Saline County 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys: Fighting for Nebraska Families Devastated by Trucking Crashes

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Your Life Forever

The impact was catastrophic. One moment you’re driving home on US Highway 6 through Saline County, and the next, an 80,000-pound semi-truck is jackknifing across your lane. In an instant, everything changes. Your car weighs 4,000 pounds. The truck that hit you? Twenty times heavier. That’s not a fair fight—and when trucking companies cut corners, innocent Nebraska families pay the price.

At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years standing up to commercial carriers and their insurance giants. Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998, and our firm has recovered more than $50 million for families just like yours. We know the Saline County roads—from Wilber to Dorchester, from US 33 to the rural routes connecting our agricultural communities. We understand how grain haulers, livestock trucks, and long-haul semis navigate these highways, and we know exactly what evidence to preserve when disaster strikes.

If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident anywhere in Saline County, you need more than just a lawyer. You need a team with federal court experience, insider knowledge of insurance defense tactics, and a proven track record of multi-million dollar victories. You need Attorney911. Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911—we answer 24/7, and we fight for Nebraska families.

Understanding Federal Trucking Regulations in Saline County Accidents

Every commercial truck operating through Saline County must comply with strict Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. These federal rules—codified in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR)—exist to keep our Nebraska highways safe. When trucking companies violate these rules, they create deadly hazards for Saline County families.

The Six Critical FMCSA Regulation Categories

49 CFR Part 390: General Applicability
These regulations establish who must comply with federal trucking laws. Any commercial motor vehicle (CMV) with a gross vehicle weight rating over 10,001 pounds must follow these rules. This includes virtually every 18-wheeler, grain hauler, and livestock transport traveling through Saline County.

49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards
Trucking companies must verify their drivers are qualified before putting them behind the wheel. Under § 391.11, drivers must be at least 21 years old for interstate commerce, possess a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), pass medical examinations every 24 months, and have clean driving records. Companies must maintain Driver Qualification Files containing employment applications, motor vehicle records, road test certificates, and drug test results. When companies hire unqualified drivers—or fail to maintain proper DQ files—they commit negligent hiring, a key factor in many Saline County crashes.

49 CFR Part 392: Driving Rules
Section 392.3 prohibits drivers from operating CMVs while fatigued, ill, or impaired. Section 392.4 bans drug use, while § 392.5 prohibits alcohol consumption within four hours of duty. Section 392.11 requires drivers to maintain safe following distances, and § 392.82 bans hand-held mobile phone use while driving. Violations of these rules frequently cause accidents on Saline County’s highways, especially during harvest season when drivers face pressure to deliver loads quickly.

49 CFR Part 393: Vehicle Safety and Cargo Securement
Part 393 mandates proper vehicle maintenance and cargo securement. Section 393.100 requires cargo to be secured to prevent shifting, spilling, or falling. Specific performance criteria require securement systems to withstand 0.8g deceleration forward, 0.5g acceleration rearward, and 0.5g lateral force. Section 393.40 requires functioning brake systems on all wheels. These regulations are critical in Saline County’s agricultural sector, where grain trailers and livestock haulers must navigate winding rural roads.

49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS)
Perhaps the most commonly violated regulations, Part 395 limits driving time to prevent fatigue:

• 11-hour rule: Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off-duty
• 14-hour window: Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on-duty
• 30-minute break: Required after 8 cumulative hours driving
• 60/70-hour rules: Cannot drive after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days
• ELD Mandate: Since December 18, 2017, drivers must use Electronic Logging Devices that automatically record driving time

These rules are especially relevant for trucks traveling through Saline County on long-haul routes connecting to I-80 or I-29. When drivers exceed these limits to meet delivery deadlines, they become dangers on our roads.

49 CFR Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance
Section 396.3 requires motor carriers to systematically inspect, repair, and maintain their vehicles. Drivers must complete pre-trip inspections before each driving period, checking brakes, steering mechanisms, tires, lighting devices, and emergency equipment. Annual inspections are mandatory, with records retained for 14 months. Brake failures cause approximately 29% of truck accidents, making these maintenance requirements essential for Saline County safety.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Saline County

Saline County’s unique geography—rural agricultural routes, proximity to major interstate corridors, and challenging Nebraska weather—creates specific trucking hazards. Our team has handled virtually every type of commercial vehicle accident, from grain truck rollovers on county roads to catastrophic collisions on US Highway 6.

