18-Wheeler Accident Attorney in Merrick County, Nebraska

Fighting for Trucking Accident Victims When the Stakes Are Highest

The sound of crushing metal. The smell of diesel and smoke. In an instant, a routine drive on I-80 through Merrick County turns into a fight for your life. When an 80,000-pound semi-truck collides with a 4,000-pound passenger vehicle, physics isn’t kind. The aftermath leaves families shattered, medical bills mounting, and trucking companies already working to minimize what they owe you.

We’re Attorney911. We’ve spent over 25 years standing up to commercial trucking companies and their insurers. From our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we’ve secured multi-million dollar settlements for victims just like you—families in Merrick County and across Nebraska who never asked to be thrust into a life-altering tragedy. When a truck driver’s negligence changes everything, you need more than just a lawyer. You need a fighter who knows how to make them pay.

This isn’t just another personal injury case. Trucking accidents involve federal regulations, corporate defendants with deep pockets, and evidence that disappears faster than you might think. Whether your accident happened on Interstate 80 near Central City, on the agricultural highways connecting Merrick County’s farming communities, or at one of the grain terminals dotting the Platte River valley, the clock started ticking the moment the impact occurred. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Driver logs get “lost.” Witness memories fade. While you’re healing, the trucking company is building their defense.

But here’s the thing. You don’t have to fight alone. And you shouldn’t. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 right now. We’ll handle the legal battle while you focus on healing.

Why Merrick County 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different

The Physics of Devastation

Let’s be straight about what happens when a semi-truck hits a car in Merrick County. An 80,000-pound truck traveling at 65 mph carries roughly 80 times the kinetic energy of a passenger car. When that energy transfers to your vehicle during a collision, the results are catastrophic.

It isn’t a fair fight. Your sedan weighs about 4,000 pounds. The truck that hit you might weigh twenty times that. The stopping distance alone tells the story—a fully loaded big rig needs nearly two football fields (about 525 feet) to stop from highway speed. On icy Nebraska highways during those brutal winter months, that distance stretches even longer.

We’ve handled cases where Merrick County families were rear-ended by tired truckers who simply couldn’t stop in time. We’ve seen rollovers on the I-80 corridor where cargo shifts turned deadly. And we’ve stood beside victims in Merrick County hospitals while trucking company investigators were already photographing the scene to protect their interests.

The Merrick County Trucking Landscape

Merrick County sits at the heart of Nebraska’s agricultural empire. Truck traffic here isn’t incidental—it’s the lifeblood of the economy. But that means constant danger for local drivers.

Interstate 80: The main artery bisecting Merrick County, carrying freight from Omaha to California. This transcontinental corridor sees thousands of 18-wheelers daily, many of them pushing hard to make delivery deadlines across the vast Nebraska plains.

Agricultural Freight: From the grain elevators near Central City to the cattle operations in the surrounding counties, Merrick County roads see massive seasonal spikes in truck traffic. During harvest season, overloaded grain trucks and exhausted drivers create deadly conditions on rural highways.

Haul Routes: Local trucking companies haul everything from corn and soybeans to heavy equipment. These aren’t just long-haul carriers—many are local operations with aging fleets and drivers facing intense pressure to deliver.

Winter weather compounds everything. When a Nebraska blizzard hits Merrick County, truckers who’ve been driving too many hours face black ice on I-80 and whiteout conditions on Highway 30. The results—jackknifes, rollovers, and multi-vehicle pileups—are devastating.

Why Trucking Cases Aren’t Like Car Accidents

If you’ve been in a regular car accident, you might think you know the drill. Exchange insurance, file a claim, and settle up. Trucking accidents are a different species entirely.

Higher Stakes: Trucking companies carry minimum insurance of $750,000 for general freight, $1 million for certain cargo types, and up to $5 million for hazardous materials. That sounds like good news for victims, but it means the trucking company will fight harder to protect those assets.

