Nebraska Truck Accident Attorneys

Advocating for Truck Accident Victims in Nebraska & Nationwide

The highways of Nebraska—I-80, US-77, and US-81—are the lifeblood of American commerce. Every day, thousands of semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, and commercial delivery vehicles traverse our state. While these vehicles are essential to the economy, their sheer size and weight make them inherently dangerous when negligence occurs. A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while the average passenger vehicle weighs only 3,000 to 4,000 pounds. In a collision, the occupants of the smaller vehicle almost always suffer the brunt of the impact.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision with a commercial vehicle, you need more than just a general personal injury attorney. You need an experienced Nebraska truck accident lawyer from Domina Law Group. Trucking litigation is complex, involving federal regulations, corporate bureaucracies, and high-stakes insurance negotiations. Our firm has the resources and the trial experience necessary to go head-to-head with multi-billion-dollar trucking corporations to secure the compensation you deserve.

Domina Law Group: Helping Accident Victims Since 1975

Since 1975, our truck accident lawyers in Omaha have been fighting for the rights of accident victims in Nebraska. We have a proven history of success in accident cases and have recovered verdicts that include several multi-million-dollar verdicts and one verdict for more than $1.2 billion. 

Unlike other firms, we are not afraid to stand up to powerful trucking companies and their insurance companies. If you or your loved one have been involved in a truck accident, you can trust our team of dedicated attorneys to stand up for your rights.

The Nebraska truck accident lawyers at Domina Law Group have earned a reputation for helping victims of truck driver and company negligence across the country. Our motto is "Trial Practice. Not Just Talk." because we are ready and able to represent you in court from day one, not just as a last resort.

Call our Omaha truck accident lawyers today at (888) 387-4134 to schedule a free consultation.

Common Types of Big Rig Accidents

Big rig accidents often unfold differently than standard car-to-car collisions due to the unique physics of a tractor-trailer. Some of the most common types of accidents we handle include:

• Jackknife Accidents: This occurs when the trailer of a truck swings out at an angle to the tractor, resembling a folding pocketknife. This is often caused by sudden braking or slick road conditions.
• Rollovers: Large trucks have a high center of gravity. If a driver takes a turn too fast or if a load shifts unexpectedly, the entire vehicle can tip onto its side.
• Underride Collisions: These are among the most fatal accidents. They occur when a smaller passenger vehicle slides underneath the back or side of a trailer, often shearing off the top of the car.
• Blind Spot Accidents (No-Zones): Semi-trucks have massive blind spots on all four sides. If a driver fails to check these "no-zones" before changing lanes, they can crush smaller vehicles.
• Squeeze Play: This happens when a truck driver makes a wide right turn and a passenger vehicle attempts to pass on the right, getting "squeezed" between the truck and the curb.
• Rear-End Collisions: Due to their size and stopping distance, trucks can cause severe damage when striking vehicles from behind

Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents

Identifying the root cause of a crash is essential for a successful claim. At Domina Law Group, we conduct thorough investigations to determine if the accident was caused by:

• Driver Fatigue: Despite strict limits on driving hours, many drivers feel pressured by their employers to meet unrealistic deadlines, leading to drowsy driving that is as dangerous as drunk driving.
• Distracted Driving: Truckers spend long hours on the road and frequently succumb to the temptation of using cell phones, GPS devices, or CB radios while driving.
• Improper Maintenance: Trucking companies are required to perform regular inspections. Worn brakes, balding tires, and faulty lighting are common maintenance failures that lead to disasters.
• Speeding and Reckless Driving: Because trucks take much longer to stop than cars, speeding is particularly deadly in the commercial trucking industry.
• Improper Cargo Loading: If a trailer is overloaded or the cargo is not properly secured, it can shift during transit, causing the driver to lose control or the trailer to tip.

