Interstate 80 is full of big rigs driving from one side of the state to another, and these semi trucks with large loads are vital to delivering Nebraskans the goods needed for daily life.
Tractor trailers or large semi-trucks are vital to those of us experiencing The Good Life in Nebraska, but when accidents strike involving these transport behemoths, the good life can be gone in seconds.
Commercial truck accidents often result in tragic consequences for those involved in the accident. The primary reason truck accidents can cause more damage is because of their weight and size.
A semi without a trailer attached can weigh 10,000 to 25,000 pounds based on the type of truck and engine. Add a trailer and you add on another 10,000 pounds.
Now include the load the semi is carrying, which varies, so assume the semi rolling down the road is at the maximum weight allowed in the U.S., which is 80,000 pounds.
For an average semi-truck, the entire length from the semi’s grill to the brake lights is roughly between 70 to 80 feet with a typical height of 13 feet, 6 inches.
One mistake on the road involving these massive trucks and those involved will face disastrous effects. The Nebraska truck accident lawyers at Steffens Law Offices can help you navigate the legal complexities and secure compensation for your injuries and losses.
Our Focus on Truck Accidents and Injuries in Nebraska
Steffens Law Offices, PLLC. has represented many cases involving truck accidents. The reasons for the accidents vary, and many are preventable. In 2023, there were 1,070 large truck accidents in Nebraska, with 387 resulting in injury crashes, and, unfortunately, 40 ending in fatalities. Injuries may range from minor to life-threatening depending on many factors.
The Most Common Reasons for Truck Accidents in Nebraska
There are ways drivers can be more aware of their surroundings to avoid causing an accident that involves a large truck. For example, staying out of a truck driver’s blind spots (behind or beside a commercial truck) and changing lanes in front of and/or passing a truck with insufficient headway can easily be avoided.
Additionally, driving between two large trucks, improper merging, and misjudging a truck’s speed and size and the needed space of wide turns or turning in front of a truck when in an intersection are common and preventable reasons for accidents with trucks.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) safety section includes federal regulations and other resources for commercial truck drivers and other motorists.
Truck Accidents Caused by Commercial Truck Drivers
Commercial truck drivers are trained professionals well-versed in driving techniques, safety, and defensive driving, but there are dangers inherent within the trucking industry that can affect the safe driving of truckers.
Inadequate trucker training, trucking company mistakes in scheduling, and unrealistic scheduling that promotes faster deliveries, regardless of safety risks associated is common.
The hours spent consecutively operating the truck or speeding based on trucking industry compensation models can complicate driver motivations to arrive quickly rather than safely.
The Most Commonly Cited Reasons for Truck Accidents are
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Fatigue
- Speeding/traveling too fast for road conditions
- Disregarding traffic controls
- Improper lane changes
- Improper cargo loading
- Poor road conditions
- Tailgating
- Underrides
- Vehicle defects
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Jackknife
- Reckless driving
- Traffic congestion
- Truck driver negligence
- Wide right turn
The Most Common Types of Injuries After Truck Accidents
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head injuries
- Whiplash
- Lacerations
- Amputation
- Internal bleeding
- Internal trauma
- Soft tissue damage
- PTSD
And unfortunately, fatalities occur. Nebraska’s wrongful death statute is detailed in Nebraska Revised Statute 30-809.
The truck accident lawyers at Steffens Law Offices understand your injury and health needs are unique and specific, regardless of the truck accident type or injury type. Their attorneys will help you work with insurance companies to secure fair compensation for your injury or other damages after a truck accident.
When to Hire a Steffens Law Office Attorney
If you were in a truck accident and sustained an injury after a truck accident, let the lawyers at Steffens Law Offices take care of the legal aspects of your case.
Conveniently located in multiple locations across Nebraska, Steffens Law Offices have locations in Omaha, Lincoln, Kearney, Broken Bow, North Platte, and Grand Island.
Set up an appointment with Steffens Law Offices to explain your concerns regarding the accident and your injury.
Your attorney will help you understand the legal process involving truck accidents and injuries or damage as a result. Steffens Law attorneys will advocate for the most compensation possible relating to your case following your goals. They will help you to understand timelines, court system scheduling, and what you can expect.
Let your Steffens Law attorney take care of you and your case by advising you on the best ways to proceed with your claim and handle the insurance company. Steffens Law will help you determine which type of compensation you may be eligible for based on your unique accident, injury, and case.
Types of Compensation You May Recover After a Truck Accident in Nebraska
There are many types of compensation you may be entitled to after your truck accident. Below are the most common claims.
- Medical expenses: All expenses contributing to your medical recovery such as past, present, and future medications, hospital visits, medical devices, surgeries, therapies, and follow-up appointments.
- Property Damage: Likely, if you were in an accident with a truck, there will be a lot of damage to your vehicle. Anything material items lost or damaged during the accident are covered under this compensation.
