Omaha Truck Accident Overview

tucking-accident-smashed-carEach year thousands of trucks are involved in motor vehicle accidents throughout the United States. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that in 2008 one out of nine traffic fatalities in the United States involved a large truck. Additionally, of those fatalities 74% percent of the persons fatally injured were occupants of the other vehicle.

Unfortunately, truck accidents are an everyday occurrence and in Nebraska more than 10,000 motor vehicle collisions involved a truck in 2011. Light trucks actually accounted for 42% of the accidents reported throughout the state. We have also created a page for more information on truck accident stats.

If you or someone you know has been hurt in a truck crash caused by a careless driver, the victim may be entitled to compensation for property damage, medical bills, lost wages, and more. A truck accident lawyer can give you the free legal advice you need to make an informed decision about how to proceed.

For a free, no-obligation consultation for your accident incident, fill out the ‘FREE CASE REVIEW‘ form located to your right.

Types of Trucks

Trucks can be classified into three different categories, small, medium, and large commercial trucks which may also be revered to as heavy trucks. All these types of trucks can have a variety of uses, while some may be used for person use others could be used by the military or for the transport of goods.

Some of the most common types of trucks include:

  • Pick-Up Trucks
  • Tow Trucks
  • Semi-Trailers
  • Box Trucks
  • Recreational Vehicles
  • Dump Truck
  • Buses
  • Garbage Trucks
  • Log Carriers
  • Harvesters
  • Fire Trucks

According to the Nebraska Department of Transportation utility truck were involved in more than 18% of all crashes throughout the state, a number that has steadily increased since 2002. Pick-up trucks were involved in 16.8% of accidents and the percentage of heavy trucks involved in collisions remained steady at 3.9% in 2011.

Types of Truck Accidents

Due to their large size and weight, trucks can cause large amounts of property damage and a variety of accident injuries. Moreover, since there are many different types of trucks some collisions are specific to the vehicle involved.

Some common types of truck accidents include:

  • Truck Rollovers
  • Jackknife Accident
  • Truck Under ride
  • Truck Malfunction
  • Cargo Shift
  • Runaway Trailer
  • No-Zone/Blind Spot Crash
  • Rear-end Collision
  • Side-Impact Accident

Some accidents may cause property damage, particularly those that are single vehicle accidents. However, some more serious accidents include truck underride when the body of a car or motorcycle runs underneath the truck sheering its roof and often killing its occupants.

Some areas are more prone to truck collisions as well, such as construction zones. In the state of Nebraska 420 collisions were reported in construction zones. Truck are often entering and exiting the area and if drivers are not careful enough a collision is likely.

Causes of Truck Accidents

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration whose primary mission is to prevent commercial driving accidents and injuries performs random and nonrandom drug tests to commercial truck drivers. In 1999 the results of testing drivers post nonfatal accidents resulted in finding that 2.6% of those tested were impaired.

As not all truck accidents involved commercial vehicles, there are many different causes of truck accidents including:

  • Inexperienced Driver
  • Speeding
  • Failing to Obey Traffic Signs and Signals
  • Tailgating
  • Fatigued Driving
  • Defective Equipment
  • Improper Cargo Loading/Cargo Shift
  • Distracted Driving

Experienced drivers may also be the cause of an accident when a simple error such as judging the distance between the truck and another vehicle results in a smash.

Common Truck Collision Injuries

As with any accident, the driver and passengers of all vehicles involved in the crash may have sustained injuries during the impact. Due to the large size of a truck the impact with a smaller vehicle, and especially with a motorcycle, is much more harmful than with any other type of motor vehicle.

Some common types of accident injuries include:

  • Head Trauma
  • Broken Bones
  • Spinal Cord Injuries
  • Cuts and Lacerations
  • Internal Organ Damage
  • Loss of Limb

If a truck rolls over onto the vehicle or during a truck under-ride loss of limb is a possibility as is paralysis. If you or loved one is involved in a truck crash it is important all individuals involved seek medical treatment for any potential injuries.

Contact our Omaha Truck Accident Attorney

We understand how scary being involved in a truck accident can be, especially when you have suffered injuries. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident caused by a careless driver and the victim is seeking legal counsel, we’re here to help.

At Inkelaar Law, our attorneys 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, including the following areas:

  • Omaha
  • Lincoln
  • Bellevue
  • Plattsmouth
  • Freemont
  • Seward
  • And more