Nebraska Truck Accident Lawyers: Fighting for Victims of Catastrophic Commercial Vehicle Wrecks
The impact of an 80,000-pound truck on a standard passenger vehicle isn’t just an accident; it’s a life-altering force of physics. One moment you’re driving to work on I-80 near Omaha or heading across the Platte River, and the next, your world is shattered by a jackknifed semi-truck or a delivery van that blew through a stop sign. In Nebraska, where the “Crossroads of America” means thousands of commercial vehicles cross our state every hour, the risk is constant.
When you’re hurt in a truck accident, you aren’t just fighting a driver. You’re fighting a multi-billion dollar trucking industry, teams of corporate lawyers, and insurance adjusters whose only job is to pay you nothing. We don’t let them. At Attorney911, led by our managing partner Ralph Manginello, we’ve spent over 25 years holding the biggest corporations in the world accountable. From local dump truck accidents in Lincoln to 18-wheeler pileups on the I-29 corridor, we bring a level of aggressive, federal-court-tested litigation that levels the playing field for Nebraska families.
Our firm is built different. Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years inside the systems these companies use to deny claims. He knows their playbook, their valuation software, and their pressure tactics. Now, he uses that “inside” knowledge to fight for you. We understand that your life has been disrupted by pain, medical bills, and uncertainty. Whether you were hit by a Walmart truck, an Amazon van, or a Werner Enterprises semi, we have the resources and the tenacity to fight for every dime you deserve.
If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident anywhere in Nebraska, call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay us nothing unless we recover money for you.
Why Nebraska Trucking Accidents Are Different
Nebraska sits at the heart of the nation’s freight network. The I-80 corridor is one of the busiest trucking routes on earth, serving as the primary artery for goods moving between the coasts. Because Omaha is the headquarters for Werner Enterprises—one of the largest trucking companies in North America—Nebraska is ground zero for complex commercial vehicle litigation.
In a standard car accident, you might be dealing with a $25,000 or $50,000 insurance policy. In a Nebraska truck accident, the stakes are exponentially higher. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations require commercial trucks to carry between $750,000 and $5 million in liability insurance. Accessing those millions requires an attorney who knows how to navigate the web of federal law, corporate structures, and electronic evidence that defines these cases.
Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He bringing federal court admission and a track record of multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and wrongful death cases. As client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We treat your case with that same level of personal dedication, whether we’re taking on a local Nebraska hauling company or a Fortune 500 retail giant.
The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol
The clock started ticking the moment that truck hit you. While you’re in the hospital focusing on recovery, the trucking company has likely already dispatched a “Rapid Response Team” to the scene. These investigators, adjusters, and lawyers work to control the narrative, identify favorable witnesses, and “manage” evidence.
If you don’t act quickly, critical evidence can disappear forever. We move just as fast. When you hire us, we send a formal spoliation letter within 24 to 48 hours to preserve the data that wins cases.
The Electronic “Black Box” (ECM Data)
Most commercial trucks manufactured in the last two decades are equipped with an Engine Control Module (ECM). This device records the truck’s speed, RPMs, brake application, and throttle position in the seconds before an impact. This objective data frequently catches truck drivers in lies—proving they were speeding or never hit their brakes. However, this data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days if a litigation hold isn’t placed on the vehicle.
Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)
Since December 2017, federal law (49 CFR Part 395) has required most truckers to use ELDs. These devices record exactly how long a driver has been behind the wheel. We use ELD data to prove the driver was fatigued or had exceeded their legal Hours of Service (HOS). Falsifying logs used to be common with paper books; now, we use the engine-synced ELD data to expose the negligence that leads to fatigue-related crashes on Nebraska highways.
Corporate Monitoring Systems
Companies like Amazon and Walmart use sophisticated AI cameras like Netradyne or DriveCam. These systems record the driver’s eyes for distraction and the road for safety violations. Amazon’s cameras often record on very short loops—footage can be gone in days. Our immediate legal intervention ensures that video of the driver looking at their phone or dozing off is secured before it’s “accidentally” deleted.
Don’t wait for the evidence to disappear. Call (888) 288-9911 today for a free evaluation of your Nebraska truck accident case.
