Omaha Commercial Truck Accident Lawyer
Commercial trucks are used to transport a number of different types of cargo. A large truck is defined by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) as exceeding 10,000 pounds, and when a large commercial truck is involved in a traffic accident the results can be catastrophic.
Typically any vehicle that collides with a truck is going to sustain the greatest damage, thus its occupants will sustain serious— often life threatening or life ending— injuries. The FMCSA reported a total of 368,000 large truck collisions in 2006, 77,000 of which resulted in injury and 4,321 resulting in death.
It is estimated that there were 11,400,000 commercial trucks and drivers on the road in 2004, and the high number of commercial trucks translates into an increased propensity for serious traffic accidents that can injure a huge number of Nebraska drivers.
The accident attorneys of Inkelaar Law believe that the victims of truck accidents have a right to hold the liable party accountable for their actions, which is why our firm will always seek the MAXIMUM amount of compensation eligible to our clients.
If you or a loved one was harmed because of Omaha truck driver negligence, don’t suffer in silence. To see how we can help, simply fill out the “Free Case Evaluation” form, located on the right side of this page. It is 100% FREE, there is never any obligation to proceed and the details of your case will always stay confidential.
Types of Commercial Trucks
Many industries that require large commercial trucks will have a specific vehicle that works the best for their needs. These different types of commercial trucks are similar in size and stature, but many are more dangerous than others if involved in an accident. Additionally, trucks can be categorized as light, heavy or medium, according to their size and weight class.
The most common types of commercial trucks are:
- 18 Wheelers
- Armored trucks
- Automotive carriers
- Box trucks
- Bulldozers
- Buses
- Cement trucks
- Cranes
- Delivery trucks
- Dump trucks
- Fire trucks
- Garbage trucks
- Harvesters
- Hazardous materials, or HAZMAT trucks
- Livestock trucks
- Military trucks
- Recreational vehicles
- Semi-trailer trucks
- Tow trucks
Special licenses are required to operate each type of truck, in most cases. It is vital that the driver of the truck holds the proper license and has gone through the recommended training for their vehicle. If not, accidents can occur because of driver error or inexperience, which unfortunately is a common occurrence.
Commercial Truck Collisions
There are a number of factors that can contribute to a collision with a commercial truck. Many of them relate to mechanical failures or improper maintenance, but the most deadly variable relates to the driver’s own behavior.
Distracted driving is not reserved for the drivers of motor vehicles, commercial truck operators can drive their rigs fatigued, under the influence of drugs or alcohol or with any number of other behaviors that undoubtedly contribute to or cause accidents.
Some of the most common causes of commercial truck collisions include:
- Air brake failure
- Blind spot collisions
- Head-on collisions
- Jackknife
- Lost loads
- Rear-end collisions
- Rollovers
- Runaway trailers
- T-Bone accidents
- Tire blowouts
- Under-ride collisions
- …to name a few.
The list is not exhaustive and the victims of truck accidents will sustain a range of injuries in direct relation to the severity of the crash as well as the type of cargo the truck was carrying, the positioning of the vehicles during the accident and other variables.
Types of Truck Collision Injuries
Like any auto accident, truck accident injuries will be related to the crash severity and a number of other factors.
Some of the most common injuries that victims of truck accidents experience include:
- Back trauma
- Broken glass lacerations
- Burns
- Concussion or unconsciousness
- Facial disfiguration
- Internal injuries
- Lacerations
- Passenger injuries
- Rib fractures
- Torso trauma
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Whiplash
- Wrist injuries
Truck accident victims can not only sustain serious physical injury, but the emotional and mental distress that accompanies the accident can create long term issues for them. The compensation that a successful verdict or settlement can bring will allow truck accident victims the peace of mind to treat their injuries without worrying about the financial strain it may place on them.
Contact Our Omaha Truck Accident Attorneys
Our truck accident attorney understands the confusing and harrowing experience that involvement in a truck accident can be, especially when you have suffered injuries. If you or a loved one has been involved in a commercial truck accident caused by a careless driver and the victim desire to seek legal counsel, we’re here to guide you.
At Inkelaar Law we are dedicated to assisting accident injury victims fight for their right to fair and just compensation. For many years we have been representing clients throughout the state of Nebraska, and our Lincoln office serves clients in the following regions:
- Auburn
- Beatrice
- Crete
- Hastings
- Plattsmouth
- Rock Port
- Shenandoah
- Wahoo
- …and most other surrounding towns are suburbs in these areas.
To find out more about the Law Office of Thomas T. Inkelaar, contact us at 1-877-537-4665 for a free initial consultation about your case.