Commercial Truck Accident Attorneys Nebraska

December 10, 2025 | Accidents

Commercial Truck Accidents are Different, and it Matters

Truck wrecks are not just bigger car accidents. The vehicles, the people behind them, and the rules that govern them are all different. Those differences shape how liability is determined, what evidence matters, who can be sued, and how much can be recovered.

At a glance: How truck accident claims differ from passenger car claims

• Different standards of care: Commercial drivers operate under rules and training requirements that do not apply to ordinary motorists
• Different vehicle dynamics: Weight, size, braking distance, blind spots, and trailer behavior all change how collisions happen and who is at fault
• More potential defendants: Trucking companies, equipment manufacturers, maintenance vendors, and others can share liability
• Different insurance dynamics: Federal law typically requires higher minimum insurance limits for interstate commercial carriers, which can affect settlement and litigation strategy

Commercial truck vs. passenger car: the practical differences

When a large truck and a passenger vehicle collide, physics favors the truck. But the legal differences go beyond size. Commercial drivers must obtain a commercial driver’s license, complete specific training, and follow employer policies and federal regulations. They must also perform pre-trip inspections that most passenger drivers never think about. A truck driver needs to know how to check and adjust brakes, change axle configurations, secure loads, and inspect trailers. If those duties are neglected, the legal consequences can be severe.

Common injuries in truck crashes

Because of the forces involved, injuries in truck collisions tend to be severe and life-changing. Some of the injuries most frequently seen include:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI): Sudden acceleration or impact can cause concussions, contusions, and diffuse brain injury.
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis: Compression fractures, herniated discs, and spinal cord damage can lead to long-term disability.
• Back and neck injuries: Whiplash alone can lead to chronic pain and diminished function.
• Broken bones and compound fractures: High-impact collisions often shatter bones that require surgery and lengthy rehabilitation.
• Soft tissue damage and chronic pain: Ligament tears, tendon injuries, and persistent pain syndromes are common.

These injuries often require expensive medical care, long rehabilitation periods, and sometimes lifetime support. Those realities factor heavily into settlement negotiations and jury awards.

Common causes of truck accidents

Truck crashes can result from a wide range of errors and failures. Some causes are unique to trucking; others overlap with passenger vehicle crashes but have different consequences because of the truck’s size.

• Driver fatigue: Long hours on the road, pressure to meet delivery schedules, and inadequate rest are common causes
• Distracted driving: Cellphones, navigation systems, and other in-cab distractions can draw attention away from the road
• Speeding and aggressive driving: Excess speed increases stopping distances and reduces reaction time
• Poorly maintained trucks: Worn brakes, faulty lights, and ignored maintenance can lead to mechanical failure
• Tire blowouts and equipment failure: A tire failure or malfunctioning component on a heavy vehicle can be catastrophic
• Blind spots and improper lane changes: Trucks have large no-zones that obscure smaller vehicles
• Improper loading and load shift: An insecure or overweight load can shift, spill, or cause rollover
• Weather and road conditions: Heavy rain, ice, and poor roadway design or maintenance may contribute

Rules of the road that matter: regulatory and company standards

To recover damages after a truck crash, it is necessary to show both the rules the driver should have followed and proof that those rules were violated. Those rules include federal, state, and employer-specific requirements.

Essential evidence in a truck accident case

Proving a truck accident claim typically requires more documentation and technical evidence than a simple fender-bender. Important types of evidence include:

• Police crash report: Often the first piece of evidence that documents the circumstances and initial fault determination
• Eyewitness testimony: Statements from people who saw the crash can corroborate how events unfolded
• Dashcam and surveillance footage: Video evidence is highly persuasive and can capture the moments before, during, and after the collision
• Electronic logging devices and event data recorders: These devices record driving behavior, speed, braking, and hours of service, which can expose fatigue or regulatory violations
• Hours-of-service and driver logs: Records that show how long a driver was on duty and whether federal limits were exceeded
• Maintenance and repair records: Documentation of the truck’s repair history can reveal negligence or manufacturing defects
• Driver qualification files and employment records: Hiring history, training certificates, and past crash history are critical when arguing negligent hiring or supervision
• Mobile phone records: Can show whether the driver was using a phone at the time of the crash

Timely preservation of this evidence is crucial. Electronic data can be overwritten; companies sometimes repair or replace vehicles; and memories fade. Immediate steps after a crash are often the difference between a winnable claim and lost evidence.

Who can be held responsible?

Unlike most passenger car accidents where liability may be limited to the other driver, trucking crashes usually involve multiple potentially responsible parties. Typical defendants may include the truck driver, the trucking company/employer, the motor carrier’s insurers, the third-party service providers, the vehicle manufacturers and parts suppliers, the maintenance shops and parts distributors, and potentially, government entities.  

Because multiple parties may share blame, claims can involve complex theories such as vicarious liability, negligent hiring, negligent maintenance, product liability, and premises liability. Each theory requires its own supporting evidence and legal strategy.

How much can you recover in a truck accident case?

Recovery depends on the harms suffered. There is no one-size-fits-all number. The amount awarded or paid in settlement will reflect:

• Medical expenses: Past and future costs for treatment, surgeries, medication, and rehabilitation
• Lost income: Wages lost while recovering and diminished future earning capacity if the injuries are permanent
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life
• Property damage: Repairs or replacement costs for vehicles and personal property
• Punitive damages: In cases of willful misconduct, reckless behavior, or gross negligence, additional punitive awards may be available

Steps to take immediately after a truck crash

Actions taken in the hours and days after a crash can make or break a claim. The following checklist highlights essential steps that preserve evidence, protect health, and support a future claim.

1. Get medical care right away
2. Obtain the police report
3. Photograph everything
4. Collect witness information
5. Preserve vehicle and electronic evidence
6. Notify your insurer, but be cautious
7. Keep a detailed record of losses
8. Consider consulting a lawyer who handles truck accident cases

Practical tips for interacting with insurers and parties

Insurance adjusters may seem friendly, but their goal is to minimize payout. Keep these practices in mind:

• Do not give recorded statements to the truck carrier’s insurer without counsel
• Be honest and accurate when reporting facts to your own insurer
• Document all communications with insurers, medical providers, and the trucking company
• Do not accept a quick lowball settlement if your injuries are serious or may develop over time

Conclusion:

Being involved in a crash with a commercial truck is a serious event with potentially life-changing consequences. Understanding how truck claims work — the rules drivers must follow, the evidence that proves fault, and the parties who may be liable — empowers injured people to take the right steps. Immediate medical care, careful documentation, and timely preservation of evidence are the foundation for any successful claim. 

When injuries are substantial or the liability issues are complex, experienced representation can make a significant difference in both the process and the outcome.