Jackknife Accidents

Jackknifes occur when a truck’s trailer and cab skid in opposite directions, folding like a pocket knife. These accidents account for approximately 10% of all trucking fatalities and often block multiple lanes, creating pileups. On Saline County’s narrower rural highways, a jackknifed 18-wheeler can completely obstruct traffic, leaving approaching drivers nowhere to go.

Common causes include sudden braking on wet or icy roads (frequent during Nebraska winters), speeding through curves, and improperly loaded trailers. Under § 393.100, cargo must be secured to prevent shifting that causes instability. When grain haulers or livestock trucks jackknife on US 33 or Nebraska Highway 15, the results are often catastrophic.

Rollover Accidents

Rollovers happen when 18-wheelers tip onto their sides or roofs. These accidents are particularly common in Saline County’s agricultural sector, where bulk grain trailers and tanker trucks have high centers of gravity. Approximately 50% of rollovers result from failure to adjust speed on curves.

Nebraska’s weather intensifies rollover risks. Sharp curves on county roads, combined with high winds sweeping across the plains or sudden summer thunderstorms, can destabilize top-heavy trucks. When drivers violate § 392.6 by speeding for conditions or § 393.100 by failing to secure cargo properly, they put Saline County families at risk of crushing injuries from overturned trucks.

Underride Collisions

Among the deadliest trucking accidents, underrides occur when smaller vehicles slide under truck trailers, often shearing off passenger compartments at windshield level. Approximately 400-500 underride deaths occur annually nationwide. While 49 CFR § 393.86 mandates rear impact guards on trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998, many older trucks lack adequate protection, and no federal requirement exists for side underride guards.

On Saline County’s darker rural roads—particularly on unlit sections of US Highway 6 or remote county routes—low visibility increases underride risks. When trucks stop suddenly without proper lighting or reflective markings, passenger vehicles can slide beneath trailers with fatal consequences.

Rear-End Collisions

An 80,000-pound truck traveling at 65 mph requires approximately 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields. This extended stopping distance makes rear-end collisions common when truck drivers follow too closely or become distracted.

On busy routes like US Highway 33 connecting Wilber to Crete, or when trucks approach intersections on Nebraska Highway 15, failure to maintain safe following distances under § 392.11 can lead to devastating crashes. Distracted driving under § 392.82—texting or using hand-held phones—further reduces reaction times, endanguring Saline County commuters.

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Trucks swinging wide before right turns can trap passenger vehicles in the gap between the truck and curb. These accidents frequently occur at intersections in Wilber, Crete, and other Saline County communities where trucks navigate tighter turns. When drivers fail to signal properly under § 392.2 or neglect to check mirrors and blind spots, they can crush smaller vehicles against curbs or buildings.

Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zones”)

Commercial trucks have massive blind spots extending 20 feet in front, 30 feet behind, and large areas on both sides—particularly the right side. Section 393.80 requires mirrors providing clear rear views, but many accidents occur when drivers change lanes or turn without checking these “no-zones.”

On multi-lane highways near Saline County or when trucks enter/exit agricultural facilities, blind spot violations can force passenger vehicles off the road or cause sideswipe collisions.

Tire Blowout Accidents

Extreme temperature variations in Nebraska—summer heat exceeding 90°F and winter cold below zero—stress truck tires. Underinflated tires, worn treads, or overloaded vehicles can cause sudden blowouts, creating “road gators” (debris) and causing drivers to lose control. Section 393.75 mandates minimum tread depths—4/32″ for steer tires and 2/32″ for others—but violations are common when companies defer maintenance to cut costs.

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake problems factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes. Section 393.40 requires service brakes on all wheels, while § 396.3 mandates systematic maintenance. When Saline County carriers or maintenance companies neglect brake adjustments—particularly critical on steep grades or during icy Nebraska winters—the results are catastrophic multi-vehicle pileups.

Cargo Spill and Shift Accidents

Saline County’s agricultural economy relies heavily on grain and livestock transport. When tankers spill liquid cargo or grain trailers shed loads onto US Highway 6 or rural routes, they create slippery hazards and chain-reaction crashes. Section 393.100’s securement requirements are designed to prevent these disasters, but violations occur when loaders rush during harvest season or companies overload trailers to maximize profits.

