drivers pushed through rural stretches to reach processing facilities, where inadequate maintenance on gravel approaches caused spills on paved highways, and where overloaded agricultural equipment created rollover hazards on county roads. Our experience with Fortune 500 litigation—like the BP Texas City explosion cases—means we have the resources to take on major carriers, while our Nebraska roots keep us connected to local realities.
Nebraska’s Legal Landscape
Nebraska law gives you four years from the date of a trucking accident to file a personal injury lawsuit—longer than many states. However, for wrongful death claims, you have only two years. While these deadlines seem distant when you’re recovering, critical evidence disappears much faster.
Nebraska operates under a modified comparative negligence system with a 50% bar. This means you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault, provided you weren’t 50% or more responsible for the accident. Your recovery gets reduced by your percentage of fault, but you don’t lose everything over a shared mistake. Unlike neighboring states, Nebraska imposes no caps on punitive damages, meaning when trucking companies act with gross negligence, juries can award substantial sums to punish them.
Nebraska is also home to Werner Enterprises, one of the nation’s largest carriers, headquartered in Omaha. Whether your accident involved a Werner truck or a local agricultural hauler, the principles remain the same: these companies carry significant insurance—from $750,000 to $5 million—and you need attorneys who know how to access those policies.
When an 18-wheeler accident occurs in Grant County, evidence preservation is immediate. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses in rural areas are harder to locate later. That’s why we send spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained, demanding the trucking company preserve all electronic data, driver logs, and maintenance records. Every hour you wait gives the trucking company another hour to build their defense while yours disappears.
Call 888-ATTY-911 today. We answer 24/7.
The 18-Wheeler Accident Types We See in Grant County
Not all trucking accidents are the same, and Grant County’s geography creates specific patterns. We handle every type of commercial vehicle accident, but certain scenarios appear more frequently in our rural Nebraska practice.
Jackknife Accidents on I-80 and Rural Highways
A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes of traffic. In winter months, when Nebraska highways ice over suddenly, jackknives on I-80 near the Grant County line are common. Empty or lightly loaded trailers are particularly prone to swinging out of control. These accidents often result in multi-vehicle pile-ups when trailing traffic can’t stop in time on frozen pavement.
The FMCSA regulations regarding 49 CFR § 393.48 (brake systems) and 49 CFR § 392.6 (speeding for conditions) are frequently violated in these cases. When a driver fails to adjust speed for weather conditions or maintains brakes improperly, we use those violations to prove negligence.
Rollover Accidents on County Roads
Grant County’s position in the Sandhills means rolling terrain and curves that can surprise drivers unfamiliar with rural Nebraska topography. Rollovers happen when drivers take curves too fast, especially with liquid cargo that shifts the center of gravity. We’ve seen cattle haulers overturn on county roads, spilling livestock and creating secondary collision hazards.
Under 49 CFR § 393.100-136, cargo must be secured to prevent shifting. When loads move unexpectedly, causing a driver to lose control, the loading company or trucking company violated federal safety standards.
Underride Collisions: The Most Deadly
Underride crashes—where a passenger vehicle slides beneath the trailer—are among the most fatal accidents we see. Nebraska law requires rear underride guards, but side underride guards remain optional. When a sedan strikes the side of a trailer on US-20 at night, the trailer deck often shears off the passenger compartment at roof level.
These cases require immediate investigation of the trailer’s underride guard compliance under 49 CFR § 393.86. Missing or inadequate guards often indicate systematic safety violations by the carrier.
Rear-End Collisions on Rural Stretches
Following too closely is dangerous anywhere, but on Nebraska’s long rural stretches, driver fatigue creates devastating rear-end collisions. An 18-wheeler needs 40% more stopping distance than a car. When a truck driver falls asleep approaching Grant County after hours on I-80, or follows too closely during a sudden stop in Ogallala traffic, the results are catastrophic.
49 CFR § 392.11 prohibits following too closely, and 49 CFR § 395 limits driving hours to prevent fatigue. Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data often proves drivers exceeded their 11-hour daily driving limits, creating slam-dunk evidence of negligence.
Wide Turn Accidents in Agricultural Areas
When large trucks swing wide to make right turns from county roads onto highways, they create “squeeze play” scenarios. Passenger vehicles in the adjacent lane get caught between the truck and the curb—or in Grant County’s case, the shoulder and the ditch. These accidents often involve improper signaling under 49 CFR § 392.2 or inadequate mirror checks.
Tire Blowouts and Cargo Spills
Nebraska’s temperature extremes—scorching summer heat and brutal winter cold—stress truck tires beyond their limits. When a steer tire blows at 75 mph on I-80, the driver often loses control completely. Similarly, improperly secured hay bales, grain, or livestock can spill onto roadways, creating hazards for miles.
49 CFR § 393.75 mandates specific tire standards, while 49 CFR § 393.100 governs cargo securement. Violations of these regulations support claims for negligence per se.
