Collisions involving commercial trucks are among the most devastating accidents on Nebraska roads. When an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer strikes a passenger vehicle, the size difference alone can lead to catastrophic injuries for everyone inside the smaller car. If you or someone you love was hurt in a truck accident near Kearney, Steffens Law Accident Injury Lawyers is ready to help you hold the responsible parties accountable.
Our Kearney truck accident lawyers have spent decades standing up for accident victims across Nebraska. Our Kearney personal injury attorneys have recovered more than $30 million for our clients, and we know the unique challenges that come with trucking cases as well as any other.
Call (308) 767-2650 today to schedule a free consultation. We’re here for you as soon as you’re ready.
How Steffens Law Helps Kearney Truck Accident Victims
Truck accident claims often pit injured people against large corporations with aggressive legal teams working to limit what they pay. You need a personal injury law firm that won't be intimidated by that. At Steffens Law, we level the playing field for injured Nebraskans and will aim to make sure no one takes advantage of you during the process.
- Our legal team is available around the clock, so you're never left waiting when a question comes up or something urgent develops
- We go well beyond standard personal injury representation by assisting with structured settlements, Medicare set-asides, and medical lien negotiations that protect your financial future
- A dedicated case team is assigned to every client, keeping up with every development and responding the moment you reach out
- We believe in keeping our clients out of the courtroom whenever possible, working toward fair settlements through skilled negotiation
Our approach centers on doing right by the people we represent. That's why we've earned the trust of clients all over the state.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Truck Accident in Kearney?
One of the biggest differences between a truck accident and a typical car crash is the number of parties who could share liability. Your claim may involve more than just the driver who hit you. Potentially responsible parties include:
- The truck driver, if they were speeding, fatigued, distracted, or impaired at the time of the crash
- The trucking company, if they pressured drivers to violate federal hours-of-service rules, skipped required maintenance, or failed to properly screen employees before hiring
- Cargo loading crews, if improperly secured freight caused the truck to shift or become unstable
- Maintenance providers, if they missed critical safety issues during routine inspections
- Parts manufacturers, if a defective component like faulty brakes or a blown tire contributed to the collision
Our attorneys investigate every layer of a truck accident to identify all liable parties. The more sources of responsibility we can establish, the better your path to full compensation becomes.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents on Nebraska Roads
Nebraska's highways carry heavy commercial traffic every day, and Kearney sits along major freight routes that see constant semi-truck activity. Some of the most frequent causes of truck crashes in the area include:
- Driver fatigue from exceeding federally mandated driving hour limits
- Distracted driving, including cell phone use and in-cab navigation systems
- Speeding or driving too fast for road conditions
- Improper lane changes and failure to check blind spots
- Overloaded or unevenly distributed cargo
- Poorly maintained braking systems or tires
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations exist specifically to prevent these kinds of accidents. When a trucking company or driver violates those rules, it can serve as strong evidence of negligence in your case.
What Damages Can I Pursue After a Truck Accident in Kearney, NE?
With the sheer force involved in truck collisions in mind, injuries tend to be severe, and the financial fallout can be enormous. A successful claim can help you recover compensation for both your immediate losses and the long-term consequences of your injuries.
Economic damages may include:
- Emergency room visits, surgeries, and hospital stays
- Ongoing rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Lost wages from time away from work
- Diminished future earning capacity
- Property damage to your vehicle
Non-economic damages account for harm that doesn't come with a price tag but still deeply affects your life:
- Chronic physical pain
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment in daily activities
- Strain on personal and family relationships
Nebraska does not impose a cap on damages in standard personal injury cases, so there is no preset limit on what a jury can award.
Does It Cost Anything Upfront to Hire a Kearney Truck Accident Lawyer?
No. Our firm handles truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you won't pay us anything unless we recover money for you. There are no hourly charges, no retainers, and no surprise bills along the way. Our fee comes out of the settlement or verdict we secure on your behalf, so you can get experienced legal representation without any financial risk.
This setup also means our goals are aligned with yours. The more compensation we recover for your case, the better the outcome is for both of us. And remember our guarantee: every client takes home more than our firm does after settlement, even after medical expenses are factored in. That commitment exists because we believe the money should go where it's needed most.
How Much Time Do I Have To Take Legal Action After a Kearney Truck Accident?
Nebraska law gives you four years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. While that window may sound wide, trucking cases require extensive early investigation. Getting an attorney involved early is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your case.
Call a Kearney Truck Accident Lawyer for a Free Initial Consultation
A truck accident can leave you facing painful injuries and overwhelming financial pressure at the same time. Steffens Law Accident Injury Lawyers has the resources and the resolve to take on trucking companies and their insurers on your behalf.
Call us at (308) 767-2650 or reach out through our website to schedule your free consultation with a Kearney truck accident attorney today.