Weather-Related Accidents

Nebraska’s continental climate poses unique trucking hazards. Winter blizzards create black ice on US Highway 33, while spring tornadoes and severe thunderstorms produce high winds that affect high-profile trailers. Summer heat causes tire blowouts and driver fatigue. Under § 392.3, drivers must adjust for conditions—they cannot simply drive the speed limit during a Nebraska ice storm or whiteout conditions.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Saline County Trucking Accident?

Unlike simple car accidents involving only two drivers, 18-wheeler crashes often involve multiple liable parties. At Attorney911, we investigate every potential defendant to maximize your recovery, because more defendants mean more insurance coverage available to compensate your family.

The Truck Driver

The operator may be personally liable for:

• Speeding or reckless driving on Saline County roads
• Distracted driving (cell phones, GPS, dispatch communications)
• Fatigued driving beyond HOS limits
• Impaired driving under § 392.4 and § 392.5
• Failure to conduct pre-trip inspections under § 396.13
• Violating traffic laws at Saline County intersections

We pursue cell phone records, ELD data showing hours of service, and drug test results to prove driver negligence.

The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Under respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. Additionally, companies face direct liability for:

• Negligent Hiring: Failing to verify driver qualifications, check backgrounds, or review driving records
• Negligent Training: Inadequate safety training on cargo securement, winter driving, or HOS compliance
• Negligent Supervision: Failing to monitor ELD violations or driver behavior
• Negligent Maintenance: Deferring brake repairs or tire replacements to save money
• Negligent Scheduling: Pressuring drivers to violate hours-of-service regulations to meet delivery deadlines

Trucking companies carry substantial insurance—typically $750,000 to $5 million—making them primary targets for recovery. We subpoena Driver Qualification Files, CSA safety scores, and dispatch records to prove corporate negligence.

Cargo Owners and Shippers

In Saline County’s agricultural sector, grain elevators, livestock producers, and processing facilities may share liability when they:

• Require overweight loading of grain trailers
• Provide improper loading instructions
• Fail to disclose hazardous cargo properties
• Pressure carriers to expedite deliveries beyond safe limits

Loading Companies

Third-party loaders at Saline County grain elevators or processing plants may be liable for improper cargo securement under § 393.100. When loaders fail to use adequate tiedowns or distribute weight properly, shifting cargo causes rollovers on rural routes.

Truck and Parts Manufacturers

Defective brakes, steering systems, or tires can cause accidents despite proper maintenance. We investigate whether recalls, technical service bulletins, or manufacturing defects contributed to your crash.

Maintenance Companies

Third-party mechanics who negligently repair brakes or overlook critical safety issues may share liability. We review work orders, parts used, and mechanic qualifications to identify maintenance failures.

Freight Brokers

Brokers who arrange transportation may be liable for negligent carrier selection—choosing trucking companies with poor safety records or inadequate insurance to maximize their own profits.

Government Entities

If dangerous road design, inadequate signage, or failure to maintain Saline County roads contributed to your accident, governmental liability may apply. Nebraska’s sovereign immunity laws are complex, requiring immediate notice and strict compliance with procedural requirements.

Evidence Preservation: The Critical First 48 Hours

Critical Evidence Disappears Fast. Trucking companies deploy rapid-response teams within hours of accidents. If you don’t act immediately, evidence proving negligence will be lost forever.

The Evidence Destruction Timeline

Spoliation Letters: Taking Immediate Action

Within 24 hours of being retained, we send spoliation letters to all potentially liable parties, demanding preservation of:

Electronic Data:

• Engine Control Module (ECM) and Event Data Recorder (EDR) showing speed, braking, and throttle position before the crash
• Electronic Logging Device (ELD) records proving HOS violations
• GPS and telematics data confirming routes and timing
• Dashcam and forward-facing camera footage
• Driver cell phone records

Driver Records:

• Complete Driver Qualification Files
• Employment applications and background checks
• Medical certifications and drug test results
• Previous employer verification (3-year history)
• Training records

Vehicle Records:

• Maintenance and repair logs
• Pre-trip and post-trip inspection reports
• Annual inspection documentation
• Tire and brake replacement records

Corporate Records:

• Hours of service logs for 6 months prior
• Dispatch communications showing scheduling pressure
• Safety policies and violation histories

Once parties receive our spoliation letters, destroying evidence constitutes “spoliation,” potentially resulting in adverse jury instructions, monetary sanctions, or default judgments.

