Do you suffer injuries in a trucking accident?
You need an experienced Truck Accident Lawyers firm who can and will aggressively pursue justice on your behalf.
Experience
Integrity
Results
The most important thing to understand if you have been injured is that you can have an attorney review your case without cost or obligation.
Whether you were hurt in a car accident, work-related accident or you have sustained any other type of injury, you can have your case reviewed free of charge and without any obligation to move forward.
Whether you feel another party may be fully or even partially negligent for your injury, talk to a lawyer today. If you decide to move forward with a case, there are no up-front costs; the firm is paid a percentage of any recovery we make on your behalf.
In other words, if we do not win, you pay nothing.
Minnesota Reports Increase In Fatal Car Accidents In 2018
According to statistics compiled by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, the overall trend of reduced traffic fatalities hit a bump in the road in 2018. According to a recent report, there was an increase in fatal car accidents by an estimated 6% last year. In spite of this increase, the director of the Office of Traffic safety is optimistic that fatal crashes will continue to reflect a downward trend.
From the years of 2009 to 2013, the average number of traffic deaths was approximately 396. From 2014 to 2018, that average went down an estimated 4% to 381. However, so far this year, there have been five more deaths than this time last year. In addition, 25 pedestrians have died in collisions compared to 18 during the same time frame last year. According to the director, the majority of fatal injuries can be attributed to speeding and victims not using seat belts.
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The report includes a detailed breakdown of various crash statistics, including those attributed to impaired or distracted driving. Overall, the state recorded more than 79,200 crashes last year. That equates to about one person a day dying from a traffic crash, while another 76 are injured in these crashes. According to the report, approximately one out of every seven Minnesotans has a conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol. The numbers of those killed in alcohol-related wrecks was the highest since 2015.
The state is working to increase safety of all travelers. A new hands-free law is hoped to encourage drivers to focus on the task of driving, thereby reducing the chances of distracted driving car accidents. Sadly, a new nationwide report indicated that deaths from drivers running red lights has increased dramatically over the past decade. Those who are injured or lose loved ones to preventable collisions often sustain monetary losses in addition to their physical and emotional pain. It may be possible to recoup documented damages through a successful civil suit against the parties deemed liable for these tragic crashes.
Causes of Semi Truck Crashes with Cars & Other Passenger Vehicles
A landmark study of fatal and injury accidents between large trucks and passenger cars showed not only that the commercial vehicle caused the crash about 55% of the time, but that in a vast majority of those cases, the truck driver was the cause of the crash rather than a vehicle failure or other problem. While the Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS) incorporated medical emergencies, such as a heart attack, in its numbers, it also included other issues, such as the truck driver falling asleep, not paying attention, speeding, or overcompensating when trying to avoid a wreck.
Collisions between semis and passenger vehicles often result in catastrophic, life-altering injuries or death to those in the car. Because cars offer relatively little protection in an impact with an 80,000-pound, fully loaded semi tractor-trailer, such crashes are more likely to result in the deaths or serious bodily injury of car occupants than are crashes between similarly-sized cars. If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a commercial vehicle collision, it’s critical to call an experienced truck accident law firm immediately. These types of injury claims are extremely complex. A good personal injury lawyer will investigate the claim to identify all defendants and begin dealing with individual insurance carriers directly, so you can focus on healing.
While truck drivers must obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and follow more regulations than other motorists, all too often even professional drivers do engage in risky driving behaviors. And, at times, drivers, or the companies that employ them, fail to properly maintain their vehicles.
Speeding was the most frequent truck driver moving violation in 2017, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It’s a frightening thought, considering how dangerous a speeding commercial vehicle is. 18-wheelers already require greater stopping distances than standard-size vehicles. Greater speed significantly increases their stopping distances. For example, it takes an 80,000-pound semi with air brakes under ideal conditions 335 feet to stop at 55 miles per hour, while a typical car takes around 207 feet. It takes a big rig 525 feet to stop at 65 miles per hour, while a passenger car can get the job done in 290 feet. Another danger of going too fast is that the driver can lose control.
Truck drivers can be pressured to keep driving longer than they should by being given unrealistic delivery schedules. They may be unable to find legal stopping places where they can rest, or encounter delays when picking up or dropping off loads. Based on surveys and recorded violations, over-the-road drivers consistently continue to drive more hours than federal regulations permit. For example, long-haul truckers may violate the Department of Transportation’s hours of service rules by driving more than 11 consecutive hours without taking a mandatory 10-hour break or by driving after being on duty for 8 hours without having taken a 30-minute break. (Sources: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and FMCSA) It’s easy to see how fatigue can set in after so many hours behind the wheel!