Common Types of Nebraska Truck Accidents
Because of Nebraska’s unique mix of high-speed interstates, urban congestion in Douglas County, and rural 2-lane highways, we see a wide variety of accident types. Each requires a specific investigative strategy.
Jackknife Accidents on I-80
A jackknife occurs when the trailer of an 18-wheeler swings out perpendicular to the cab, often sweeping across multiple lanes of traffic. On Nebraska’s wet or icy winter roads, sudden braking or improper gear selection can trigger a jackknife in an instant. These crashes often lead to multi-vehicle pileups where cars are crushed between the trailer and concrete barriers.
Underride Collisions
Among the most lethal accidents on Nebraska roads, underride collisions happen when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the rear or side of a semi-trailer. The trailer height often shears off the top of the passenger vehicle, resulting in catastrophic head trauma or decapitation. We investigate whether the truck was equipped with properly maintained Mansfield bars (rear guards) and whether the driver turned or merged without signaling.
High-Wind Rollovers
Nebraska is known for sudden gusts of wind that can reach 50 or 60 mph. For a box truck or a lightly loaded 18-wheeler, these winds act like a sail. We’ve seen horrific rollovers on I-80 where wind, combined with excessive speed, flipped a trailer onto a passing car. Proving the driver failed to adjust for “adverse conditions” under 49 CFR § 392.14 is key to these cases.
Wide Turn “Squeeze Play”
In urban Lincoln or Omaha, truck drivers must often swing wide to the left to make a right-hand turn. If they fail to check their mirrors or signal properly, they can “squeeze” a cyclist or a small car between the truck and the curb. This leads to devastating crush injuries and amputations.
Holding All Liable Parties Accountable
One of the biggest mistakes a general practice lawyer makes is only suing the truck driver. At Attorney911, we know that to maximize your recovery, we must cast a wide net and identify every party that contributed to the crash.
- The Trucking Company (Carrier): Under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, the company is responsible for its driver’s negligence. We also pursue claims for Negligent Hiring, Negligent Training, and Negligent Maintenance.
- Corporate Parent Companies: When an Amazon DSP (Delivery Service Partner) van hits you in Papillion, Amazon will claim they aren’t responsible. We disagree. We look at the level of control Amazon exercises over those routes and schedules to hold the corporate giant accountable.
- Cargo Shippers & Loaders: If a load shifts on Highway 77, causing a rollover, the company that improperly secured the cargo (violating 49 CFR Part 393) shares the blame.
- Maintenance Companies: If a truck’s brakes fail because a third-party mechanic cut corners during an inspection, that maintenance company is liable.
- Truck & Parts Manufacturers: Defective steering components or tire blowouts from manufacturing flaws can trigger Product Liability claims.
- Lease Holders and Operators: In agricultural or industrial trucking, the company that leased the truck or controlled the worksite may be liable.
By identifying multiple defendants, we can “stack” insurance policies. We’re not just looking for the driver’s policy; we’re looking for the $5 million or $10 million umbrella policies held by the corporations that put these trucks on Nebraska roads.
Catastrophic Injuries and Their Life Impact
We understand that a truck accident doesn’t just leave you with medical bills; it leaves you with a different life. These aren’t minor fender-benders; these are high-energy collisions that break bodies and futures.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
A TBI can change your personality, your ability to work, and your relationships. Even a “mild” concussion can lead to years of cognitive fog. For more serious TBIs, our settlements often range from $1.5 million to over $9.8 million, ensuring our clients have the lifelong cognitive therapy and support they need.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Damage to the vertebrae in a rollover or underride crash can lead to permanent paralysis. A C4-C6 injury can leave a victim as a quadriplegic, requiring 24/7 nursing care. We work with life care planners to calculate the tens of millions of dollars needed for home modifications, specialized vehicles, and medical equipment over a lifetime.
Amputation and Crush Injuries
When a 60,000-pound dump truck or a 70,000-pound concrete mixer rolls onto a car, the crushing forces often result in traumatic amputation. Surgical amputations also occur when limbs are unsalvageable due to infection or tissue death. We’ve recovered between $1.9 million and $8.6 million for amputation victims to provide for the highest-quality prosthetics and rehabilitation.