Common 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries

The force generated by a big rig is catastrophic. Survivors of these accidents often face a lifetime of medical expenses and physical limitations. We represent clients suffering from:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): The violent jarring of a truck impact can cause permanent cognitive impairment, memory loss, and personality changes.
• Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis: Damage to the neck or back can result in paraplegia or quadriplegia.
• Crush Injuries and Amputations: Occupants can become trapped in crumpled vehicles, leading to the loss of limbs or severe internal organ damage.
• Bone Fractures: It is common for victims to suffer multiple broken bones that require several surgeries and months of physical therapy.
• Burn Injuries: If a truck is carrying flammable materials, a collision can lead to fires or explosions, causing life-altering scarring and disfigurement.

Overview of Federal Trucking Regulations

Trucking is a heavily regulated industry. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets the standards that all interstate trucking companies must follow. A key part of our job as your Nebraska truck accident lawyer is to prove that these regulations were violated. Key regulations include:

• Hours of Service (HOS): These rules dictate how long a driver can be behind the wheel (usually 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off) to prevent fatigue-related crashes.
• Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Mandate: Most trucks must use digital logs to record driving time, preventing drivers from "cooking the books" with paper logs.
• Drug and Alcohol Testing: Drivers must undergo pre-employment, random, and post-accident testing for controlled substances.
• Weight Limits: Federal law strictly limits the weight of a truck to prevent excessive wear on brakes and tires.

Liability of Trucking Accidents

In a typical car accident, you usually only sue the other driver. In a truck accident, liability is often shared among several parties, which can actually increase the amount of insurance coverage available to you. Potentially liable parties include:

• The Truck Driver: For negligence, such as speeding or driving while impaired.
• The Trucking Company: Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, companies are often responsible for the actions of their employees. They can also be held liable for negligent hiring or training.
• Cargo Loaders: If a third-party company loaded the trailer incorrectly, they may be liable for a shift-related crash.
• Manufacturers: If a defective part (like a tire blowout or brake failure) caused the crash, the manufacturer of that part may be held responsible.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Nebraska?

In Nebraska, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally four years from the date of the accident. However, evidence in trucking cases (like black box data) can disappear within days, so it is vital to contact a lawyer immediately.

What is "black box" data?

Most modern semi-trucks are equipped with an Electronic Control Module (ECM) or "black box." This device records speed, braking, and engine data in the seconds leading up to a crash. We move quickly to preserve this data before it is overwritten.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?

Yes. Nebraska follows a "modified comparative negligence" rule. As long as your fault is less than 50%, you can still recover damages, though your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

How much does a Nebraska truck accident lawyer cost?

At Domina Law Group, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing up front. We only get paid if we successfully recover a settlement or verdict for you.

What should I do immediately after a truck accident?

Seek medical attention, call law enforcement, document the scene if possible, and avoid speaking with insurance adjusters before consulting an attorney.

Do I need a lawyer for a truck accident claim?

Truck accident cases are complex and often involve multiple parties and federal regulations. Having an experienced Nebraska truck accident lawyer significantly improves your chances of securing fair compensation.

Why You Need an Experienced Truck Accident Law Firm

If you've been involved in a collision with a large truck, you may be tempted to work solely with the insurance company, trusting them to cover the expenses related to your injury and damage to your vehicle. Unfortunately, that path often results in truck accident victims receiving a much lower settlement than will actually cover their long-term medical expenses and loss of income.

When you work Domina Law Group, you get the advantage of a team of experienced truck accident litigators who can handle all aspects of your claim, including:

• Investigating the accident and retrieving evidence
• Filing necessary paperwork and ensuring your claim meets deadlines
• Negotiating with the insurance company and fighting for maximum compensation
• Defending your claim with testimony from medical experts and accident reconstructionists
• Taking the negligent party to court, if a fair settlement cannot be reached

While only about 5% of all personal injury cases proceed to trial, simply having an attorney representing your best interests can result in a settlement that is up to three times higher than you would have received on your own. Call Domina Law Group today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation of your case.