Matthew D. Quandt

Trial-Tested Transportation Attorney

Matt Quandt is a member of Erickson | Sederstrom’s experienced litigation group. His practice concentrates on trucking accidents, including catastrophic injury and wrongful death. Matt comes from a long line of truckers; his grandfather, dad, uncles, and brother all drove over-the-road. That industry experience helps Matt best represent trucking companies and drivers, from mom & pop operations to the biggest carriers and insurers in the nation. He manages risk and costs pre- and post-accident, pre-suit, and through trial.

Matt is a proud member of TIDA (Trucking Industry Defense Association), the NDCA (Nebraska Defense Counsel Association) Board of Directors, and also serves as the firm’s law clerk coordinator.

Recent Successes

Bazan v. Elite Fleet Hauling & Gonser – Matt defended a trucking company and driver at trial in Cass County. The rearend accident occurred on Interstate 80. In discovery, Plaintiff alleged $12,509,424 in total damages. They claimed a traumatic brain injury, chronic post-traumatic headaches, and permanent neck injury. One week before trial, they proposed a $3,500,000-1,500,000 high-low agreement. At trial, they put on over two days of evidence, including three medical experts, and asked for over $2.11 million in closing. Matt admitted liability, put on less than two hours of evidence, and suggested $45,000. After only two hours of deliberation, the unanimous jury returned a verdict for only $100,000.
Green v. City of Springfield – Matt represented the City of Springfield regarding a single-vehicle injury accident that occurred within city limits. Plaintiff sued the City and alleged improper intersection control under the MUTCD, inadequate guidance, unreasonably dangerous/hazard conditions, etc. Plaintiff claimed over $135,000 in medical bills, plus past and future lost wages, and permanent injury and disability. Matt filed a Motion for Summary Judgment and argued that the City had discretionary function immunity, the purpose of which is to "prevent judicial 'second-guessing' of legislative and administrative decision-making, and that Plaintiff was the sole proximate cause of the accident. After full briefing and oral arguments, the District Court of Sarpy County held: (1) Defendant had sovereign immunity under the Political Subdivision Tort Claims Act; and (2) Defendant was not the proximate cause of the accident. The Court granted Defendant’s Motion for Summary Judgment and dismissed Plaintiff’s Complaint with prejudice.
Blacketer v. Lincoln Electric Systems & Asplundh Tree Expert, LLC – Matt represented Asplundh, the nation’s largest tree experts dedicated to safe, efficient and innovative line clearance services to the utility industry. It was sued for negligence when a Lincoln resident was electrocuted by a powerline and died while trimming a tree in his backyard. After written discovery and a litany of depositions, including Asplundh employees, Matt filed a Motion for Summary judgment arguing: (1) Asplundh contracted and owed duties with LES but not to decedent, (2) Asplundh did not breach any duties, and (3) Asplundh did not proximately cause the accident. On the eve of oral arguments, Plaintiff dismissed all claims against Asplundh.

Tillman v. Officer Timothy Hanson #218 et al – Matt represented Officer Hanson (South Sioux City Police Dept.), Redwood Fire & Casualty Ins. Co., and Litton Claims Serv. Inc. regarding an injury accident that occurred in in 2016. Matt filed two Motions to Dismiss. First, interpreting and arguing provisions of Nebraska’s Political Subdivisions Tort Claims Act, he argued that the statutes of limitations barred the claims against the Officer. Second, he argued that direct claims against insurers, based on the negligence of their insureds, are not allowed in Nebraska. The District Court of Dakota County heard oral arguments and granted both motions, dismissing all claims against all three defendants. Plaintiff appealed. After briefing, the Nebraska Court of Appeals affirmed.
Schemmer v. Wiggins – Matt represented Schemmer, a national architecture and engineering firm, regarding a breach of contract for their design of an upscale, mid-rise, residential development in Council Bluffs, IA. Following a bench trial during COVID-19, Matt obtained a judgment for the full amount of the contract plus 12% pre-judgment interest.
Tate v. Dierks – Matt defended this wrongful death trucking accident, in which decedent Alan Tate was driving for Whimsy, Inc. when his semi collided with a concrete bridge pillar. Defendant Troy Dierks was the lead mechanic at Whimsy, Inc. Plaintiff Sean Tate alleged that his father’s accident was caused by Defendant’s failure to maintain decedent’s truck. Specifically, Plaintiff alleged that Defendant failed to properly grease the front-end wheel and steering assembly and failed to clear oil from the right front brake lining. Plaintiff asked the jury to award $1,500,000. Defendant argued that he properly maintained the truck. Following a five-day jury trial, Matt successfully obtained a unanimous defense verdict.
Sharp v. Brendel – Matt defended this motor vehicle accident, in which Defendant ran a red light and t-boned Plaintiff. Plaintiff claimed a lumbar compression fracture, two bulging discs, and annular tears. Plaintiff sought $300,000 in damages, including $40,454.72 past medical expenses and $183,000 future medical expenses. Dr. Travis Foxx testified live on behalf of Plaintiff. Defendant admitted negligence but contested causation and damages. Defendant maintained that Plaintiff did not seek treatment for 12 days after the accident and had large gaps in treatment after being released from care. Defendant conceded a strain injury occurred and suggested the jury award $6,356 ($4,256 chiropractic expenses and $2,100 pain & suffering). The jury awarded Plaintiff exactly $6,356, less than Defendant’s pre-trial Offer of Judgment.

Additional Information

While attending Baker University, Matt was a member of the Wildcat Basketball Team and studied in Grantham, England at Harlaxton College. Matt was born in Omaha and then raised in Council Bluffs and Kansas City. Matt met his wife Angelee while she was attending nursing school in Omaha, and the two were married in 2016. He enjoys spending time with their son Sullivan and dog, rooting for the Huskers, and playing competitive amateur golf.