Minnesota Truck Accident Lawyers: Protecting Victims of Commercial Truck Collisions

Almost all commercial truck accidents are serious. Because of the sheer size and impact of these heavy-duty vehicles, you will most likely be suffering both physical and emotional trauma if you have been in any truck collision. You could be experiencing nightmares, flashbacks and a fear of driving on top of the physical injuries sustained. If you or someone you love has been in a serious commercial truck accident due to the negligence of someone else on the road, then it is important that you step up and fight for your legal rights and seek fair compensation.

Contact our team of compassionate and qualified Minnesota truck accident attorneys at Reitan Law Office, PLLC, today by filling out the form on the side of this page or phoning one of our office numbers.

Understanding Commercial Truck Accident Lawsuits In Minnesota

Commercial truck accidents happen all the time across Minnesota’s roads. Poor weather and road conditions, inexperience and driver fatigue, and negligent driving all play an important role in the number of trucking accidents on the roads. Any commercial truck accident comes with a lot of questions – why did the accident occur? Was the truck driver intoxicated, overtired, distracted or inexperienced? Was the commercial truck properly maintained and serviced? Were the road conditions safe? Who is responsible for your serious injuries and devastating loss? Our Minnesota legal team can help uncover these answers.

Navigating Truck Accident Claims And Settlements

Our Minnesota truck accident lawyers can assess your situation and determine who is to blame for your suffering – the truck driver for negligent driving behavior, the trucking company for overworking the driver or skimping on maintenance, or the truck manufacturer for poor craftsmanship. We can help you with the following trucking accident lawsuits and personal injury claims.

• Drinking and driving accidents
• No zone accidents
• Truck driver error and negligence
• Semi-truck accidents
• Garbage truck accidents
• Mechanical defects
• Employer Negligence / Liability
• 18-wheeler collisions
• Commercial vehicle crashes

All commercial truck drivers in Minnesota are required to purchase some level of insurance on top of their licensing. If you are facing a commercial truck accident, then the insurance agencies will most certainly be involved. They will most likely assess the accident to determine the financial damage. In general, there are two parts to any truck accident claim – property damage and personal injury.

It is important to understand that when dealing with any commercial truck accident, the insurance agency does not always know best. They do not have your best interest at heart – their only concern is a quick payout that will most likely not cover all your financial, emotional and physical suffering. While you may be compensated for your damaged car, you will most likely be suffering severe injuries that the insurance agency most likely will not consider. Therefore, you should never speak to them directly or provide a recorded statement without first consulting with your experienced truck accident attorney. Your lawyer will act as your shield, handling all communications and protecting your interests. When facing any commercial truck accident, it is important that you speak to a qualified Minnesota truck accident attorney about your legal options for injury compensation.

Immediate Steps After A Minnesota Truck Accident

The aftermath of a commercial truck accident can be overwhelming, but taking immediate steps to secure vital information is critical for protecting your legal rights. Even while dealing with physical and emotional distress, focusing on these actions can significantly strengthen your potential personal injury claim. This “damage control” phase is crucial.

• Ensure safety and call 911: Move to a safe location if possible. Call 911 for emergency services and police assistance.
• Do not admit fault: Avoid statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault.
• Gather information: Exchange contact and insurance details with other involved parties.
• Document the scene: Take photos and videos of vehicle damage, road conditions and any visible injuries.
• Identify witnesses: Obtain names and contact information from any bystanders who saw the accident. Gathering this information can be crucial and our firm offers insights into questions to ask witnesses right after an accident.
• Seek medical attention: See a doctor promptly, even if injuries aren’t immediately apparent, to create a medical record.
• Obtain police report: Get the police report number and instructions on how to obtain a copy.
• Record employment info: Document your employment details and any time missed from work due to injuries.
• Contact an attorney: Consult a qualified Minnesota truck accident attorney as soon as possible for guidance and evidence preservation. This is a critical step after any motor vehicle accident, as outlined in our advice on what to do after an accident.

Your legal team will also investigate crucial electronic evidence that is unique to commercial vehicles. This includes the truck’s event data recorder (EDR), often referred to as a “black box,” which records critical information like vehicle speed, braking, steering input and impact forces in the moments before, during and after a crash. Additionally, electronic logging devices (ELDs) are mandatory for commercial truck drivers and record hours of service, driving time and rest breaks. This data is invaluable in determining if driver fatigue, excessive speed or other forms of negligence contributed to the truck crash. Your attorney can work to secure and interpret this technical information, which can be pivotal in proving liability and securing maximum compensation.

Who Is Responsible? Understanding Vicarious Liability In Truck Accidents

Is the truck driver the only one responsible for your injuries? Not necessarily. While the driver’s actions are often a factor, commercial truck accidents frequently involve multiple liable parties due to the legal principle of vicarious liability. This means the trucking company, the cargo loader, the maintenance provider, or even the truck manufacturer could be held responsible for their role in the accident or for the driver’s negligence. When dealing with these complex personal injury cases, it’s crucial to understand that insurance adjusters, representing the at-fault parties, are not on your side. Their goal is to minimize payouts. Therefore, you should never speak to them directly or provide a recorded statement without your attorney present. Your Minnesota truck accident lawyer from Reitan Law Office, PLLC, will act as your shield, handling all communications and protecting your interests. Understanding how to prove who was at fault for a Minnesota wreck is crucial for your claim.

Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents

Navigating the aftermath of a truck accident can bring many questions. Below are answers to some common concerns you might have.

The insurance company keeps calling after the truck accident; do I have to talk to them?

No, you are generally not obligated to speak with the at-fault party’s insurance company, and it is strongly advised that you do not. Their primary goal is to protect their client and minimize any payout, not to ensure you receive full and fair compensation for your injuries. Any statements you make, even seemingly innocent ones, could be used against you to devalue or deny your truck accident claim. Instead, politely inform them that you have retained legal counsel and direct all future communications to your attorney. Your personal injury lawyer will act as your advocate, handling all discussions with insurance adjusters and protecting your rights throughout the claims process.

Our car is totaled after the truck accident and in a tow lot; how do we get our stuff?

If your vehicle is totaled and impounded in a tow lot after a truck accident, retrieving your personal belongings is a common concern. You will need to contact the specific tow yard where your vehicle was taken. They will typically require proof of ownership (like your vehicle registration or title) and a valid photo ID to allow you access. It’s important to act quickly, as tow lots often charge daily storage fees that can accumulate rapidly. If you have immediate needs for items like medication or important documents, explain this to the tow yard. Your truck accident attorney can also advise you on this process and, in some cases, help facilitate communication with the tow yard or the insurance company to ensure your belongings are released.

Connect With Our Truck Accident Attorneys Today

Get the compensation you deserve for a truck accident. Contact our firm Reitan Law Office, PLLC, today at 952-448-2800 – Chaska, 507-388-1800 – Mankato or 612-424-6011 – Minneapolis or reach out online. Consultations are free and truck accident cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. We only get paid when you are compensated.