Multiple Defendants: In a car accident, there’s usually just one other driver. In an 18-wheeler crash in Merrick County, you might be looking at the driver, the trucking company, the cargo loader, the maintenance company, the truck manufacturer, and even the freight broker who arranged the shipment. Each has their own insurance and their own lawyers.

Federal Regulations: Trucking companies must follow strict Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules under 49 CFR Parts 390-399. When they violate these regulations—and they often do—that violation proves negligence.

Evidence Preservation: That black box we mentioned? The Electronic Control Module (ECM) in the truck records speed, braking, and engine data. The Electronic Logging Device (ELD) tracks hours of service. This data can prove the driver was speeding, hadn’t slept in 20 hours, or never inspected his brakes. But it can be overwritten or deleted within 30 days. That’s why we send spoliation letters immediately to preserve this critical evidence.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Merrick County

Not all truck accidents are created equal. In Merrick County’s unique agricultural and interstate environment, certain accident types predominate—and each carries its own evidentiary challenges.

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, folding like a pocket knife. On I-80 through Merrick County, we’ve seen jackknives block multiple lanes during winter storms, causing chain-reaction crashes.

Why They Happen: Sudden braking on wet or icy roads. Empty or lightly loaded trailers—common after grain delivery—are particularly prone to swinging. Worn brakes or improper brake adjustment under 49 CFR § 393.48 contribute. Speeding for conditions violates 49 CFR § 392.6.

The Danger: A jackknifed trailer sweeps across lanes, creating a steel wall that nearby vehicles can’t avoid.

Liable Parties: The driver for improper braking technique. The trucking company for negligent maintenance of brakes. The cargo loader if uneven distribution contributed to instability.

Rollover Accidents

Nebraska’s flat terrain might seem less risky for rollovers than mountain highways, but you’d be surprised. I-80 entrance and exit ramps, particularly near the Central City interchange, have seen devastating rollovers when truckers take curves too fast.

Why They Happen: Speeding on curves accounts for about half of rollovers. Improperly secured cargo—particularly liquid loads that slosh and shift the center of gravity—creates instability. Driver fatigue under 49 CFR § 392.3 leads to overcorrection.

The Danger: An 80,000-pound truck rolling over crushes anything in its path. Fuel spills create fire hazards. Cargo spills—whether grain or chemicals—create secondary accident risks for other Merrick County drivers.

Liable Parties: The driver for excessive speed. The trucking company under respondeat superior. The cargo owner or loader for improper securement violating 49 CFR § 393.100-136.

Underride Collisions

These are among the most fatal accidents we see. When a car hits the rear or side of a trailer and slides underneath, the roof of the passenger compartment gets sheared off.

Why They Happen: Trucks stop suddenly without adequate warning. Low visibility during Merrick County’s notorious fog or winter storms. Lack of proper underride guards on the trailer.

FMCSA Requirements: 49 CFR § 393.86 requires rear impact guards on trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998, capable of preventing underride at 30 mph. Yet many trucks have worn or inadequate guards. Side underride guards have no federal requirement—though they could save lives.

The Danger: Decapitation and catastrophic head trauma. These accidents are almost always fatal or result in severe brain injury.

Rear-End Collisions

Fully loaded trucks need 40% more stopping distance than cars. When a trucker following too closely on I-80 traffic slams into stopped vehicles, the results are devastating.

Why They Happen: Following too closely under 49 CFR § 392.11. Driver distraction—texting, calling dispatch, or fiddling with the ELD. Fatigue from violating hours of service rules under 49 CFR Part 395. Brake failures from poor maintenance.

The Danger: Cars get pushed into other vehicles or off the road. Whiplash, spinal injuries, and traumatic brain injuries are common.

Evidence: ECM data shows following distance and speed. Cell phone records prove distraction. ELD data reveals if the driver had been on the road for 14 straight hours.

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Merrick County’s rural highways sometimes require trucks to navigate tight turns at intersections or into farm entrances. When an 18-wheeler swings wide to make a right turn—often swinging left first to accommodate the trailer—passenger vehicles in the adjacent lane get crushed.