Wrongful Death
If you lost a spouse, a parent, or a child in a Nebraska truck wreck, we are deeply sorry. Justice in these cases means holding the trucking company fully responsible for the life they took. In Nebraska, wrongful death claims allow for the recovery of lost future income, loss of companionship, and mental anguish. Our wrongful death settlements regularly fall in the $1.9 million to $9.5 million range.
As client Glenda Walker said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” Let us do the same for you. Call 888-ATTY-911.
Nebraska Specialized Truck Accident Coverage
We handle cases involving every type of commercial vehicle on Nebraska roads. If it’s a vehicle used for business, the rules are different, and we know those rules inside and out.
Delivery Van Accidents (Amazon, FedEx, UPS)
Nebraska’s residential streets are flooded with delivery vans. The pressure to meet quotas—delivered by AI algorithms—causes drivers to speed and park illegally. If an Amazon van hit you in your own neighborhood, don’t let them hide behind the “independent contractor” excuse. We pierce those corporate shields.
Dump Trucks and Construction Vehicles
Lincoln and Omaha are seeing massive growth. That means thousands of dump trucks and gravel haulers are on our roads. These trucks are often overloaded and under-maintained. A loaded dump truck is a 60,000-pound missile; when they crash, the damage is catastrophic.
Rental and Moving Truck Accidents (U-Haul, Penske)
Here is a terrifying fact: anyone with a standard driver’s license can rent a 26-foot U-Haul and pull it onto a Nebraska highway with zero training. These untrained drivers often suffer rollovers or clearance strikes because they don’t understand the physics of a large vehicle. We hold rental companies liable for Negligent Entrustment when they put these dangerous vehicles in the hands of unqualified people.
Agricultural and Grain Truck Wrecks
Nebraska’s economy runs on farming. During harvest season, thousands of grain trucks and livestock haulers hit rural two-lane roads. Overweight loads and fatigued farm-hand drivers create a high risk for head-on collisions and cargo-spill accidents.
Garbage and Waste Trucks
Garbage trucks operate with massive blind spots and frequent backing maneuvers. They are one of the leading causes of pedestrian and child-fatality accidents in Nebraska residential zones.
The Insurance Defense Advantage: Why Hiring Us is Smart
Insurance companies have a specific formula for undervaluing your claim. They use software to calculate “pain and suffering” as a small fraction of your medical bills. They’ll look at your social media, your past medical history, and anything else they can find to say your injuries were “pre-existing.”
Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, used to be on their side. He spent years working for a national defense firm, defending these exact insurance companies. He knows:
- How they train their adjusters to lowball you.
- Which “experts” they hire to say the truck driver wasn’t at fault.
- Exactly what evidence makes them “scared” and forces them to raise their settlement offers.
When you hire Attorney911, you aren’t just hiring a lawyer; you’re hiring an insider who switched sides to fight for people, not profits. We use that knowledge to reject lowball offers and force corporate defendants to pay “every dime,” as client Glenda Walker noted.
Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratuita y confidencial.
Navigating Nebraska’s Truck Accident Laws
Legal rules in Nebraska can make or break your case. You need an attorney who understands the nuances of local statutes.
The 4-Year Statute of Limitations
In Nebraska, you generally have four years from the date of a personal injury accident to file a lawsuit (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-224). However, for wrongful death claims, that timeline is shorter—typically just two years. While four years sounds like a long time, the evidence we mentioned earlier will be long gone if you wait.
Modified Comparative Negligence (The 50% Bar Rule)
Nebraska follows a “50% bar” rule for negligence (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-21,185.09). This means you can recover damages as long as you are less than 50% at fault. If you are 20% at fault, your final check is reduced by 20%. But if you are found 50% or more at fault, you get nothing. The trucking company’s lawyers will work tirelessly to put 51% of the blame on YOU. We work even harder to prove the trucker was the one at fault.
No Damage Caps for Personal Injury
Unlike some neighboring states, Nebraska does not have a statutory cap on non-economic damages (pain and suffering) in standard motor vehicle accident cases. This means if a jury awards you millions for your suffering, you are entitled to collect the full amount.
