It’s no secret that truck accidents are among the most catastrophic events on Lincoln’s highways. In Nebraska alone, thousands of truck accidents occur each year, many of them along heavily trafficked routes like I-80 and U.S. Highway 77.
Victims of these accidents often face overwhelming medical bills, lost income, and the uncertainty of navigating a legal claim.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries from such a devastating crash, you're likely grappling with questions about how to move forward. A lawyer can guide you through the legal options available. While the road ahead may seem daunting, the right legal team can make all the difference.
Call us today at (205) 957-4995 for a free consultation and let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Our experienced team of Lincoln truck accident attorneys is here to handle the complex legal details so you can focus on your recovery.
Why Choose Our Lincoln Truck Accident Lawyers
When it comes to handling truck accident cases, experience and dedication are paramount. We bring decades of experience to each case we take on, ensuring that our clients receive the most comprehensive legal representation possible.
Having recovered over $1.5 billion for clients nationwide, our firm understands the complexities of truck accident litigation. Trucking companies and their insurers are known for employing aggressive legal teams to minimize payouts, but we can fight back on your behalf.
Whether you’re local to Lincoln or reside in the surrounding areas, we’re here for you. This easy accessibility is complemented by our 24/7 availability, ensuring we’re ready to discuss your case whenever you need us.
Our reputation for aggressive legal representation means we won’t rest until you receive the full compensation you're entitled to under Nebraska law. Whether you're dealing with medical bills, lost wages, or the emotional trauma of the accident, we are here to support you throughout the legal process.
How Much is My Case Worth?
After a truck accident, one of the most pressing questions on your mind is likely: "How much compensation can I expect?" The amount you can recover depends on various factors, including the extent of your injuries, the damages sustained, and the specific details of the crash.
Nebraska law allows you to pursue economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are the tangible financial losses you suffer due to the accident.
These damages are straightforward to calculate and typically include:
- Medical Expenses: Costs for hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatments.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for the income you've lost if you were unable to work due to the accident.
- Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle and other personal property damaged in the crash.
- Future Medical Expenses and Lost Earnings: If your injuries require long-term care or if you are unable to return to work, your lawyer will calculate the potential future losses to ensure you receive full compensation.
Non-Economic Damages
These damages account for the more subjective, non-financial impacts of the accident, which can vary greatly depending on the severity of your injuries:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional trauma you’ve experienced as a result of the accident.
- Emotional Distress: This may include anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions caused by the crash.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from engaging in activities you once loved, you may be entitled to additional compensation for this loss.
Punitive Damages
In some cases, Nebraska law allows for punitive damages. The court may award them when the truck driver or company acted with gross negligence or intentional misconduct, such as driving under the influence or violating safety regulations. While not common, punitive damages punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.
At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we understand how to evaluate these damages and work with medical and financial experts to account for every aspect of your loss in your claim. We don’t just settle for the minimum – we fight for the maximum compensation available under Nebraska law.
Where Do Truck Accidents Occur in Lincoln?
Lincoln experiences many truck accidents, particularly along major highways like Interstate 80 and Highway 77.
The combination of high-speed travel, heavy truckloads, and dense traffic frequently leads to dangerous and sometimes deadly accidents. Additionally, intersections within the city—such as the O Street and 27th Street crossing—are well-known for collisions involving large trucks due to high traffic volume and challenging turns.
The Nebraska Department of Transportation has found that large trucks, due to their size and the difficulty in stopping or maneuvering, are disproportionately involved in accidents in these areas.
Rural roads just outside of Lincoln also present unique hazards, where drivers often face fatigue from long hours of travel. These roads, which are not designed to handle the weight and size of commercial trucks, further contribute to accident risks.
Nebraska Truck Accident Statistics
The following statistics from the Nebraska Department of Transportation highlight the severity and frequency of these incidents in one recent year:
- In that year, 4.4% of all traffic accidents in Nebraska involved heavy trucks.
- Semi-trailer trucks were involved in 1,261 accidents across the state, while other heavy trucks were involved in 954 accidents that year.
Injuries and Fatalities from Truck Accidents
Truck accidents have a profound impact on public safety, often resulting in serious injuries or death:
- 365 injuries were linked to semi-trailer truck accidents, while other heavy truck accidents caused 279 injuries.
- Tragically, 35 fatalities occurred from semi-truck accidents, and other heavy trucks were responsible for 16 deaths in Nebraska that year.
Impact of Truck Accidents Compared to Overall Crashes
Although truck accidents only accounted for 4.4% of all traffic incidents, they were responsible for 15.1% of all fatal collisions. In fact, truck accidents made up an astonishing 53.7% of all fatal crashes in Nebraska, illustrating their disproportionate impact.
Lincoln County and Rural Areas
Lincoln County, specifically, reported 12 accident-related deaths in that one year, making it one of the counties with the highest traffic fatality rates in the state.