Why They Happen: Failure to signal under 49 CFR § 392.2. Inadequate mirror checks. Inexperienced drivers unfamiliar with trailer tracking.

The Danger: Vehicles get caught between the truck and the curb, resulting in crushing injuries.

Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zones”)

18-wheelers have massive blind spots—20 feet in front, 30 feet behind, and large areas along both sides. The right-side blind spot is particularly dangerous. When a truck changes lanes on I-80 and strikes a car in these no-zones, the car often gets pushed off the road or into other traffic.

Why They Happen: Failure to check mirrors under 49 CFR § 393.80. Distracted driving. Improperly adjusted mirrors.

Tire Blowout Accidents

Nebraska’s extreme temperature swings—from summer heat to winter cold—stress truck tires. When a steer tire blows at highway speed, the driver often loses immediate control.

Why They Happen: Underinflated tires under 49 CFR § 393.75. Overloaded vehicles exceeding tire capacity. Worn tires not meeting the minimum tread depth requirements (4/32″ for steer tires, 2/32″ for others). Road debris.

The Danger: “Road gators”—strips of shredded tire—cause thousands of accidents. The initial blowout often leads to jackknifes or rollovers.

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake problems contribute to nearly 29% of large truck crashes. On Merrick County’s long, straight stretches, drivers may ride their brakes down grades or fail to inspect them properly.

Why They Happen: Worn brake pads. Improper adjustment. Air brake system leaks. Overheated brakes (“brake fade”) on long descents. Failure to conduct pre-trip inspections under 49 CFR § 396.13.

The Danger: A truck that can’t stop becomes an unguided missile.

Cargo Spill and Shift Accidents

Merrick County’s agricultural economy means trucks hauling grain, corn, and soybeans. When these loads shift or spill, chaos follows.

Why They Happen: Inadequate tiedowns violating 49 CFR § 393.100-136. Overloading beyond securement capacity. Failure to re-inspect cargo during long hauls.

The Danger: Spilled grain creates a skating rink for following vehicles. Shifting cargo causes rollovers.

Head-On Collisions

When a fatigued trucker crosses the center line on a two-lane highway in Merrick County, or drives the wrong way during a whiteout, head-on collisions result in the highest fatality rates.

Why They Happen: Driver fatigue under 49 CFR § 395. Falling asleep at the wheel. Impairment from drugs or alcohol under 49 CFR §§ 392.4-5. Medical emergencies. Distraction.

Federal Regulations That Protect Merrick County Drivers

Trucking isn’t just regulated by Nebraska law. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) governs every commercial vehicle crossing state lines—and even intrastate carriers must comply with many of these rules.

49 CFR Part 390: General Applicability

This establishes who must comply. If a vehicle has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) over 10,001 pounds, is designed to carry 16+ passengers, or transports hazardous materials requiring placards, federal regulations apply.

For Your Case: This means even local Merrick County agricultural trucks often fall under federal jurisdiction if they travel interstate or meet weight thresholds.

49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards

Trucking companies can’t just hire anyone with a driver’s license. Under § 391.11, drivers must:

• Be at least 21 years old for interstate commerce (18 for intrastate)
• Read and speak English sufficiently
• Be physically qualified under § 391.41 (no epilepsy, certain vision standards, etc.)
• Possess a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Complete entry-level driver training

Driver Qualification (DQ) File: Under § 391.51, carriers must maintain a file for every driver containing employment applications, driving records, road test certificates, medical examiner’s certificates, annual driving record reviews, and previous employer inquiries for three years.

Why This Matters: If the trucking company hired a driver with a history of DUIs, suspended licenses, or medical conditions that disqualify him, that’s negligent hiring. We subpoena these files in every case.

49 CFR Part 392: Driving Rules

§ 392.3: Ill or Fatigued Operators: No driver shall operate a CMV while so fatigued or ill as to make it unsafe. Both the driver and company are liable for fatigue-related accidents.

