Fatal Semi-Truck Crash on I-29 in Council Bluffs: Why You Need an Experienced Omaha Truck Accident Attorney | High & Younes, LLC

A tragic semi-truck crash on Memorial Day 2026 has once again highlighted the devastating dangers of sharing the road with large commercial vehicles. On May 25, 2026, around 5 p.m., a collision occurred on I-29 northbound near 25th Street in Council Bluffs, Iowa. According to the Iowa State Patrol, a pickup truck driven by 60-year-old Donald Marks of Missouri Valley was stationary in the right lane when it was struck by a semi-truck. Marks was pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger in the semi-truck sustained minor injuries, while the truck driver was uninjured. The crash caused a section of I-29 to close for several hours, backing up traffic and disrupting travel between Omaha and points north.

At High & Younes, LLC in Omaha, Nebraska, we specialize in representing victims and families affected by serious semi-truck crashes, commercial vehicle accidents, and catastrophic motor vehicle collisions throughout the Midwest including Iowa and Nebraska. Being located in Omaha we proudly serve clients on both sides of the Nebraska-Iowa state line. Partner Frank Younes and our dedicated personal injury team have the experience and resources needed to handle complex truck accident cases in both Nebraska and Iowa. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck crash on I-29, I-80, or any other highway in the region, this article explains your rights and why aggressive legal representation is critical.

Semi-truck crashes are among the most severe accidents on our roadways. Due to the massive weight and size of commercial trucks (often 80,000 pounds or more), collisions frequently result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities — as tragically seen in the recent I-29 incident. Common causes of these crashes include:

• Driver fatigue or hours-of-service violations
• Distracted driving (including cell phone use)
• Speeding or following too closely
• Improper lane changes or failure to yield
• Mechanical failures such as brake issues or tire blowouts
• Poor weather conditions or road construction

In the Council Bluffs crash, the pickup truck being stationary in the travel lane raises important questions about visibility, warning devices, and whether the semi-truck driver had sufficient time to react. These details require immediate and thorough investigation, including review of the truck’s electronic logging device (ELD), black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records.

Survivors of semi-truck crashes often face life-altering injuries, including:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions
• Spinal cord damage and paralysis
• Severe burns (especially when vehicles catch fire, as appeared to happen in this case)
• Multiple fractures and internal organ damage
• Whiplash, soft tissue injuries, and chronic pain
• Psychological trauma, including PTSD

For families who lose a loved one, like the family of Donald Marks, the emotional and financial toll is enormous. Wrongful death claims can help cover funeral expenses, lost future income, loss of companionship, and other damages.

Semi-truck cases involve multiple layers of liability that standard car accidents do not. Potentially responsible parties can include:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company (for negligent hiring, training, or retention)
• Cargo loaders
• Vehicle maintenance providers
• Manufacturers (in cases of defective parts)

Federal regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) add another level of complexity. At High & Younes, LLC, we know how to investigate these cases thoroughly and hold all responsible parties accountable. Insurance companies for trucking firms are aggressive and well-funded — they often try to settle quickly for low amounts or shift blame onto the victim. This is exactly why you need experienced legal representation from day one.

If you or someone you love is involved in a truck accident:

1. Seek immediate medical attention — even if injuries feel minor initially.
2. Cooperate with police but do not speculate about fault.
3. Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters until you’ve consulted an attorney.
4. Preserve evidence — do not repair or sell your vehicle without documentation.
5. Contact a qualified truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Evidence in truck cases disappears quickly. Black box data can be overwritten, witness memories fade, and trucking companies may move quickly to protect their interests.

Our firm has a strong track record handling serious commercial vehicle accidents throughout Nebraska and Iowa. We provide comprehensive services, including:

• Immediate scene and evidence investigation
• Working with accident reconstruction experts and trucking industry specialists
• Reviewing ELD data, driver qualifications, and company safety records
• Coordinating with medical providers to document the full extent of injuries
• Negotiating with multiple insurance carriers
• Taking cases to trial when necessary

We work on a contingency fee basis — meaning you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. This allows injured victims and grieving families to focus on healing without financial stress.

Incidents like the recent I-29 crash remind all drivers to practice extra caution around semi-trucks:

• Never tailgate a truck — they need much longer stopping distances
• Avoid blind spots (especially to the right side of the truck)
• Pass trucks quickly and safely when legal
• Be patient — don’t make sudden lane changes in front of large vehicles
• Stay alert during high-traffic holiday weekends

If you or a family member has been injured or lost a loved one in a semi-truck crash on I-29, I-80, or anywhere in Nebraska or Iowa, High & Younes, LLC is here to help. We offer free, confidential consultations and aggressive advocacy for maximum compensation.

Call us today at (402) 933-3345 to speak with an experienced truck accident lawyer. Let Frank Younes, Justin High, and our team fight for the justice and financial recovery you deserve during this difficult time.

High & Younes, LLC — Dedicated personal injury attorneys serving Omaha, Council Bluffs, and communities across Nebraska and Iowa.