Nebraska Truck Accident FAQ
1. What if I was hit by a truck while I was on my motorcycle?
The forces are even more devastating. An 80,000-pound truck vs. a 600-pound motorcycle is the most extreme weight mismatch on Nebraska roads. Most motorcycle-truck crashes happen because the trucker changed lanes without checking their “No-Zone” blind spots. Don’t let the insurance company blame you for “being on a bike.” Truckers have a heightened duty to share the road.
2. Is a “black box” real? Can you get the data?
Yes. It’s called an Engine Control Module (ECM). It records speed, braking, and throttle data. We demand this data immediately through a spoliation letter. If the truck is sold or repaired before we can download it, the company can face legal sanctions for destroying evidence.
3. If I was a pedestrian hit by a delivery truck in Omaha, do I have a case?
Yes. Modern delivery vans (Amazon, FedEx) are equipped with cameras and sensors to prevent hitting pedestrians. If a driver backed over you or struck you in a crosswalk, that technology should have alerted them. We investigate whether the driver was distracted by their delivery app or if the company set a schedule that forced the driver to rush through Nebraska streets.
4. How much does a Nebraska truck accident lawyer cost?
With Attorney911, it costs you $0 upfront. We work on contingency. We advance all costs for experts, investigators, and court filings. You only pay us a percentage of the recovery if we win. As Donald Wilcox said, “Then I got a call from Manginello… I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.”
5. What is “negligent hiring” in a trucking case?
It means the trucking company hired a driver they knew (or should have known) was dangerous. We subpoena the Driver Qualification File (49 CFR § 391.51). If that file shows the driver had three DUIs, a suspended license, or failed their medical exam, the company is directly liable for putting that driver on Nebraska roads.
6. Can I sue for PTSD after a semi-truck crash?
Yes. Psychological injuries like PTSD, driving phobia, and severe anxiety are real and compensable. If you wake up with nightmares of the impact or can no longer get on I-80 without a panic attack, those are non-economic damages. We ensure these “hidden” injuries are included in your settlement demand.
7. Who pays my medical bills while my case is pending?
The trucking company’s insurance will eventually pay, but they won’t pay your bills as they come in. We can help you arrange for medical treatment on a “letter of protection,” meaning doctors treat you now and wait for payment until the case resolves. This ensures you get the best Nebraska trauma care without going into debt today.
8. What if my child was injured on a school bus?
Bus accidents are complex because they often involve government entities (school districts) that have “sovereign immunity.” This means you have very short windows (often just months) to file a formal claim notice. Call us immediately if your child was hurt on a bus; missing a deadline could bar your case forever.
9. Can I sue Werner Enterprises if their truck hit me?
Yes. Werner is a massive defendant based right here in Omaha. They have deep pockets, but they also have some of the most aggressive defense lawyers in the country. Ralph Manginello has spent 25 years going toe-to-toe with these corporate legal departments. We’ve handled cases against Walmart, Amazon, and BP—we aren’t intimidated by a company’s size.
10. What are “Hours of Service” (HOS) violations?
Under 49 CFR Part 395, truckers are generally limited to 11 hours of driving after 10 hours off. Fatigued driving is the #1 killer in trucking. If the driver who hit you had been awake for 20 hours trying to make a deadline, they violated federal law. We use ELD data to prove these violations.
Justice for Nebraska Families Starts Here
A truck accident changes your family’s life in a heartbeat. The medical bills pile up, the insurance company starts calling with “quick relief” offers that don’t cover your future costs, and you’re left wondering how you’ll ever get back to normal.
You don’t have to face this alone. You need an attorney who is powerful and proven. Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 have recovered more than $50 million for families just like yours. We take the cases other firms reject. We solve in months what others do nothing about in years. We treat you like family because to us, you are.
When a corporate vehicle or 18-wheeler causes a catastrophe on Nebraska roads, the law gives you the power to fight back. We provide the muscle.
Your fight starts with one call. Let’s make the trucking company pay for what they’ve done.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) right now for your FREE consultation. We are available 24/7 to answer your legal emergency.
Attorney911 | The Manginello Law Firm
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