§§ 392.4-5: Drugs and Alcohol: Drivers cannot use Schedule I substances, amphetamines, narcotics, or alcohol within four hours of duty. BAC limit is 0.04%—half the standard for passenger vehicles.

§ 392.11: Following Too Closely: Drivers must maintain reasonable following distances. Given that trucks need 525 feet to stop at 65 mph, tailgating is a recipe for disaster.

§ 392.80-82: Mobile Phone Use: Hand-held phone use and texting while driving are prohibited for commercial drivers.

49 CFR Part 393: Vehicle Safety and Cargo Securement

§§ 393.100-136: Cargo Securement: Cargo must be contained, immobilized, or secured to prevent leaking, spilling, blowing, falling, or shifting that affects stability. Securement systems must withstand 0.8g deceleration forward, 0.5g acceleration rearward, and 0.5g lateral forces.

§§ 393.40-55: Brakes: All CMVs must have properly functioning service brakes on all wheels, maintained within adjustment specifications.

§ 393.86: Rear Impact Guards: Required on trailers to prevent underride.

49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS)

These are the most commonly violated regulations—and the most deadly.

Property-Carrying Drivers:

• 11-Hour Driving Limit: Cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty (§ 395.8)
• 14-Hour On-Duty Window: Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
• 30-Minute Break: Required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70-Hour Weekly Limit: Cannot drive after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days. Requires 34-hour restart.

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs): Since December 18, 2017, most drivers must use ELDs that automatically record driving time, synchronize with the engine, and record GPS location. This data is objective evidence of HOS violations.

Why This Matters: A driver who’s been awake for 20 hours has the reaction time of a drunk driver. When we download ELD data and see violations of the 11-hour or 14-hour rules, we have proof of negligence.

49 CFR Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance

§ 396.3: Carriers must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain all vehicles.

§ 396.11: Drivers must prepare written post-trip inspection reports covering brakes, steering, lighting, tires, horn, wipers, mirrors, wheels, and emergency equipment.

§ 396.17: Annual inspections required, with records retained for 14 months.

Why This Matters: Brake failures cause 29% of truck accidents. If the trucking company skipped maintenance to save money, that’s not just negligence—it’s potentially punitive conduct.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Your Merrick County Accident?

Most people think they just sue the truck driver. We think bigger. In 18-wheeler cases, multiple parties may share liability, and each represents a potential source of recovery.

The Truck Driver

Direct liability for:

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving (cell phone violations)
• Fatigued driving/HOS violations
• Impaired driving
• Failure to conduct pre-trip inspections
• Traffic violations

The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Under the doctrine of respondeat superior (let the master answer), employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. But trucking companies can also be directly liable for:

Negligent Hiring: Failing to check driving records, hiring drivers with DUI histories, or skipping background checks under 49 CFR Part 391.

Negligent Training: Failing to train drivers on safety procedures, FMCSA compliance, or specific cargo securement.

Negligent Supervision: Failing to monitor ELD data, ignoring HOS violations, or allowing unsafe practices to continue.

Negligent Maintenance: Failing to maintain brakes, tires, or safety systems under 49 CFR Part 396.

Negligent Scheduling: Dispatchers who pressure drivers to violate hours of service to meet delivery deadlines.

The Cargo Owner/Shipper

When a grain elevator in Merrick County loads a truck beyond capacity or fails to properly secure agricultural products, they share liability. Shippers who require overweight loads or pressure drivers to expedite beyond safe limits are responsible for resulting crashes.

The Loading Company

Third-party loaders who physically secure cargo must follow 49 CFR §§ 393.100-136. Improper distribution, inadequate tiedowns, or exceeding weight ratings create liability.

The Truck and Trailer Manufacturer

Defective brakes, faulty steering systems, or design flaws that contribute to rollovers support product liability claims against manufacturers.

The Parts Manufacturer

Defective tires, brake components, or steering parts that fail under normal use create strict liability for the component maker.

