Truck Accidents in Omaha

Large commercial truck accidents in Omaha can be catastrophic for victims and their families. With heavy traffic along I‑80, I‑680, and major roads like Dodge Street and L Street, collisions with large commercial vehicles are common.

According to the latest data from the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT), Nebraska saw 1,261 crashes involving semi-trailer trucks in 2020, resulting in 35 fatalities and 365 injuries. Many of these accidents occurred in Douglas County, which includes Omaha. In July 2025, a semi traveling on I-80 near 24th Street hit an SUV and caught fire. All four of the SUV’s passengers were hospitalized.

Local conditions add to the danger. Construction near Westroads Mall, winter ice on Saddle Creek Road, and high-speed merging along the I‑480/I‑80 interchange all contribute to frequent accidents. Victims often face severe injuries, expensive medical bills, and long-term disabilities.

A truck accident lawyer from Mueller, Schmidt, Mulholland & Cooling can guide you through the legal process after a large truck accident, safeguarding your rights and advocating for the compensation you deserve. Contact us to get started with a free consultation. Our experienced lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win you compensation.

[dynamic-toc]

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Omaha

Truck crashes often happen because someone made a preventable mistake. In Omaha, some of the most common causes include:

• Distracted Driving: Phone use, GPS input, or even eating behind the wheel leads to delayed reaction times and missed signals.
• Speeding: Trucks that exceed posted limits need longer distances to stop, increasing crash risk.
• Drunk or Drugged Driving: Impaired drivers make poor decisions that can endanger others.
• Following Too Closely: Tailgating leaves little time to brake if traffic slows suddenly.
• Failure to Yield: Drivers often fail to yield when entering or exiting highways, especially near busy interchanges like I‑480 and US‑75.
• Unsafe Lane Changes: Trucks require plenty of space and clear visibility for drivers to switch lanes safely.
• Weather Conditions: Snow, fog, and ice are common during Omaha winters and can reduce traction and visibility.
• Improper Loading or Securing of Cargo: Shifting loads can cause jackknife accidents or road obstructions.
• Inadequate Truck Maintenance: Worn brakes, bald tires, or faulty lights increase crash risk and may indicate negligence by the trucking company.
• Insufficient Driver Training or Experience: Drivers unfamiliar with handling large trucks or local roadways are more likely to make mistakes.
• Driver Fatigue: Hours-of-service violations can lead to drowsiness and truck drivers falling asleep behind the wheel.

Identifying the cause of the crash is key to building a strong case. Our attorneys can investigate every angle.

The Devastating Impact of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents differ from accidents involving standard passenger vehicles due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks. When fully loaded, these vehicles can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, making collisions with smaller passenger vehicles particularly destructive.
Some common causes of commercial truck accidents can include:

• Driver fatigue and hours-of-service violations
• Distracted driving, such as texting or using electronic devices
• Speedingand reckless driving
• Driving under the influence
• Improper loading or securing of cargo
• Inadequate truck maintenance
• Insufficient driver training or experience

These factors, combined with the inherent dangers posed by large commercial vehicles, can lead to life-altering accidents that leave victims struggling with physical, emotional, and financial burdens.

The Unique Challenges of Truck Accident Cases

Truck accident cases are often more complex than typical car accident cases because of the possible involvement of multiple parties, the role of federal regulations, and the potential for catastrophic injuries.

Some unique challenges in truck accident cases include:

• Determining liability among multiple parties, such as the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loader, or vehicle manufacturer.
• Navigating complex federal and state regulations governing the trucking industry.
• Dealing with well-funded trucking companies, their insurers, and their legal teams.
• Obtaining and preserving critical evidence, such as driver logs, maintenance records, and black box data.
• Calculating the full extent of victims’ losses, including long-term medical expenses and lost earning capacity.

An experienced Omaha truck accident attorney understands these challenges and has the tools to build a strong case on your behalf. By thoroughly investigating the truck accident, gathering evidence, and consulting with experts, your attorney will establish liability and illustrate the full impact of your injuries.

