Every year, thousands of truck accidents across the U.S. leave victims struggling with severe injuries and overwhelming expenses. In Nebraska alone, large truck collisions accounted for a significant portion of serious highway accidents in recent years.
If you suffered injuries from such a collision in Omaha, you don't have to navigate this challenging time without help. Trucking companies and their insurers often try to minimize the compensation they owe, but the right legal team can make a world of difference.
At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we understand how life-changing truck accidents can be. This article will guide you through the next steps after a truck accident and show how we can support your case.
If you're ready to discuss your legal options, call our skilled Omaha truck accident attorney at (205) 957-4995 for a free consultation.
Why Choose Us
When you're dealing with a truck accident, you need a law firm with a proven history of winning complex cases and fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers is known nationwide for helping clients recover over $1.5 billion in verdicts and settlements. Our legal team has handled numerous truck accident claims, securing significant financial recoveries for injured clients and their families.
One key advantage of working with us is our accessibility. We pride ourselves on being available 24/7 to meet your legal needs, offering personalized service at every step of the process.
What truly sets us apart, though, is our relentless commitment to your case. Unlike other firms, we don’t settle for less than what you deserve. Our aggressive negotiation tactics and willingness to go to trial have earned us a reputation as one of the country's leading truck accident legal teams.
How Much Is My Truck Accident Case Worth?
After a truck accident, the financial impact can feel just as overwhelming as the physical and emotional toll. Many victims are left wondering, How much can I recover? While no two cases are exactly alike, truck accident compensation generally falls into three key categories:
Economic Damages
These are the measurable financial losses you suffered due to the accident. They include:
- Medical expenses: Hospital bills, surgeries, ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, and medication.
- Lost wages: Income lost from time off work, and potential future earnings if you cannot return to work.
- Property damage: The costs to repair or replace your vehicle or any other damaged personal property.
Non-Economic Damages
These damages compensate for the non-tangible losses that can have a lasting impact on your quality of life.
They cover:
- Pain and suffering: The physical pain and emotional distress endured after the accident.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: When your injuries prevent you from engaging in activities or hobbies you once enjoyed.
- Emotional distress: Compensation for anxiety, depression, or other emotional consequences stemming from the accident.
Punitive Damages
In cases where the truck driver or company acted with extreme negligence, the court may award punitive damages. These do not compensate you for your losses but punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior. In Nebraska, punitive damages do not typically enter the picture unless the defendant's conduct was grossly negligent.
Our team at Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers thoroughly investigates each case. We work with medical experts and economists to determine the full extent of your losses, ensuring no dollar is left on the table. We are dedicated to fighting for maximum compensation, whether through settlement negotiations or, if necessary, at trial.
Where Do Truck Accidents Occur in Omaha?
Highways and Major Routes
Omaha’s location at the intersection of several key highways makes it a critical transportation hub, but it also increases the likelihood of truck accidents. Interstate 80 (I-80) is one of the most common areas for collisions involving large trucks.
As one of the busiest east-west routes in the country, I-80 sees heavy truck traffic, especially near exits like 84th Street and 72nd Street. U.S. 275 and the Kennedy Freeway are also frequent sites for truck crashes due to the high speeds and dense traffic.
Urban and Industrial Zones
In addition to the highways, truck accidents often occur in Omaha’s urban and industrial areas. Locations around Eppley Airfield and the Omaha Rail Yards see a high volume of commercial trucks transporting goods in and out of the city.
These industrial zones are prone to accidents because of congested roads and tight deadlines, which lead to driver errors such as improper lane changes, failure to yield, or speeding.
Omaha Truck Accident Statistics
In one recent year, there were 2,215 accidents involving heavy trucks in Nebraska, accounting for 4.4% of all crashes in the state that year.
These accidents break down into two categories:
- 1,261 accidents involving semi-trailer trucks
- 954 accidents involving other heavy trucks
Injuries and Fatalities
Truck accidents in Nebraska resulted in:
- 644 injuries (365 from semi-trailer trucks, 279 from other heavy trucks)
- 51 fatalities (35 from semi-trailer trucks, 16 from other heavy trucks)
While large trucks were only involved in 4.4% of all accidents, they played a role in 15.1% of all fatal collisions in Nebraska in that same year.
Omaha-Specific Data
While comprehensive Omaha-specific truck accident data is limited, the city does track fatal crashes overall:
- 44% of fatal crashes in Omaha occur at intersections
- 16% occur on interstates/freeways
Comparison to National Data
Nebraska has one of the highest percentages of large truck accidents. In that same year, 1.1% of all fatal truck accidents nationwide occurred in Nebraska.
Common Causes and Injuries in Omaha Truck Accidents
Truck accidents in Omaha stem from a range of factors, many of which involve negligence on the part of truck drivers, trucking companies, or equipment manufacturers.