The Maintenance Company

Third-party mechanics who perform negligent repairs—failing to identify critical safety issues, using substandard parts, or returning vehicles with known defects—are liable for resulting accidents.

The Freight Broker

Brokers who arrange transportation can be liable for negligent selection of carriers—hiring companies with poor safety records, inadequate insurance, or patterns of violations visible in FMCSA’s SAFER database.

The Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements where the driver owns the truck but leases to a company, the owner may be liable for negligent entrustment or failure to maintain equipment.

Government Entities

When dangerous road design, inadequate signage, or failure to maintain Merrick County highways contributes to an accident, state or local government may share liability. However, sovereign immunity and strict notice requirements apply in Nebraska.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

If you take nothing else from this page, understand this: Evidence disappears fast in trucking cases.

Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that arrive at accident scenes within hours—sometimes before the ambulance leaves. Their goal? Protect their interests, not yours.

Critical Evidence Timelines

The Spoliation Letter

Within 24-48 hours of being retained, we send a spoliation letter to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties. This legal notice demands preservation of:

Electronic Data:

• ECM/EDR data (speed, braking, throttle)
• ELD records (hours of service)
• GPS and telematics data
• Dashcam footage
• Driver cell phone records
• Dispatch communications

Driver Records:

• Complete Driver Qualification File
• Drug and alcohol test results
• Medical certifications
• Training records
• Previous accident history

Vehicle Records:

• Maintenance and repair logs
• Inspection reports
• Tire and brake service records
• The physical truck and trailer

Cargo Documentation:

• Bills of lading
• Loading instructions
• Weight certificates

Once a party receives a spoliation letter and litigation is anticipated, destroying evidence constitutes “spoliation.” Courts can instruct juries to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable, impose monetary sanctions, or even enter default judgment against the destroying party.

Why Immediate Action Matters

That black box data showing the truck was going 75 in a 65? It could be gone next month. The driver’s ELD showing he hadn’t taken his required break in 14 hours? Overwritten. The dashcam showing him texting? Deleted.

We don’t wait. When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, we act immediately to preserve the evidence that wins cases.

Catastrophic Injuries: The Human Cost

The physics of an 80,000-pound truck don’t just bend metal—they destroy lives. In Merrick County, we’ve represented families dealing with injuries that will last a lifetime.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

When a brain hits the inside of the skull during impact, the damage can be invisible but permanent. Symptoms range from headaches and confusion to memory loss, personality changes, and inability to work. Severe TBI requires 24/7 care and can cost $85,000 to $3 million over a lifetime.

Our Track Record: We’ve recovered between $1.5 million and $9.8 million for traumatic brain injury victims.

Spinal Cord Injury

Damage to the spinal cord can result in paraplegia (loss of function below the waist) or quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs). Lifetime care costs range from $1.1 million for paraplegia to over $5 million for quadriplegia—not including lost wages or pain and suffering.

Our Track Record: Spinal cord injury settlements have ranged from $4.7 million to $25.8 million.

Amputation

Whether traumatic (severed at the scene) or surgical (due to crushing injuries or infection), losing a limb changes everything. Prosthetics cost $5,000 to $50,000 each and require replacement every few years. Phantom limb pain, psychological trauma, and permanent disability are common.

Our Track Record: Amputation cases have settled for $1.9 million to $8.6 million.

Severe Burns

Fuel fires from ruptured tanks cause third and fourth-degree burns requiring skin grafts, multiple surgeries, and permanent scarring. The pain and disfigurement last a lifetime.

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident takes a loved one, surviving family members face not just grief but financial devastation. Lost income, loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and mental anguish all factor into wrongful death claims.

Our Track Record: Wrongful death settlements have ranged from $1.9 million to $9.5 million.

Nebraska and Merrick County Specific Legal Considerations

Statute of Limitations

In Nebraska, you have four years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-207). For wrongful death, the limitation period is generally two years from the date of death.

The Clock Is Ticking: While four years seems generous, waiting is dangerous. Evidence degrades. Witnesses move away. And trucking companies use time to their advantage. Contact us immediately after a Merrick County accident to preserve your rights.