This county, along with rural roads across Nebraska, saw twice as many fatalities (155) as urban roads (78). The economic impact of these crashes was staggering, with the total loss in Nebraska exceeding $4.7 billion that year.
Truck Accidents 101: What You Need to Know
Truck accidents are vastly different from typical car crashes due to the sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles. Understanding the basics of these types of accidents can help you better comprehend your legal options.
When dealing with truck accidents in Lincoln, certain factors come into play that may not be present in other motor vehicle incidents. Here’s what you should know:
Types of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents occur in various ways, often resulting from different causes. Here are some common types:
- Jackknife Accidents: This occurs when the trailer of a truck swings out from behind the cab, forming a 90-degree angle, usually due to sudden braking or slippery roads.
- Rear-End Collisions: Trucks, due to their size and weight, require a longer stopping distance. When a truck driver is distracted or following too closely, rear-end collisions can happen, often leading to serious injuries for those in smaller vehicles.
- Rollover Crashes: When a truck takes a sharp turn or swerves, its high center of gravity can cause it to roll over, potentially crushing nearby vehicles.
- Underride Accidents: These devastating crashes occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer of a truck, often resulting in catastrophic injuries.
Common Injuries
Truck accidents tend to result in severe injuries due to the large size disparity between trucks and passenger vehicles.
Some common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Burns from fires caused by hazardous materials
- Internal injuries
Relevant Legal Concepts and Regulations
Navigating truck accident cases requires an understanding of both federal and state laws. Truck drivers and their employers are subject to regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which mandates:
- Hours of Service Rules: Truck drivers are limited to a maximum of 11 hours of driving per day to prevent fatigue. Violating these rules can lead to liability in an accident.
- Maintenance and Inspection Requirements: Trucking companies must regularly inspect and maintain their vehicles. Failure to meet these standards can result in mechanical failures that lead to accidents.
Nebraska also follows a comparative fault rule, meaning you can still recover damages even if you’re partially at fault for the accident, as long as you are less than 50% responsible.
Fighting the Insurance Company
Dealing with insurance companies after a truck accident is often one of the most challenging aspects of the legal process. Trucking companies and their insurers are notoriously aggressive in minimizing payouts, especially when large sums are at stake.
Without proper legal representation, you risk getting an offer far below what your case is worth, or worse, having your claim denied altogether.
Insurance adjusters frequently employ tactics aimed at undermining your case.
They may:
- Attempt to obtain recorded statements to use against you later
- Delay processing your claim in hopes that you will settle for less
- Challenge the extent of your injuries or argue that you were partially at fault
Truck accidents involve multiple parties, each with their own insurance companies and legal teams. In a single case, you could face resistance not only from the truck driver’s insurer but also from the trucking company, the vehicle manufacturer, or even third-party maintenance providers.
At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we have extensive experience negotiating with powerful insurance companies and achieving favorable outcomes for our clients.
We will ensure that all aspects of your claim are thoroughly investigated, from obtaining evidence like maintenance records and driver logs to consulting with accident reconstruction experts. Our team knows how to maximize your settlement while protecting your rights every step of the way.
What to Do After a Truck Accident
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, taking the right steps after the crash can significantly impact the outcome of your claim.
1. Follow Your Doctor’s Treatment Plan
Not only is this important for your recovery, but insurance companies often scrutinize whether victims are consistent with their treatment. Skipping appointments or deviating from your treatment plan could serve as evidence that your injuries aren’t as severe as claimed.
2. Document Everything
Keep meticulous records related to your accident and recovery. This includes:
- Receipts for medical bills, medication, and therapy: These will help calculate economic damages in your case.
- Photographs of your injuries: Visual evidence can be powerful in showing the extent of your suffering.
- A journal detailing your recovery process: Record the pain, emotional toll, and limitations you experience day-to-day. This can strengthen claims for non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
3. Obtain Copies of Key Documents
Be sure to collect copies of the police report and any medical records related to your accident. These documents contain important evidence that your lawyer will use to build your case.
4. Avoid Making Statements
Insurance adjusters may contact you soon after the accident and ask for a recorded statement. Politely decline and refer them to your lawyer. Providing a statement without legal guidance can hurt your claim, as insurers may use your words to reduce or deny your compensation.
5. Stay Off Social Media
It’s tempting to update friends and family about your condition, but opposing parties will use anything you post online against you. Even innocent updates about your activities could become evidence that the opposing side will use to argue that your injuries are not as serious as you claim.
Get the Justice You Deserve
Our team is prepared to guide you through every step of the legal process, ensuring that you are not alone in your fight for justice. Let us handle the complicated legal work while you focus on recovering from your injuries.
Call us today at (205) 957-4995 for your free consultation, and let us help you get the compensation you deserve. Don't let insurance companies dictate your future.