- Lost Wages: If you had to take time off from work for healing, appointments, or other reasons relating to your accident in the past, present, or future, lost wages apply to your case.
- Pain and Suffering: Pain and suffering affecting lifestyle can be a reason for attaining compensation.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Financial compensation is available if you’ve lost the ability to enjoy life as you used to due to the effects of the accident.
- Scarring and Disfigurement: Physical reminders are damaging in many ways and you can be compensated for this.
- Humiliation and Embarrassment: If you’ve experienced mental anguish because of your accident or the aftermath of the accident, compensation is available.
Nebraska’s Statute of Limitations on filing a claim after a truck accident injury is four years from the date of the accident or injury. The statute of limitations for accidents is located under Nebraska Revised Statute 25-207.
Insurance Companies and Claims
After a catastrophic truck accident, the headaches caused by insurance companies can be avoided. The lawyers at Steffens Law Offices understand how insurance companies operate and what to do to get you the compensation you deserve.
Protect yourself and your future claim by not speaking with your insurance company until speaking to an attorney at Steffens Law Offices first. Inform your insurance provider you will communicate with them after consulting your attorney, especially if it is a personal injury claim. Your lawyer can manage the claim while you manage your health and recovery.
You’ve Been in a Truck Accident: What’s Next?
Access and save all contact information
If you didn’t do this at the scene because of your injury, you will likely be able to access driver information and other important details of the accident in the accident report filed by law enforcement. Obtain a copy of the accident report for your records from your local law enforcement agency.
Gather witness contact information. A witness’s testimony can make or break a case. Gather the names of witnesses and their contact information. Witnesses can help law enforcement determine who is at fault and what happened from an objective perspective.
Document the accident
Take photos of all injuries and damage to your property. Include detailed notes of what happened. Name who was involved, how it occurred, where, what time and day the accident happened, and any other details you can remember. Be as specific as possible and complete written documentation soon after the accident for a more reliable account. File any necessary documentation with your state authorities as required.
Access medical care ASAP
Be seen by a doctor, regardless of how you feel directly after the accident. Often adrenaline has a way of masking pain. Even if you feel fine after the accident, go to the ER, an urgent care center, or see your primary care doctor, especially if you think you may have hit your head.
Many injuries manifest later than an instant injury such as cuts or broken bones. You may suffer internal organ damage or a traumatic brain injury. Have your health care team complete comprehensive testing such as X-rays, CAT scans, MRIs, and lab tests, or whatever they deem necessary after your injury regardless of the costs associated.
Record any medical care you receive after the accident. Your records can help build a case for your claim so your truck accident attorney can get you reimbursed for these medical costs.
Notify your insurance provider and begin the claim process
Contact your insurance provider and create a claim. Additional information may be required if you are filing a medical claim. Keep all medical assessments to yourself until you’ve spoken to a lawyer. Steffens Law Offices employ lawyers trained to protect you and your future claim.
By not speaking to your insurance provider about the details of your accident until speaking to a personal injury attorney ensures you will get the most compensation possible relating to your claim.
Continue to access medical care if your injury requires it
Attend all follow-up appointments and document each appointment related to your injury. Track expenses, and retain receipts from office visits, surgeries, and medications. Note the progress or regression in your health as time passes.
Document Everything
Place all documentation you have compiled in one central location. Include all medical statements, police reports, insurance claim information, rental car receipts, any driver and witness information obtained, pharmacy receipts, and personal entries documenting the incident.
Confidentiality is Key
Until you’ve spoken with one of our personal injury attorneys, don’t discuss your accident with others. Don’t post anything on social media – insurance companies can twist and use your words and story against you.
Have a Conversation with a Personal Injury Lawyer About Your Case
Our lawyers offer free consultations over the phone. Nebraska law permits four from the date of the accident or discovery of the injury per the statute of limitations to file a personal injury claim, but don’t wait that long to begin receiving help. Schedule and complete a consultation.
If you cannot come to us, the lawyers at Steffens Law Offices can visit you in the hospital or wherever you are receiving care. Have your documentation file and questions ready for our team.
Hire a Truck Accident Attorney at Steffens Law Offices
The accident may have affected you in ways you never thought possible. You may not even recognize yourself anymore physically or mentally. The accident may have damaged your property and method of transportation, impacted your ability to go to work, or it may have completely changed your daily life.
Without minimizing the accident, Steffens Law Offices, PLLC., have helped many clients to regain their identities after catastrophic truck accidents by helping them receive the compensation they deserve. While compensation can’t change what was lost, it can help some clients to reclaim their lives without as many financial concerns.
Contact Steffens Law Offices to determine the compensation you are entitled to after your accident. Call (402) 414-4896 or contact us online to set up a free, no-risk consultation with a lawyer with experience in truck accidents and injuries. The legal team will assess your claim and help you to receive the compensation you deserve. Get back to The Good Life and call today!