Nebraska’s Comparative Negligence Law

Nebraska follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 50% bar (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-21,185.09). This means:

• If you are found 50% or less at fault, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
• If you are found more than 50% at fault, you recover nothing.

Trucking companies and their insurers will try to blame you. “You were in their blind spot.” “You braked suddenly.” We fight these tactics with objective evidence from ECM data, ELD logs, and accident reconstruction.

Punitive Damages in Nebraska

Unlike some states that cap punitive damages, Nebraska allows them when defendants act with “fraud, malice, or willful and wanton conduct.” When a trucking company knowingly puts a dangerous driver on the road, falsifies logs, or destroys evidence, punitive damages punish the wrongdoing and deter future misconduct.

Nebraska’s Trucking Environment

Interstate 80: The primary freight corridor through Merrick County sees extreme weather, high speeds, and heavy truck volume. Winter conditions create deadly hazards.

Agricultural Operations: Merrick County’s grain elevators and farming operations generate significant truck traffic during harvest season. Overloading and driver fatigue are common issues.

Local Carriers: Many regional trucking companies operate in Merrick County with varying safety records. We research every carrier’s FMCSA safety scores.

What Makes Attorney911 Different

25 Years of Taking on Goliath

Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. With 25+ years of courtroom experience and admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, he handles complex interstate trucking cases that require federal court expertise.

We Know Their Playbook

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate claims, train adjusters to minimize payouts, and use algorithms to lowball victims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you. That’s your unfair advantage.

We Don’t Back Down from Anyone

We’ve gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 companies. Our involvement in the BP Texas City Refinery litigation—where the explosion killed 15 workers and resulted in over $2.1 billion in industry-wide settlements—demonstrates our willingness to take on the world’s largest corporations.

Results That Matter

We’ve recovered over $50 million for our clients, including:

• $5+ million for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by a falling log
• $3.8+ million for a client who suffered partial leg amputation after a car accident led to staph infection
• $2.5+ million for a truck crash victim
• $2+ million for a maritime worker with a back injury
• Multi-million dollar settlements for wrongful death cases

Currently Fighting a $10 Million Battle

We’re currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi fraternity for hazing that hospitalized a student with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. When we take on a case, we fight to win—whether it’s against a university, a fraternity, or a major trucking company.

Three Offices Serving You

With offices in Houston (1177 West Loop S, Suite 1600), Austin (316 West 12th Street), and Beaumont, we serve clients across Texas and Nebraska. Distance is never a barrier—we travel to Merrick County and offer remote consultations.

Hablamos Español

For Spanish-speaking clients in Merrick County, Lupe Peña is fluent and provides direct representation without interpreters. No communication barriers. No confusion. Just justice.

Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para hablar con un abogado que habla español.

No Fee Unless We Win

We work on contingency. You pay nothing upfront. We advance all investigation costs. Our fee is 33.33% if we settle pre-trial, 40% if we go to trial. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.

4.9 Stars from Real People

Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what our clients say:

Chad Harris: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

Glenda Walker: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

Donald Wilcox: “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: “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.”

Frequently Asked Questions About Merrick County Truck Accidents

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

Nebraska gives you four years from the accident date for personal injury claims, and generally two years for wrongful death. But evidence disappears much faster than that. Black box data can be gone in 30 days. Witnesses forget. We recommend contacting an attorney immediately—within days, not months—to preserve critical evidence.

What if the trucking company says I was partially at fault?

Nebraska uses modified comparative negligence. If you’re 50% or less at fault, you can recover, though your award is reduced by your fault percentage. If you’re more than 50% at fault, you recover nothing. The trucking company will try to blame you. We fight back with ECM data, ELD logs, and accident reconstruction to prove what really happened.

Can I sue if the truck driver was an independent contractor, not an employee?

