Fremont Truck Accident Attorneys

Lawyer Handles Catastrophic Truck Accident Cases in Fremont, NE

Getting into an accident with a big rig truck can be terrifying. It's also a lot more dangerous than a collision with another automobile. This is because a truck is much larger than a car, so it's much more likely to cause serious fatalities and injuries than a regular-sized, or smaller, vehicle. In Fremont, Nebraska, trucks are common on state highways like the 30, 275, 77, and 6.

In addition to being extremely dangerous, truck accidents are also more difficult to litigate. Truck companies are represented by big insurance companies that will do everything they can to prevent you from getting a settlement that covers the true cost of your injuries. They might even pressure you to give a statement right after your accident that could hurt your claim.

Instead of talking to insurance companies who make money by paying out as little in claims as possible, contact an experienced truck accident attorney immediately. At Bottlinger Law L.L.C., we know how to take on the big trucking companies and win. Jason Bottlinger is a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an exclusive club of highly successful litigators.

To learn more, call our Fremont personal injury lawyer at (402) 505-8234 and schedule a FREE consultation today.

Finding the Right Law Firm to Support Your Case

Bottlinger Law L.L.C. will investigate the accident so they can prove it was caused by another person's negligence. During the investigation, your attorney will collect the following types of information:

• Accident scene photos
• Medical records
• Police reports
• Witness testimony
• Trucking company personnel records
• Accident scene recreations
• Interviews with expert witness
• Accident scene recreations

Compensation in Fremont, NE, for Truck Accident Injuries

Careless truck drivers are often a primary factor in determining liability for truck accidents. Establishing driver negligence is crucial for holding the responsible party accountable and securing compensation for the victims. Trucking companies are also liable if they fail to enforce safety regulations or hire drivers with a history of careless behavior.

Negligent hiring can be a major factor in determining liability for truck accidents. When companies fail to conduct thorough background checks, they may inadvertently hire drivers with a history of reckless behavior or substance abuse. Inadequate training and supervision further compound the risk, as poorly trained drivers are more likely to make critical errors on the road.

Third parties, such as loading companies, can also be held accountable if improper loading practices lead to load shifts or spills that cause accidents. Manufacturer liability comes into play when defective parts or systems contribute to an accident.

Economic damages refer to the quantifiable financial losses that victims of truck accidents can claim. These damages encompass a wide range of expenses, including medical costs, rehabilitation expenses, and medical devices or modifications needed for your home, such as wheelchair access. They also cover lost income due to time off work and reduced earning potential if the injuries result in long-term disability.

Non-economic damages are intended to compensate victims for the intangible losses they suffer due to truck accidents. These damages are more subjective and include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Unlike economic damages, which can be calculated based on bills and receipts, non-economic damages require a more nuanced approach. Courts consider various factors, such as the severity of the injuries, the impact on the victim's daily life, and any psychological trauma experienced. Testimonies from the victim, medical professionals, and family members can help substantiate claims for non-economic damages.

Your attorney will use their investigation to calculate the true cost of your injuries. A collision with a truck may cause severe injuries that require extensive medical care. Some types of injuries never allow you to go back to the way you were before the accident. For example, spinal cord injuries may cause paralysis, requiring a lifetime of treatment and assisted living. The long-term cost of your injuries may include:

• Emergency room treatment
• Ambulance rides
• Surgery
• Lost wages
• Reduced future wages
• Physical therapy
• Assisted living CARE
• Home and vehicle accommodations
• Pain and suffering

What Causes Truck Accidents?

Trucking companies must hire qualified employees and make sure they maintain a clean driving record. They also provide drivers with safe trucks by providing regular maintenance. When trucking companies try to save money by skimping on necessary repairs, accidents can be caused by faulty brakes, blown-out tires, and other mechanical failure. Your Fremont accident lawyer knows how to hold trucking companies accountable for accidents.

Several types of negligent behavior cause truck accidents:

• Overloaded trucks and unsecured cargo may cause debris to fall from the truck, creating a hazard for other drivers. It's every truck driver's responsibility to make sure their load is properly secured before they begin a trip. When trucks are overloaded or if the cargo is improperly balanced, it makes the truck more difficult to maneuver and more likely to cause an accident.
• Jackknife accidents happen when a truck driver suddenly slams on the brakes. Drivers are taught to apply their brakes gradually, but inexperienced drivers may panic when traffic stops ahead of them, causing the truck and cab to lock up and extend sideways. This may obstruct several lanes of traffic. A jackknifed truck will often result in a major accident involving several vehicles.
• Distracted driving directly causes accidents when drivers take their eyes off the road even momentarily to check their phone, reach for an object, or respond to a conversation. When a truck driver stops paying attention or loses their concentration, the results can be tragic for other drivers.
Runaway trailers can be caused by brake failure, shifting cargo, jackknifing, speeding, mechanical issues, and driving on icy roads. This is a nightmare occurrence that may kill or injure other drivers.
• Driving under the influence (DUI), whether by alcohol or drugs, leads to drivers exhibiting delayed reaction times, impaired judgment, and diminished coordination. All of these drastically increase the likelihood of an accident. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for commercial drivers is lower than that for non-commercial drivers, underscoring the heightened risk associated with impaired truck operation.
• Fatigued driving is a serious issue in the trucking industry, and it's often exacerbated by violations of federal Hours of Service (HOS) rules. These regulations are designed to limit the number of hours a truck driver can operate their vehicle without adequate rest. Unfortunately, drivers and trucking companies often flout these rules to increase profits. Fatigued drivers experience slower reaction times and impaired decision-making.
• Blind spot accidents occur because trucks have significantly larger blind spots compared to passenger vehicles, including areas directly behind the truck, along both sides, and immediately in front. These no-zones can obscure the presence of smaller vehicles. When truck drivers fail to make sure the lane is empty before proceeding with a lane change, they increase the risk of side-swiping another vehicle.
• Improper braking techniques may cause the truck to skid, roll over, or jackknife. These techniques include slamming on the brakes, not maintaining proper brake maintenance, or incorrectly using engine brakes. Trucks require a much longer distance to come to a complete stop compared to smaller vehicles, and improper braking can exacerbate this issue. Improper braking is particularly dangerous on wet or icy roads.
• Underride accidents occur when a smaller vehicle slides under the rear or side of a truck, typically because the truck stops suddenly or lacks proper underride guards. These accidents may cause the smaller vehicle's roof to be sheared off, posing extreme danger to its occupants. That's why all semi-trucks must be equipped with effective underride guards.
• Rollover accidents happen when a truck tips over onto its side or roof. These crashes can be triggered by sudden steering maneuvers, speeding, or a load imbalance. Rollover accidents are particularly hazardous because the truck can crush nearby vehicles or obstruct multiple lanes of traffic.

Speak With an Experienced Fremont, NE, Truck Accident Lawyer Today

At Bottlinger Law L.L.C., we help people who have been hurt by the careless actions of others. We'll fight to get you the money you need to put your life back together—and you won't have to pay us anything unless we win your case.

Schedule your FREE consultation with our truck accident attorney in Fremont, NE. Give our firm a call at (402) 505-8234 today.