Brake Failure Accidents
Worn brakes cause approximately 29% of large truck crashes. When a driver descends the grades near Grant County without proper braking systems, runaway trucks result. Maintenance records under 49 CFR § 396 often show deferred repairs or missed inspections that allowed dangerous vehicles on the road.
Whatever type of accident injured you or your loved one in Grant County, we investigate thoroughly. We don’t just accept the police report’s narrative—we download black box data, analyze ECM readings, and subpoena maintenance records to prove exactly what happened and why.
Your recovery matters. Call (888) 288-9911 for immediate help.
Who Can Be Held Liable? More Than Just the Driver
Most people assume the truck driver is the only responsible party. In reality, 18-wheeler accidents involve complex webs of liability. At Attorney911, we investigate all potentially liable parties because more defendants mean more insurance coverage—and better compensation for your family.
The Truck Driver
The operator behind the wheel may bear direct responsibility for negligent driving: speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, impairment, or traffic violations. We examine driving records, CDL status, and medical certifications under 49 CFR § 391. If the driver lacked proper qualifications or was medically unfit, liability extends beyond the individual.
The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)
Under Nebraska’s application of respondeat superior (let the master answer), trucking companies are vicariously liable for their employees’ negligent acts. Additionally, companies face direct liability for:
- Negligent hiring: Failing to check backgrounds or hiring drivers with poor records
- Negligent training: Inadequate safety education
- Negligent supervision: Ignoring HOS violations or safety complaints
- Negligent maintenance: Allowing dangerous vehicles on the road
- Negligent scheduling: Pressuring drivers to violate hours-of-service rules
We subpoena Driver Qualification Files under 49 CFR § 391.51 and CSA safety scores to prove company-wide safety failures.
Cargo Owners and Loading Companies
In Grant County’s agricultural economy, grain elevators, cattle operations, and equipment dealers often arrange transportation. If they overloaded trucks, failed to secure cargo, or demanded unreasonable delivery timelines, they share liability. 49 CFR § 393.100-136 provides specific cargo securement standards; violations prove negligence.
Truck and Parts Manufacturers
Defective brakes, tire blowouts caused by manufacturing flaws, or stability control failures can create product liability claims against manufacturers. We preserve failed components for expert analysis and review NHTSA complaint databases for similar defects.
Maintenance Companies
Third-party mechanics who performed inadequate repairs or returned trucks to service with known defects may be liable for negligent maintenance. Work orders and inspection records reveal corners cut to save costs.
Freight Brokers
Brokers who arrange transportation but don’t own trucks must exercise reasonable care in selecting carriers. If a broker hired an unsafe carrier to save money, they may be liable for negligent selection under federal safety standards.
Government Entities
While rare, poor road design, inadequate signage, or hazardous construction zones maintained by Nebraska or local Grant County authorities can contribute to accidents. These cases face shorter notice requirements and sovereign immunity limits, requiring immediate legal action.
We identify every possible defendant to maximize your recovery. Call 1-888-288-9911 to discuss your case.
Critical Evidence: The 48-Hour Rule
Evidence in trucking cases doesn’t just fade—it disappears. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that begin protecting their interests while ambulance lights are still flashing. Without immediate legal intervention, critical proof vanishes.
Electronic Data That Wins Cases
ECM/Black Box Data: Commercial trucks record speed, brake application, throttle position, and fault codes continuously. This objective data often contradicts driver statements claiming “I wasn’t speeding” or “I braked immediately.”
ELD Records: Since 2017, Electronic Logging Devices track hours of service automatically under 49 CFR § 395.8. These logs prove whether drivers violated the 11-hour driving limit, 14-hour duty window, or mandatory rest periods. Fatigue-related accidents often show clear HOS violations in ELD data.
GPS and Telematics: Real-time tracking shows route history, speed patterns, and stops—revealing whether drivers took required breaks or exceeded speed limits in rural areas.
Physical Evidence
The truck itself contains crucial evidence. Brake systems, tire remnants, and damaged components must be preserved before repair or disposal. Photographs of Grant County road conditions, weather, and vehicle positions immediately after the accident establish the scene before cleanup.
Corporate Documents
Under 49 CFR § 396, motor carriers must maintain maintenance records for specified periods. Driver Qualification Files must be kept for three years after employment ends. Drug test results, dispatch communications, and safety policies all disappear without preservation letters.
We send spoliation notices within 24 hours of engagement, putting trucking companies on notice that destroying evidence will result in severe legal sanctions, including adverse jury instructions or default judgments. Don’t wait—call 888-ATTY-911 immediately after an accident.
Catastrophic Injuries and Your Recovery
The force differential between an 80,000-pound truck and a passenger vehicle ensures catastrophic injuries. We understand these aren’t just medical issues—they’re life-altering events requiring long-term planning.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Brain injuries range from concussions to severe trauma causing permanent cognitive impairment. Symptoms include headaches, memory loss, personality changes, and sensory problems. Lifetime care costs for severe TBI can exceed $3 million. Our firm has recovered $1.5 million to $9.8 million for TBI victims, ensuring funding for ongoing rehabilitation and lost earning capacity.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Paraplegia and quadriplegia result when spinal cords are severed or compressed in truck crashes. These injuries require lifelong medical care, home modifications, and assistive devices. Settlements for spinal injuries often range from $4.7 million to $25.8 million depending on the level of injury and age of the victim.