Federal and Nebraska-specific safety regulations govern these large commercial vehicles, such as those outlined by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
- Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers must follow strict hours-of-service regulations, limiting how long they can be behind the wheel without rest. However, many companies pressure drivers to push these limits, leading to fatigue-related accidents.
- Distracted Driving: Whether using a cell phone, GPS, or simply not paying attention to the road, distracted truck drivers are a leading cause of collisions. Federal laws prohibit texting while driving, but violations still occur.
- Improperly Loaded Cargo: Cargo must be properly loaded and secured to prevent shifts that can cause trucks to tip over or lose control. Improper loading can lead to dangerous situations such as rollovers or jackknifing, both of which are common causes of severe crashes.
- Equipment Failure: Faulty brakes, worn tires, or mechanical failures can turn a truck into a hazard on the road. Federal regulations mandate routine inspections and maintenance, but when truck drivers or their companies ignore them, accidents can occur.
Common Injuries in Truck Accidents
Due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks, the often severe injuries sustained in these accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Often caused by direct impacts or violent shaking during collisions.
- Spinal cord injuries: Leading to partial or complete paralysis.
- Fractures and broken bones: Especially in high-impact crashes where smaller vehicles absorb the brunt of the damage.
- Internal injuries: Such as organ damage or internal bleeding, which may not immediately manifest after the accident.
These injuries can have long-lasting effects, requiring extensive medical care and rehabilitation. Victims may face months or even years of recovery, so seek compensation for both immediate and future needs.
Fighting the Insurance Company
After a truck accident, dealing with insurance companies can feel like an uphill battle. These companies, especially those representing trucking businesses, often have large legal teams whose goal is to minimize the compensation you receive.
Without an attorney, you may find yourself pressured into accepting a lowball settlement that doesn’t fully account for your losses. This is where Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers can make a difference.
Tactics Insurance Companies Use
Insurance adjusters may seem friendly, but their primary goal is to save their company money.
Some common tactics include:
- Delaying the claims process: Insurance companies may drag out the process, hoping you will settle for less out of desperation.
- Downplaying injuries: They often argue that your injuries aren’t as severe as claimed, especially when dealing with long-term impacts like traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage.
- Offering quick settlements: In some cases, adjusters will offer a settlement quickly after the accident. While it may seem tempting to resolve the case fast, these offers are typically much lower than what you deserve.
How We Can Help
We know the strategies insurance companies use, and we won’t let them take advantage of you. Our legal team:
- Negotiates aggressively: We don't settle for the first offer; we push for the full compensation you deserve, covering medical bills, lost wages, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
- Handles all communication: From day one, we take over communication with the insurance company, ensuring nothing is said that could jeopardize your case.
- Prepares for trial: If the insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial to secure the maximum compensation.
Insurance companies are prepared to defend their bottom line; you need a legal team to defend you.
What to Do After a Truck Accident
After a truck accident, you can significantly improve your legal case's success. Although the aftermath can feel overwhelming, staying organized and focused on gathering evidence will help build a strong claim. Here’s what you can do to protect your rights and improve your chances of securing fair compensation.
Document Everything
If you’re physically able, collect as much evidence as possible immediately after the accident:
- Obtain a police report: The police report will be one of the most crucial pieces of evidence, documenting the time, location, and parties involved.
- Take photographs: Capture images of the accident scene, including the damage to all vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Get witness information: If there are witnesses, obtain their contact details as they may provide statements to support your case.
Keep Detailed Records
Maintaining thorough documentation will strengthen your claim and make it easier for your attorney to calculate damages:
- Medical records: Keep a record of all your doctor’s visits, treatment plans, and medical bills.
- Receipts and invoices: Document any out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident, such as transportation costs to medical appointments or home modifications.
- Injury journal: Write daily notes about your physical pain and emotional distress, tracking how your injuries are affecting your daily life.
Avoid Social Media
After an accident, insurance companies or opposing attorneys can use anything you post online against you. Avoid discussing the accident or your injuries on social media, as they might use seemingly harmless posts to argue that your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim.
Follow Your Doctor’s Treatment Plan
Insurance companies will scrutinize whether you followed your medical treatment plan. Skipping appointments or failing to follow recommendations can give insurers an excuse to reduce your compensation.
Adhering to your doctor’s orders not only aids in your recovery but also protects the value of your claim
Contact a Truck Accident Attorney
Bringing all of this information to Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers will build a compelling case on your behalf. We will handle the legal complexities, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Get the Compensation You Deserve With Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers
With a track record of recovering millions for truck accident victims across the country, we are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Whether you’ve suffered injuries on I-80, Dodge Street, or elsewhere in Omaha, our legal team will stand by your side every step of the way—negotiating with insurance companies, gathering evidence, and, if necessary, taking your case to court. We don’t just aim to settle; we aim to win.
Don't wait. The sooner you reach out, the stronger your case will be. Call us today at (205) 957-4995 for your free consultation, and let us help you get back on the road to recovery.