Truck Accident FAQ

Following a truck accident the scene may be extremely chaotic, while victims may have several questions regarding who is held liable following the accident. As trucks may be owned by several entities, these types of accidents are often complex, thus it is important not to speak with anyone following an accident other than law enforcement officials or an attorney.

Some frequently asked questions following a truck accident include:

What is a commercial truck?

Commercial trucks were designed to transport goods and services from one location to another. These trucks are often used by businesses and are known to be involved in many accidents across our Nebraska roadways.

What are factors in truck versus car accidents?

A truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds on our roadways, which makes them more difficult to maneuver. Often times, drivers of passenger vehicles fail to recognize this and become involved in accidents with these large vehicles. Furthermore, truck drivers may be required to work unreasonable hours and misuse certain drugs to keep them awake. This may also contribute to accidents.

Are there any laws that apply strictly to large truck drivers?

Yes. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates each aspect of interstate driving including safety inspections and methods of safe practice.

What are “No Zones”?

No Zones are the blind spots on a truck. These are the areas where a truck driver cannot see other vehicles on the roadway. As trucks are much larger than regular vehicles, they often have many large blind spots.

Who is liable in a truck accident?

If you are not at fault in an accident, the carrier will commonly be named as the defendant in a personal injury suit. Of course, it depends on the driver’s relationship to the carrier and a great number of other factors.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

In the state of Nebraska a person suffering from injuries has four years to file a lawsuit against a negligent party.

Should I obtain a copy of the truckers driving log?

Yes. Federal regulations limit the number of hours a trucker is able to operate their vehicle each day prior to stopping for rest. Many times, unreasonable expectations are placed on drivers and they may fail to update their log. This may be a large contributing factor in the accident.

Do jackknife accidents indicate the driver is at fault?

It depends on the situation. If the accident was caused due to adverse weather conditions, most likely no. However, if the accident was caused out of negligence, then the driver may be at fault. Our attorneys can assist in determining the fault of the accident.

If I feel fine following a truck accident, do I need to seek medical attention?

Yes. Several severe symptoms of truck accidents may not appear until several hours or days following a truck accident. Therefore, it is imperative to seek medical attention. This will also provide documentation in order to prove your injuries were caused by another person’s negligent actions.

Can I sue for damages related to a truck accident?

Yes. If your insurance agency fails to provide sufficient funds to cover all damages to your vehicle, the trucking company which caused the accident may be held accountable for all damages caused.

Contact Our Nebraska Truck Accident Attorneys Today

If you have any further questions regarding truck accidents, our lawyers welcome you to contact our firm today. At Inkelaar Law, our attorneys believe that if you have been involved in a truck accident that was not your fault, the victims may be entitled to compensation for all losses and damages.

With Locations in Lincoln, and Omaha, Nebraska, our law firm is able to serve throughout the entire state and elsewhere needed. Some of the areas our attorneys serve include:

Grand Island
Hastings
Holdrege
Kearney
Lexington
McCook
Nebraska City
Norfolk
North Platte

Begin exploring your legal options here by calling us at 1-877-537-4665, or by completing the Free Case Evaluation form located at the top of this page. All information submitted will remain completely confidential and best of all it is completely free.