Truck accident cases are nothing like standard car accident cases. There are usually more insurance companies and parties involved, which makes it difficult to pursue damages. Due to the size and weight of large trucks, the damage they cause in a crash is often widespread and catastrophic.
According to the Nebraska Department of Transportation:
- More than half of all crashes in 2019 involved light trucks.
- Roughly 4% of all crashes involved heavy trucks.
- More than 43% of all fatal truck crashes involved light trucks.
- Roughly 17% involved heavy trucks.
This tells us that most serious and fatal crashes in Nebraska involve commercial trucks. The Omaha attorneys at Ausman Law Firm P.C., L.L.O. discuss why these catastrophes occur and how trucking companies can be held accountable.
Common causes of truck accidents
The most common causes of truck accidents our law firm sees are:
- Driver fatigue – This is very common among commercial truck drivers. The amount of time they spend on the road often puts them at risk of becoming drowsy. The Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration established the federal hours-of-service law to limit driving time for commercial truck drivers to 11 hours within a 14-hour shift. Additionally, truck drivers are required to take a 30-minute break after eight hours and 10 consecutive hours off duty between shifts.
- Distracted driving – There is no safe way to operate a commercial truck while distracted. Yet, some truck drivers use cellphones, fill out paperwork, eat and drink, and multitask while driving. According to FleetOwner, one truck driver became distracted by his cellphone for only eight seconds before causing a fatal rear-end collision.
- Impaired driving – Trucking companies are required to screen truck drivers for drugs. Additionally, they must prohibit truck drivers from reporting to duty while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Some truck drivers go under the radar and get behind the wheel after having too much to drink or using recreational or prescription drugs.
- Speeding – Trucking companies often push their drivers to make more deliveries within a limited amount of time. This results in truck drivers speeding or driving aggressively.
- Driver inexperience – Trucking companies have a legal obligation to hire drivers who are trained and possess a commercial driver’s license. Some trucking companies put profits ahead of safety and hire unqualified drivers.
- Poor maintenance – Federal law requires trucking companies to inspect, repair and maintain all commercial vehicles. Failure to do so often results in tire blowouts, brake failure, steering failure, and other defects that lead to crashes.
Omaha truck accident lawyer fights to hold trucking companies accountable
There is a lot of work and resources that go into investigating and litigating truck accident cases. First, it’s important to acknowledge that the trucking companies and their insurers will go to great lengths to avoid paying you. Trucking companies often have their own team of adjusters and investigators who gather biased evidence from crash scenes and work to cover up wrongdoing. Insurance companies often stand to lose millions of dollars from truck accidents. They won’t give up any of their money without a fight. They will take advantage of you if you give them the opportunity.
When you hire the truck accident lawyers at Ausman Law Firm P.C., L.L.O., you can rest assured that we will work tirelessly to help you build a strong legal case. We’ll start by launching an aggressive investigation into the trucking company and its driver. After gathering indisputable evidence, we’ll negotiate for a fair settlement on your behalf. We won’t settle for anything less than the full compensation you’re entitled to. Our law firm has fought to help truck crash victims recover millions of dollars. Our case results prove it.
To schedule your free and confidential case consultation, simply contact us online or call our Omaha law office.