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Accidents involving large commercial trucks can have devastating consequences for victims and their families. These collisions frequently result in severe and potentially life-threatening injuries that require considerable medical intervention. The resulting expenses can place a significant burden on victims, who often have a long path to recovery ahead of them.
If you suffered injuries in an accident caused by a distracted, impaired, or otherwise negligent truck driver, you have the right to pursue compensation for your expenses and losses. An experienced Omaha truck accident lawyer at Mueller Schmidt Mulholland & Cooling can guide you through the legal process, safeguarding your rights and advocating for the compensation you deserve. Contact us to get started with a free consultation.
The Devastating Impact of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents differ from accidents involving standard passenger vehicles due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks. When fully loaded, these vehicles can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, making collisions with smaller passenger vehicles particularly destructive. Some common causes of truck accidents include:
- Driver fatigue and hours-of-service violations
- Distracted driving, such as texting or using electronic devices
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Driving under the influence
- Improper loading or securing of cargo
- Inadequate truck maintenance
- Insufficient driver training or experience
These factors, combined with the inherent dangers posed by large commercial vehicles, can lead to life-altering accidents that leave victims struggling with physical, emotional, and financial burdens.
The Unique Challenges of Truck Accident Cases
Truck accident cases are often more complex than typical car accident cases due to the possible involvement of multiple parties, the role of federal regulations, and the potential for catastrophic injuries. Some unique challenges in truck accident cases include:
- Determining liability among multiple parties, such as the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loader, or vehicle manufacturer
- Navigating complex federal and state regulations governing the trucking industry
- Dealing with well-funded trucking companies and their insurers and legal teams
- Obtaining and preserving critical evidence, such as driver logs, maintenance records, and black box data
- Calculating the full extent of victims’ losses, including long-term medical expenses and lost earning capacity
An experienced Omaha truck accident lawyer understands these challenges and has the tools to build a strong case on your behalf. By thoroughly investigating the accident, gathering evidence, and consulting with experts, your attorney will establish liability and illustrate the full impact of your injuries.
The Role of Federal Regulations in Truck Accident Cases
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes strict standards for truck drivers and trucking companies. These regulations cover everything from driver qualifications and hours of service to vehicle maintenance and cargo securement.
When drivers and their employers break these rules and an accident occurs, the Omaha truck accident lawyers at Mueller Schmidt Mulholland & Cooling step in. We’ll investigate the details of the crash, uncovering any FMCSA violations that contributed to your injuries. These violations can significantly strengthen your case and increase the likelihood of securing the compensation you deserve.
Gathering Critical Evidence in Truck Accident Cases
To build a strong case, your Omaha truck accident lawyer will work to gather and preserve critical evidence related to the collision, such as:
- Police reports and accident scene photographs
- Witness statements and testimony
- Driver logs and electronic on-board recorder data
- Truck maintenance and inspection records
- Cargo loading and securement documentation
- Driver employment and training records
- Video footage from traffic cameras or dashboard cameras
This evidence can help establish liability, demonstrate the severity of the crash, and counter any attempts by the trucking company or their insurance provider to shift blame or minimize your claim.
Dealing with Insurance Companies in Truck Accident Cases
After a truck accident, the trucking company’s insurance provider may contact you to discuss settling your claim. It’s crucial to remember that insurance companies prioritize their own financial interests and may attempt to minimize your claim or pressure you into accepting a low settlement offer.
Before agreeing to any settlement or providing a recorded statement, consult an experienced truck accident attorney. They will handle any communications with insurance companies, protecting your rights and pushing for the full compensation you deserve. They will use their negotiation skills and knowledge of the law to counter any tactics the insurance company employs to minimize your claim.
Pursuing Compensation for Your Losses
If you were hurt in a truck accident, you may be entitled to substantial compensation for a variety of losses, including:
- Current and anticipated future medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment and quality of life
- Property damage
Your Omaha truck accident lawyer will evaluate the full extent of your economic and non-economic losses to ensure they pursue fair compensation. They will negotiate aggressively with insurance companies and other parties to secure a settlement that meets your needs today and in the future.
The Importance of Acting Quickly in Truck Accident Cases
Taking prompt action after a truck accident is crucial for safeguarding your legal rights and bolstering your case against the at-fault parties. Nebraska law establishes a time limit, known as the statute of limitations, for filing truck accident claims. In most cases, you have four years after the accident occurred to file a lawsuit.
However, this doesn’t mean you should wait to contact a lawyer. Critical evidence may deteriorate or become harder to obtain as time passes, and witnesses’ memories can fade. These situations make it more challenging to establish liability and secure fair compensation.
Contact Mueller Schmidt Mulholland & Cooling to Speak with an Omaha Truck Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a truck accident in Omaha, you deserve the support of an experienced attorney who will:
- Investigate the accident to establish liability
- Hold negligent parties accountable
- Push for fair compensation
- Provide personalized attention and support throughout the legal process
At Mueller Schmidt Mulholland & Cooling, we recognize the challenges you face and tailor our approach to meet your needs and goals. We’ll work closely with you and develop an aggressive strategy for holding the at-fault parties accountable for your injuries and other losses. We’re here to provide the guidance, support, and representation you need to recover the compensation you deserve.
Contact Mueller Schmidt Mulholland & Cooling today at (555) 555-5555 to schedule your free consultation and find out how we can help you after a devastating truck accident.