Minnesota Truck Accident Attorneys

Minnesota Truck Accident Attorneys

Many businesses in Minnesota rely on the commercial trucking industry to pick up and deliver goods of all shapes, sizes, and types. The number of trucks on the interstate in Minnesota also mean that there are a number of serious truck crashes, as well.

Trucking Laws in Minnesota

The Minnesota Department of Transportation enforces Commercial Truck and Passenger Regulations1 regarding many aspects of the trucking industry. Some regulations involve the following:

• Weight and size limitations
• Licensing and registration
• Driver qualifications
• Driver checklists
• Drug and alcohol testing
• Hours of service
• Inspection of vehicles

Types of Truck Collisions

When drivers or trucking company owners fail to abide by all applicable state and federal safety regulations, collisions and injuries can occur. Just like other types of vehicle collisions, trucks can collide with the back, front, or side of smaller vehicles, often resulting in serious damage and injury to motorists. In addition, the trailer of a large semi-truck can jackknife or rollover, which can cause the driver to lose control and can affect numerous vehicles in the truck’s path. Even relatively minor truck collisions can still cause severe and life-changing injuries simply because of the sheer size and weight difference between commercial trucks and other types of vehicles.

Reasons for Truck Accidents

It is essential to determine the reason for your truck accident so that you can hold the party that caused the accident liable for your injury-related losses. Identifying negligence in a truck accident can be complicated and can involve significant investigation. The following are some common reasons why truck crashes occur:

• Driving while intoxicated (DWI)²
• Driving while fatigued
• Using a smartphone or other forms of distracted driving
• Failure to discipline drivers for violations
• Not properly inspecting or maintaining trucks
• Overloading or improperly securing cargo

If you believe that another party was negligent and caused your truck accident, you should not delay in discussing your situation with a skilled attorney because you likely have the legal right to seek compensation for your medical bills and other related losses.

Preserve Your Rights after a Truck Accident

Your chances of obtaining full recovery for your accident-related injuries will increase if you take certain steps to preserve your rights after an accident. First, you should always submit to emergency treatment when needed and even if you do not need emergency care, you should visit the ER or doctor as soon as you can. Having complete and accurate medical records can help you prove the extent of your losses.

You should also gather as much information as you can, including names of witnesses and those involved, photos of the scene, notes on what you believe happened, and more. Talking to law enforcement is also critical to ensure that you are accurately represented in the accident report.

Why You Should Consult with an Attorney

You should always discuss your situation with an experienced truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after an accident. Once your health is stable, discussing your rights with an attorney can ensure that you do not miss any deadlines and that you seek compensation for the full value of your losses.
¹http://www.dot.state.mn.us/cvo/mcr/toc.html

²https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ots/educational-materials/Documents/impaired-dwi-consequences.pdf