The Role of Federal Regulations in Truck Accident Cases

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes strict rules for truck drivers and trucking companies designed to protect public safety.

 They include:

• Hours-of-Service Limits: Drivers can’t stay behind the wheel too long without rest. Driver fatigue is a common cause of crashes.
• Vehicle Maintenance Rules: Trucks must be inspected regularly to ensure that brakes, tires, and lights are in good condition and functioning correctly.
• Driver Qualifications: Drivers must carry valid commercial licenses and pass drug and alcohol screenings.
• Load Limits and Cargo Securement: Overloaded or poorly secured cargo can cause rollovers or spills.

When drivers and their employers break these rules and an accident occurs in Omaha, the truck accident attorneys at Mueller, Schmidt, Mulholland & Cooling step in. We’ll investigate the details of the crash, uncovering any FMCSA violations that contributed to your injuries. These violations can significantly strengthen your case and increase the likelihood of securing the compensation you deserve.

Gathering Critical Evidence in Truck Accident Cases

To build a strong case, your truck accident lawyer will work to gather and preserve critical evidence related to the collision, such as:

• Police reports and accident scene photographs
• Witness statements and testimony
• Driver logs and electronic on-board recorder data
• Truck maintenance and inspection records
• Cargo loading and securement documentation
• Driver employment and training records
• Video footage from traffic cameras or dashboard cameras

Our law firm also works with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and industry consultants who can explain what happened and why the driver or company was at fault. Their testimony can be powerful in court or settlement negotiations.

Dealing with Insurance Companies in Truck Accident Cases

After a truck accident, the trucking company’s insurance provider may contact you to discuss settling your claim. It’s crucial to remember that insurance companies prioritize their own financial interests and may attempt to minimize your claim or pressure you into accepting a low settlement offer.

Before agreeing to any settlement or providing a recorded statement, consult an experienced truck accident attorney. They will handle any communications with insurance companies, protecting your rights and pushing for the full compensation you deserve. They will use their negotiation skills and knowledge of the law to counter any tactics the insurance company employs to minimize your personal injury claim.

Pursuing Compensation for Your Losses

If you were hurt in a truck accident, you may be entitled to substantial compensation for a variety of losses, including:

• Current and anticipated future medical expenses
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Physical and emotional pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment and quality of life
• Property damage

Our Omaha truck accident lawyers can evaluate the full extent of your economic and non-economic losses to pursue fair compensation. We can negotiate aggressively with insurance companies and other parties to secure a settlement that meets your needs today and in the future.

Statute of Limitations in Truck Accident Cases

Taking prompt action after a truck accident is crucial for safeguarding your legal rights and bolstering your case against the at-fault parties. Nebraska law establishes a time limit, known as the statute of limitations, for filing truck accident claims. In most cases, you have four years after the truck accident claim occurred to file a lawsuit.

However, this doesn’t mean you should wait to contact an Omaha truck accident lawyer. Critical evidence may deteriorate or become harder to obtain as time passes, and witnesses’ memories can fade. These situations make it more challenging to establish liability and secure fair compensation.

Contact Mueller, Schmidt, Mulholland & Cooling to Speak with a Truck Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a truck accident in Omaha, you deserve the support of an experienced attorney who can:

• Investigate the accident to establish liability
• Hold negligent parties accountable
• Push for fair compensation
• Provide personalized attention and support throughout the legal process

At Mueller, Schmidt, Mulholland & Cooling, we recognize the challenges you face and tailor our approach to meet your legal needs and goals. We’ll work closely with you to develop an aggressive strategy for holding the at-fault parties accountable for your injuries and other losses.

We’re here to provide the guidance, support, and representation you need to recover the compensation you deserve. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay anything unless we win your case.

Contact Mueller, Schmidt, Mulholland & Cooling today to schedule your free consultation and find out how we can help you after a devastating truck accident.