ECM/Black Box Data: The Smoking Gun

Commercial trucks contain electronic systems recording operational data continuously. This objective evidence often contradicts driver claims of “I wasn’t speeding” or “I hit the brakes immediately.” ECM data reveals:

• Exact speed before and during the crash
• Brake application timing and force
• Throttle position and engine RPM
• Cruise control status
• Hard braking events

This data is tamper-resistant and admissible in court, frequently leading to multi-million dollar settlements when it contradicts driver testimony.

Catastrophic Injuries: The Human Cost of Negligence

The physics of 18-wheeler accidents makes catastrophic injuries inevitable. When 80,000 pounds collides with a 4,000-pound passenger vehicle at highway speeds, the forces involved cause life-altering trauma.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI occurs when violent forces cause the brain to impact the skull interior. Even “mild” concussions can cause lasting cognitive deficits, while severe TBIs may require lifelong care. Common symptoms include memory loss, confusion, personality changes, mood disorders, and sensory impairments. Lifetime care costs range from $85,000 to over $3 million, depending on severity.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Damage to the spinal cord can result in paraplegia (loss of function below the waist) or quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs). Higher injuries affecting the cervical spine may require ventilators for breathing. Lifetime costs exceed $5 million for high quadriplegia cases, including medical care, equipment, and lost earning capacity.

Amputations

Crushing forces in trucking accidents often necessitate limb amputation. Beyond the initial trauma, victims require prosthetics ($5,000-$50,000 each), replacement every few years, extensive rehabilitation, and home modifications. Phantom limb pain and psychological trauma add to the suffering.

Severe Burns

Fuel tank ruptures or hazmat spills during crashes cause thermal or chemical burns. Third and fourth-degree burns require skin grafts, multiple surgeries, and result in permanent scarring and disfigurement.

Wrongful Death

When trucking accidents claim lives, surviving family members suffer devastating losses. Nebraska law allows recovery for lost income, loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and mental anguish. While no amount compensates for losing a loved one, financial stability allows families to grieve without additional economic stress.

Insurance Coverage: Accessing the Resources You Need

Federal law mandates substantial insurance coverage for commercial trucks:

• $750,000 minimum for non-hazardous freight
• $1,000,000 for oil, large equipment, and vehicles transporting 15 or fewer passengers
• $5,000,000 for hazardous materials and vehicles carrying 16+ passengers

Most carriers carry $1-5 million in coverage—far exceeding typical auto policy limits. However, accessing these funds requires proving liability and damages. Insurance companies deploy aggressive tactics to minimize payouts, including:

• Quick lowball settlements before victims understand injury severity
• Claiming pre-existing conditions caused symptoms
• Using recorded statements against victims
• Surveillance to catch victims performing daily activities

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working for insurance defense firms. He knows exactly how adjusters evaluate claims, what triggers higher settlement offers, and when companies are bluffing. That insider knowledge becomes your advantage when fighting for maximum compensation.

Nebraska Law: Statutes and Standards Affecting Saline County Cases

Statute of Limitations

Nebraska provides four years from the accident date to file personal injury lawsuits (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-207)—longer than many states. However, wrongful death claims must be filed within two years (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 30-809). While these deadlines seem distant, waiting endangers your case. Evidence disappears, witnesses move away, and memories fade. Contact us immediately to preserve your rights.

Comparative Negligence

Nebraska follows modified comparative negligence with a 50% bar rule (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-21,185.09). You may recover damages if you are 49% or less at fault, but your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found 20% at fault in a $500,000 case, you recover $400,000. If you’re 51% at fault, you recover nothing. This makes thorough investigation and evidence preservation critical for Saline County accident victims.

Damage Caps

Unlike some states, Nebraska does not cap economic or non-economic damages in personal injury cases, including trucking accidents. Punitive damages are also available for willful, wanton, or reckless conduct—such as knowingly hiring unqualified drivers or falsifying HOS logs.

Sovereign Immunity

Claims against government entities (such as the Nebraska Department of Roads for dangerous highway conditions) face strict notice requirements and damage caps. Written notice must be provided within 120 days for some claims, making immediate legal consultation essential.

