Bellevue Truck Accident Lawyers

Truck Accident Attorneys in Bellevue Who Win Big Cases

If a truck hits your car, it's going to do a lot of damage. A big rig truck weighs up to 80,000 pounds, and it takes a lot longer to stop than a regular passenger vehicle. When trucks crash into cars, it's usually the car's drivers and their passengers who suffer the most.

Because truck accidents can cause so much harm, truck drivers must always be alert. They should also be well-trained and know how to react in hazardous situations. At Bottlinger Law L.L.C., we know how to take on the big trucking companies and win. In fact, our founding attorney, Jason Bottlinger, is a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an association of successful litigators.

Call Bottlinger Law L.L.C. at (402) 505-8234 to learn more today.

What Causes Truck Accidents?

Your lawyer’s investigation will determine the type of negligence that caused your injuries. Frequent types of truck accidents that we encounter in our cases include:

• Distracted driving is a major hazard for all types of drivers, especially with the increased use of cell phones and texting. And it only takes a moment of distraction for a truck driver to cause tremendous suffering. Eating, talking, daydreaming, and reaching for an item in their cab can all lead to deadly accidents.
• Jackknife accidents result when an inexperienced or unqualified driver panics and hits the brakes too hard, causing the truck to turn sideways and the trailer to extend across several highway lanes. A jackknife accident often creates a chain reaction as several vehicles crash into each other.
• Overloaded trucks take much longer to stop, and they cause more damage when they crash into regular passenger cars. Unsecured cargo may fall from an overloaded truck, causing accidents as other drivers swerve to avoid debris on the highway.
• Runaway trucks often result from poor maintenance, such as underinflated tires and bad brakes. They can also be caused by shifting cargo and sudden turns made by the driver.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs increases the driver's reaction time when traffic stops ahead of them. It also impairs the driver's vision, concentration, and judgement, leading to deadly crashes.

Steps to Take After a Bellevue Truck Accident

In the immediate aftermath of a truck accident, your actions can greatly affect the outcome of any future claims or legal proceedings. Safety is the priority. If possible, move to a safe location and check for injuries. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance for anyone who is injured. It's important to remain at the scene but avoid obstructing traffic.

Exchange information, including names, contact details, insurance information, and truck identification numbers, with all parties involved. Document the scene by taking photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any relevant signs or signals. Do not admit fault or make statements that could be used against you later. This information will be crucial for the truck accident lawyers at Bottlinger Law L.L.C. when they begin building your case and advocating for your rights.

Who's Liable if You Suffer Truck Accident Injuries in Bellevue?

Truck accidents are very complicated. Making matters worse, trucking firms and their insurance companies will do everything they can to prevent you from getting a fair settlement. As soon as a collision occurs, the big insurance company will often dispatch a team of investigators who will harass witnesses and pressure them to make incriminating statements about the accident. That's why the first person you want to talk to after your accident is an experienced truck accident lawyer.

When it comes time to deal with the insurance companies, your attorney can do all the talking. Your lawyer will investigate the accident and file claims against anyone whose negligence caused your injuries. This may include:

• Truck drivers who make careless errors
• Managers who hire unsafe drivers
• Trucking companies that don't service their trucks on a regular basis or encourage unsafe driving practices
• Manufacturers who make defective parts

Getting the Compensation You Need

Accidents involving trucks are likely to cause death or catastrophic injuries which may require several surgeries and a long period of rehabilitation for you to recover. Victims may even be permanently disabled.

Your Bellevue accident attorney will review your records and consult medical experts to calculate the full cost of your injuries, which may include:

• Emergency room care
• Ambulance rides
• Surgery
• Doctor's office visits
• Physical therapy
• Pain and suffering
• Accommodations for disabilities
• Time missed from work
• Reduced earning capacity

Nebraska Trucking Regulation and Compliance

Truck regulations in Nebraska are designed to ensure the safety of both truck operators and other road users. These comprehensive regulations cover various aspects, including vehicle maintenance, load limits, driver working hours, and required rest periods. The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) enforces these rules, and adherence to them is mandatory. For example, drivers must comply with the Hours of Service regulations, which dictate how long they can operate their vehicles without taking a break.

There are also strict guidelines on securing cargo to prevent shifts during transit that could cause accidents. Jason Bottlinger is familiar with the nuances of these regulations and understands how to identify breaches that could contribute to liability in an accident.

Compliance with truck regulations is not just a matter of legal obligation — it is also a critical component of road safety. These rules are in place to protect everyone on the road by reducing the risk of truck accidents. When trucking companies, drivers, or manufacturers fail to comply with these standards, they endanger lives and open themselves up to liability.

At Bottlinger Law L.L.C., we understand that many truck accidents result from non-compliance with regulations. For victims, proof of non-compliance can significantly strengthen their case, helping to establish fault and secure fair compensation for their injuries and losses.

Types of Truck Accident Injuries

The injuries sustained from truck accidents can be severe and life-altering. Frequent injuries include broken bones, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord injuries, and internal organ failure. Lacerations and burns are also a risk, depending on the nature of the collision and the cargo involved.

Jason Bottlinger has seen how truck accident injuries lead to long-term or permanent disability, impacting an individual's ability to work and perform daily activities. Some conditions, like TBI or internal bleeding, may not present symptoms immediately but can have serious consequences if left untreated. Therefore, it's important to seek immediate medical attention after a truck accident, even if there are no visible signs of injury.

Our Bellevue Personal Injury Law Firm Will Fight for You

If you or someone you love has been injured by the actions of a careless truck driver, you shouldn't have to pay for your own medical care. At Bottlinger Law L.L.C., we're on your side. Give our Bellevue truck accident lawyers a call today at (402) 505-8234 to learn more. We offer a FREE consultation, and you don't owe us anything unless we win your case.