Yes. Even owner-operators can be liable, and the contracting company may still be responsible under theories of negligent hiring or vicarious liability depending on the relationship. We investigate all potential defendants to maximize your recovery.

What is a “nuclear verdict” and can my case get one?

“Nuclear verdicts” are massive awards (over $10 million) that have become more common in trucking cases. Recent examples include a $462 million verdict in Missouri for an underride collision and a $160 million verdict in Alabama. While every case is different, trucking companies carrying $1-5 million in insurance have deep pockets. When we prove gross negligence—like falsified logs, known dangerous drivers, or destroyed evidence—we pursue punitive damages that can push awards into the millions.

Should I accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer?

Absolutely not. First offers are designed to pay you before you know the full extent of your injuries or hire a lawyer who knows what your case is worth. Once you accept, you waive your right to additional compensation. Always consult an experienced trucking attorney first.

How much is my Merrick County trucking accident case worth?

Value depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and available insurance. Merrick County cases involving interstate commerce often have $750,000 to $5 million in coverage available. We’ve recovered settlements ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions. Call us for a free evaluation of your specific situation.

What if I can’t afford a lawyer?

You can afford us. We work on contingency. No upfront costs. No hourly fees. We get paid only if you win. Consultations are always free.

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

Yes. Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without needing interpreters. We proudly serve Merrick County’s Hispanic community. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

What happens if the truck was hauling hazardous materials?

Federal law requires $5 million in insurance for hazmat carriers. These cases require specialized knowledge of 49 CFR Part 397. If you’ve been exposed to chemicals or involved in a hazmat spill in Merrick County, immediate medical attention and legal representation are critical.

How do I know if the trucking company violated federal regulations?

You don’t—that’s our job. We subpoena driver qualification files, ELD data, maintenance records, and dispatch logs. We check the carrier’s FMCSA safety scores. When we find violations of 49 CFR Parts 390-396, we use them to prove negligence and maximize your recovery.

Merrick County Resources and Safety Information

Local Medical Facilities

If you’re injured in a Merrick County trucking accident, immediate medical care is available at:

• Central City Medical Clinic (for initial evaluation)
• CHI Health St. Francis (Grand Island) – Level III Trauma Center
• Bryan Medical Center (Lincoln) – Level II Trauma Center
• CHI Health Lakeside (Omaha) – Level II Trauma Center

Merrick County Trucking Corridors

High-Risk Areas:

• I-80 Corridor: High-speed interstate with heavy freight traffic
• US-30 (Lincoln Highway): Historic route with mix of local and through traffic
• Highway 92: Cross-county route connecting agricultural communities
• County Roads near Grain Elevators: Seasonal heavy truck traffic during harvest

Weather Hazards

Merrick County experiences:

• Winter: Blizzards, black ice, whiteout conditions on I-80
• Spring: Severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, flash flooding
• Summer: Extreme heat, tire blowouts
• Fall: Harvest season traffic increases, early frost

Trucking companies have a duty to adjust operations for weather conditions under 49 CFR § 392.14. Failure to do so is negligence.

Your Next Steps

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Merrick County, Nebraska, the trucking company is already building their defense. They’re preserving evidence favorable to them and documenting everything to minimize your claim.

You need someone doing the same for you—except fighting for every dollar you deserve.

We’re Attorney911. We’ve recovered over $50 million for injury victims. We have a former insurance defense attorney on our team who knows their tricks. And we’re ready to fight for your family.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 right now. That’s 1-888-288-9911.

The consultation is free. The advice is invaluable. And you pay nothing unless we win.

Don’t let the trucking company push you around. Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Don’t wait until the evidence is gone.

Call today. Because in Merrick County, when a truck changes your life, we’re the lawyers who change the outcome.

Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Attorney911 | The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC

Houston: 1177 West Loop S, Suite 1600, Houston, TX 77027
Austin: 316 West 12th Street, Suite 311, Austin, TX 78701
Beaumont: Available for client meetings

Phone: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Email: ralph@atty911.com | lupe@atty911.com
Web: https://attorney911.com

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