Omaha Truck Accident Lawyer
Multiple Million-Dollar Verdicts. Licensed in Nebraska & Iowa. No Fee Unless We Recover.
While car accidents can have serious, lasting consequences, collisions involving large trucks and commercial vehicles are in a different category. The sheer size and weight of these vehicles sharply increase the risk of severe injury and death when they collide with passenger cars, pickup trucks, SUVs, or motorcycles. Data consistently shows that occupants of smaller vehicles are far more likely to suffer catastrophic injury or fatality in these crashes.
Pursuing compensation after a large truck collision is also far more complicated than filing a standard car accident claim. At Carlson & Blakeman, LLP, we know how to navigate that process, drawing on decades of combined practice experience throughout Nebraska and Iowa. Our Omaha truck accident attorneys have taken on major trucking companies and powerful insurance providers on behalf of our clients, earning multiple million-dollar and multi-million-dollar verdicts along the way. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no legal fees unless we recover on your behalf. We understand the strict regulations governing the trucking industry and look for every violation that can affect your case. Virtual consultations are available, and we offer service in English and Spanish.
Call Carlson & Blakeman, LLP today at (402) 858-0996 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our truck accident attorneys in Omaha. Hablamos español.
How Common Are Large Truck Accidents in Nebraska?
Each year, thousands of people suffer injuries or fatalities in collisions with semi-trucks and other large commercial vehicles. The Nebraska Department of Transportation reports that heavy trucks accounted for just over 17% of all motor vehicle accidents statewide in 2019 and that heavy trucks appear disproportionately in the state’s fatal crash data.
In Nebraska in 2019, there were:
- 1,506 semi-trailer truck accidents
- 1,192 other heavy truck accidents
- 247 bus accidents
Of those crashes:
- 60 involving semi-trailer trucks and other heavy trucks were fatal
- 742 involving semi-trailer trucks and other heavy trucks resulted in injury
- Two involving buses were fatal, and another 69 resulted in injury
Nebraska DOT data shows that injury and death rates in large truck crashes remained relatively stable over the five years preceding the 2019 report, meaning this is a persistent problem, not an outlier year.
Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident?
Truck accidents raise complex liability questions. Nebraska uses a fault-based system, so victims must prove that another party was at least partly responsible for their injuries and losses. Unlike most car accident claims, the direct at-fault party in a truck crash doesn’t always bear full liability on their own.
Semi-trucks and commercial vehicles traveling on Interstate 80, Interstate 29, or Omaha’s busiest corridors often require in-depth investigation. Liable parties may include the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loading teams, service or repair providers, or parts manufacturers. Local conditions in Nebraska, including construction zones and severe weather, can create unique hazards that also factor into the analysis. Because both federal and Nebraska trucking laws apply to commercial carriers on these routes, a thorough review of every potential source of liability is essential.
We investigate trip logs, driver qualifications, and route records as part of every truck accident case, and we understand the regulatory framework well enough to spot violations that directly affect your claim.
Nebraska’s Modified Comparative Negligence Rule
Nebraska follows a modified comparative negligence rule: an injured party can still pursue compensation even if they share some fault for the crash, as long as their percentage of fault is below 50%. A claimant’s recovery is reduced proportionally by their share of fault. For example, someone found 20% at fault would receive 80% of the total damages awarded. This differs from contributory negligence states, where any fault on the claimant’s part bars recovery entirely.
Fault allocation matters significantly in Omaha truck accident cases. Our attorneys evaluate how fault is assigned at every stage of a claim and work to minimize any finding of fault attributed to our clients, protecting as much of their potential recovery as possible.
How Commercial Truck Accident Claims Differ from Car Accident Claims
Commercial truck accident claims involve layers of complexity that standard car accident claims don’t. Trucks on Omaha highways like I-80 and I-29 must comply with federal and state regulations beyond what applies to passenger vehicles. Companies operating these trucks often carry larger insurance policies and must meet minimum federal insurance requirements, which can open additional avenues for compensation.
These cases also require reviewing safety logs, electronic records, and detailed maintenance histories. Many commercial carriers operate across state lines, raising questions about which state’s laws and courts apply. This is a practical reality in the Omaha metro, where the Nebraska/Iowa state line runs directly through the region. We’re licensed to practice in both states, including state and federal courts, and we handle cross-border jurisdiction questions as a routine part of every commercial truck case we take.
How Our Omaha Truck Accident Lawyers Approach Your Case
From our first meeting, we move quickly. We launch a rapid investigation to secure police reports, medical records, commercial logbooks, and electronic truck data before critical evidence can be lost or destroyed. That foundation lets us identify safety violations under Nebraska law and build a claim that reflects the full scope of your losses.
We keep you involved in every major decision through clear, regular communication. We negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement, and we prepare every case for trial in Douglas County from the outset. If the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement that reflects what you’ve been through, we’re ready to take it to court.
Meet Our Team
Omaha's Trusted Team
With decades of experience serving Omaha, Carlson & Blakeman Law is here for you and your family when you need it most.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Do After a Truck Accident in Omaha?
Check for safety first, then call 911 and request emergency help if anyone needs medical attention. Exchange information with the other parties, but don’t discuss fault at the scene. Take photos, collect witness contact information, and avoid giving recorded statements to any insurance company before speaking with an attorney. Even if you feel fine, get a medical exam as soon as possible since some injuries don’t show symptoms right away. Contacting an Omaha truck accident attorney promptly helps protect your rights and preserve evidence before it can disappear.
How Is Fault Determined in a Truck Accident?
Fault in a Nebraska truck accident is established by examining driver actions, truck maintenance records, regulatory compliance, police reports, and witness statements. Liability can rest with the driver, the trucking company, a parts manufacturer, or a maintenance provider, depending on the facts. An attorney can help you identify every responsible party and build a case that holds them accountable.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Truck Accident?
You may be able to pursue compensation for medical and rehabilitation costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. Economic damages cover immediate hospital bills, ongoing rehabilitation, lost wages, and reduced future earning capacity. Non-economic damages address physical pain, emotional distress, and the diminished quality of life caused by the collision. A qualified truck accident attorney can help your claim reflect your losses and advocate for you through every stage of the process.
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Nebraska?
Nebraska’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally four years from the date of the collision. That said, waiting significantly increases the risk of losing critical evidence. Trucking companies often destroy logbooks, dash camera footage, and maintenance records shortly after a crash, and they’re not required to keep them indefinitely. Retaining an Omaha truck accident lawyer as soon as possible can help protect both your right to file and the evidence that supports your claim.