Why Saline County Families Choose Attorney911

Ralph Manginello: 25+ Years of Fighting for Victims

Since 1998, Ralph Manginello has represented injury victims across Nebraska and beyond. Admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and licensed in both Texas and New York, Ralph brings federal court experience to complex interstate trucking cases. His involvement in the BP Texas City Refinery litigation—where 15 workers died and 170 were injured—demonstrates his capability against Fortune 500 defendants.

Ralph’s track record includes multi-million dollar settlements:

• $5+ million for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by a falling log
• $3.8+ million for a client who suffered partial leg amputation
• $2.5+ million for truck crash recoveries

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

Lupe Peña: The Insurance Defense Advantage

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña worked for years at a national insurance defense firm before joining Attorney911. He knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate claims, minimize payouts, and train adjusters to deny valid claims. Now he uses that insider knowledge against them, recognizing manipulation tactics and countering every strategy they deploy.

Lupe is also fluent in Spanish, providing direct representation to Saline County’s Hispanic community without interpreters. Hablamos Español—llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para hablar con Lupe directamente.

Documented Results and Recognition

Our firm’s achievements speak for themselves:

• $50+ million total recoveries for clients
• 4.9-star Google rating from 251+ reviews
• Trial Lawyers Achievement Association Million Dollar Member
• $10 million lawsuit currently litigating against the University of Houston for hazing injuries (demonstrating our capacity for major institutional litigation)

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

Three Offices Serving Nebraska and Beyond

With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, we serve trucking accident victims across state lines. For Saline County residents, we offer remote consultations and travel to Nebraska for your case. Our federal court admissions allow us to handle interstate commerce cases anywhere in the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions About Saline County 18-Wheeler Accidents

What should I do immediately after a trucking accident in Saline County?

Call 911, seek medical attention even if you feel okay, document the scene with photos, get the trucking company’s DOT number, collect witness information, and contact an attorney immediately. Do not give recorded statements to insurance adjusters.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Nebraska?

Four years for personal injury, but only two years for wrongful death. However, evidence critical to your case can disappear within days. Call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.

Who can I sue after an 18-wheeler accident?

Potentially liable parties include the driver, trucking company, cargo owner, loading company, maintenance providers, parts manufacturers, freight brokers, and government entities. We investigate all possibilities to maximize your recovery.

What is a spoliation letter and why does it matter?

It’s a formal legal notice demanding preservation of evidence like black box data, maintenance records, and driver files. Once sent, destroying evidence constitutes spoliation, which courts punish severely.

How much are trucking accident cases worth?

Values depend on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and insurance coverage. Trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million in coverage. Our firm has recovered settlements ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions.

What if the insurance company offers a quick settlement?

Never accept the first offer—it’s always a lowball attempt to pay you less before you understand your full injuries. Consult an attorney first.

Can I afford an attorney?

Yes. We work on contingency—33.33% if settled pre-trial, 40% if trial is necessary. You pay nothing unless we win. We advance all investigation costs.

What if I was partially at fault?

Under Nebraska’s comparative negligence law, you can recover if you’re 50% or less at fault, though your recovery is reduced by your fault percentage.

Do you handle Spanish-speaking clients?

Yes. Associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish. Hablamos Español and can represent you without interpreters.

What makes Attorney911 different from other firms?

Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of experience, Lupe Peña’s insurance defense insider knowledge, our $50+ million track record, and our commitment to treating clients like family—not case numbers.

Protecting Your Family’s Future Starts Today

The trucking company that hit you has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already looking for ways to minimize your claim. While you’re dealing with medical appointments, vehicle repairs, and lost wages, they’re building a defense.

You deserve the same level of aggressive representation. At Attorney911, we don’t just accept cases—we fight for families. We’ve taken on Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, Coca-Cola, and BP. We’ve secured multi-million dollar verdicts for traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and wrongful death. And we treat every client like family—as Chad Harris said, “You are FAMILY to them.”

If you’ve been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident in Saline County—whether on US Highway 6 near Wilber, US 33 near Crete, or any rural route in between—call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 or (888) 288-9911. We answer 24/7, offer free consultations, and work on contingency. You pay nothing unless we win.

Don’t let the trucking company win. Your fight starts with one call. 1-888-ATTY-911.

Attorney911 / The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
Serving Saline County, Nebraska and communities nationwide
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