The size and weight of commercial trucks means that a collision with a tractor, semi-truck, or trailer could lead to catastrophic injuries. A Douglas County truck accident lawyer could aggressively advocate for your legal rights if you or your loved one were hurt by a negligent truck driver. A skilled injury lawyer can fight the large trucking companies to get you the compensation you deserve.
How Truck Accidents Happen
Some of the most common reasons truck crashes happen in and around Douglas County include:
- Careless driving
- Speeding
- Inattentive and distracted driving
- Driver impairment due to alcohol, drugs, or exhaustion
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Insufficient vehicle inspections
- Poor loading practices
Truck collisions are unique in the sense that there are often multiple parties who may be held liable for the plaintiff’s injuries and other losses. Parties who may be liable in a Douglas County truck wreck include the truck driver, truck company, the company responsible for maintenance, and the truck manufacturer if vehicle defects contributed to the crash.
Common Injuries in Semi-Truck Crashes
Truck collisions may result in serious injuries, requiring lengthy periods of hospitalization and a prolonged recovery. Common injuries include the following:
- Burns
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Lacerations and severe bruising
- Neck injuries
- Concussions
- Broken bones
- Fractured bones
- Amputations
Time Limits to File a Lawsuit
Under Nebraska Revised Statutes §25-207, injured individuals have four years to file a claim for damages against the negligent party or parties. If a plaintiff delays and does not file a claim by the time the four-year period draws to a close, they could be time-barred from pursuing a lawsuit and lose their right to compensation.
If the truck accident result in fatal injuries, the victim’s personal estate representative or eligible members of his or her family have two years to file a wrongful death claim for damages. The two-year window commences on the date of the victim’s death. A truck crash attorney in Douglas County could help the plaintiff pursue the compensation they deserve and ensure all filing deadlines are met.
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Recoverable Compensation in Douglas County
The compensation a Douglas County truck collision lawyer could pursue on behalf of the injured party may include hospital expenses, therapy costs, rehabilitation costs, lost income, and lost future earnings. Other recoverable damages include pain and suffering, loss of consortium, disfigurement, mental distress, and emotional anguish.
However, it is important to note that the law limits the amount of compensation a victim may recover if they are found partially at fault for the accident that caused their injuries. Neb. Rev. Stat. §25-21, 185.09 outlines the state’s shared fault rules when determining compensation for victims. Accordingly, when the court awards a share of liability to the injury victim, the victim may still recover compensation, as long as their degree of fault is less than 50 percent. An attorney can help determine what compensation may be available.
A Douglas County Truck Accident Attorney Could Help
Establishing liability in a truck collision can be challenging, which is why it is important to contact a Douglas County truck accident lawyer immediately for assistance. An experienced attorney could review the evidence available to identify which parties are at-fault for your injuries and construct a compelling claim for compensation. Call Berry Law to discuss your case and schedule a consultation.