Amputations
When crush injuries from truck accidents require limb removal, victims face prosthetic costs, rehabilitation, and career limitations. We’ve secured $1.9 million to $8.6 million for amputation victims, covering immediate surgery and lifelong prosthetic needs.
Severe Burns and Internal Injuries
Fuel fires and hazmat spills cause disfiguring burns requiring multiple grafts. Internal organ damage—liver lacerations, spleen ruptures, lung damage—may require emergency surgery and permanent lifestyle changes.
Wrongful Death
When Nebraska families lose loved ones in Grant County trucking accidents, wrongful death claims provide compensation for lost income, companionship, and mental anguish. While no amount replaces a life, we’ve recovered $1.9 million to $9.5 million to ensure families face secure futures.
We connect our clients with top Nebraska medical specialists and life care planners to document every future expense, ensuring settlements cover lifelong needs, not just immediate bills.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911—we fight for every dime you deserve.
Nebraska Insurance Requirements and Your Rights
Federal law mandates that commercial carriers carry minimum liability coverage:
- $750,000 for general freight
- $1,000,000 for oil and large equipment
- $5,000,000 for hazardous materials
Many carriers maintain $1-5 million in coverage under umbrella policies. Unlike typical car accidents with $30,000 minimums, trucking accidents offer substantial recovery potential—but only if you have attorneys who know how to access these funds.
Insurance companies employ teams of adjusters trained to minimize payouts. They may offer quick settlements before you understand the full extent of your injuries, or deny claims using Nebraska’s comparative fault rules as leverage. At Attorney911, Lupe Peña’s background in insurance defense gives us the playbook—we know every tactic they’ll use before they deploy it.
Don’t accept the first offer. Don’t give recorded statements. Don’t sign releases without legal review. Call (888) 288-9911 first.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grant County Truck Accidents
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a truck accident in Nebraska?
Nebraska provides four years for personal injury claims and two years for wrongful death claims. However, evidence disappears long before these deadlines. Contact us immediately to preserve critical proof.
Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault?
Yes, under Nebraska’s modified comparative negligence law, you can recover if you were less than 50% at fault. Your recovery reduces by your fault percentage, but you don’t lose everything over a shared mistake.
What is a spoliation letter and why does it matter?
A spoliation letter is a legal notice demanding the trucking company preserve evidence. Once sent, destroying records becomes a serious violation that courts punish with sanctions. We send these within 24 hours.
How do I know if the truck driver violated federal regulations?
We obtain ELD data, driver logs, and maintenance records under 49 CFR Parts 390-396. Violations of hours-of-service rules, cargo securement standards, or brake maintenance requirements prove negligence automatically.
What if the trucking company is from out of state?
We handle trucking cases nationwide. Ralph Manginello is admitted to federal court, allowing us to pursue cases against carriers regardless of their headquarters location. Whether the truck came from Omaha or Omaha, Nebraska, we hold them accountable.
How much is my case worth?
Values depend on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and punitive damages potential. Trucking cases typically range from hundreds of thousands to multi-millions. We provide specific evaluations after reviewing your medical records and accident evidence.
Will my case go to trial?
Most settle, but we prepare every case for trial. Insurance companies pay more when they know you’re ready for court. Our federal court experience and multi-million dollar verdict history—like the $10 million University of Houston hazing case currently in litigation—demonstrates we try cases when necessary.
How much does hiring a truck accident attorney cost?
Nothing upfront. We work on contingency—33.33% pre-trial, 40% if trial is required. You pay no fees unless we win. We advance all investigation costs.
Do you handle Spanish-speaking clients in Nebraska?
Sí. Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.
What makes Attorney911 different from other Nebraska law firms?
Twenty-five years of experience, former insurance defense attorneys on staff, federal court admission, and a 4.9-star rating from over 251 clients. We treat you like family while fighting like warriors.
Your Next Step
The trucking company that hit you has lawyers working right now to minimize your claim. They have investigators, adjusters, and rapid-response teams. You deserve the same level of representation.
Ralph Manginello has recovered over $50 million for injury victims, including $5 million for a traumatic brain injury victim, $3.8 million for an amputation case, and $2.5 million for a truck crash recovery. We’ve taken on Fortune 500 companies like BP and major carriers like Werner. Now we’re ready to fight for you.
With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont—and the ability to handle cases nationwide—we serve Grant County families with the care of a local firm and the horsepower of a national practice. When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, you reach attorneys who answer phones 24/7, not answering services.
Don’t let evidence disappear. Don’t accept a lowball offer. Don’t face the trucking industry alone.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) now for a free consultation. We fight for every dime you deserve.