In fact, it was found that truck drivers’ drowsy driving contributed to 60 fatal accidents in 2017. Some highway safety groups worry that number could grow thanks to a move by the Transportation Department to relax federal regulations on these drivers’ work days, according to a July 1, 2019 Associated Press article published in the Minneapolis Star Tribune. The DOT proposal, unveiled August 14, 2019, would allow drivers to go off-duty for up to three hours, pausing their 14-hour workday clock, according to Commercial Carrier Journal. It also would relax rules for the 30-minute break that is currently required within the first eight hours of on-duty time and would instead require the break within the first eight hours of drive time, CCJ reported.
Distracted driving is a rampant risky behavior on our roads, and cell phones are one of the biggest driver distractions. While it became illegal in 2012 for commercial vehicle drivers to hold and use a cell phone while driving, citations for doing so remain among the most commonly issued. In 2017, 21,742 citations were issued to truck drivers for handheld use of a phone while driving, reported the FMCSA. While there are many things that can distract any motorist, studies have shown that driver distraction due to using a smartphone may be more dangerous than driving at or near legal impairment for alcohol.
As noted above, one of the biggest factors in 2017 Minnesota large truck crashes was tailgating by the truck, and it was among the most frequent citations issued nationwide, as well. When you consider that loaded tractor-trailers can take up to 40% farther than cars to stop, it’s imperative that their drivers not crowd so close behind other vehicles that they’re unable to stop in time when there’s a sudden slow-down.
Brake problems are also a major mechanical issue for semis. The FMCSA’s study showed that 27% of large trucks involved in two-vehicle crashes had brake problems. It’s no surprise, then, that brake issues are a top source of infractions. The five most common brake violations for 2017 include brakes that were out of adjustment, defective, inoperative, missing required automatic brake adjusters, or were otherwise faulty. Together, brake violations made up 20% of the top 20 vehicle violations that year, according to the FMCSA.
Finally, it’s important to give attention to work zones because 27% of fatal work zone crashes involve commercial vehicles. In fact, traffic flow interruptions (whether due to work zones, rush hour traffic jams or another cause) are a factor in a quarter of all two-vehicle crashes that include large trucks. Speeding, tailgating, fatigue, distraction, and bad brakes – any of these increase the risk of a crash when traffic suddenly slows or when lane changes or merging are required. When a vehicle is larger, heavier, and less maneuverable, its driver has a much smaller window of time in which to react.
A truck accident injury lawyer will seek a victim’s optimum financial recovery. Just as important is having the financial resources and willingness to take a case to trial against the largest corporate defendants. The Trucking Lawyers have recovered more than $125 million for clients, and our experienced truck injury lawyers are ready to assist you. Contact us today. Read more on https://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/blog/law/2014/06/dykema-minneapolis-joe-roach-brian-melendez.html
At the law office of The Trucking Lawyers, we are highly selective in the cases we handle, intentionally limiting the number of clients we represent so that we can provide the highest levels of personal service and attention to each matter. We are first and foremost trial attorneys and, if we cannot settle your claim for full and fair compensation, we are always willing and able to take your case to court.
Truck Accident Lawyers
When a semi-truck collides with a passenger car, the occupants of the smaller vehicle are at risk of catastrophic injury or death. If you have been injured, or lost a loved one in a truck accident you may be experiencing pain, suffering, grief or confusion. During the difficult period of recovery our experienced Truck Accident Lawyers can help you determine how to identify the guilty parties and recover financial compensation for your suffering or loss.
At The Trucking Lawyers, our truck accident lawyers are committed to relieving accident victims of their financial burdens and of the stress of dealing with insurance companies.
If you or a member of your family has suffered a serious injury in a commercial trucking accident and you would like an experienced lawyer to review your case, please contact our law office at (855) 396-3926, to arrange a free telephone consultation.
We Work to Prevent Two Serious Trucking Accident Risks
The risk of overlooking a source of compensation:
A truck crash may entitle injured parties to compensation from a number of insurance policies: Car insurance policies covering the passengers, driver of the car or other members of their families
Insurance covering the truck driver, the trucking company or the company that owned or loaded the tractor trailer, including if truck driver negligence or failure to properly train a driver occurred.
A defective product claim against the manufacturer of a defective tire or brakes
When you call us, our lawyers will immediately begin an intensive investigation into factors contributing to the truck accident and identify available sources of compensation.
The risk of undervaluing your claim:
Brain injuries, paralysis, and other serious injuries require extensive medical treatment that can have life-changing consequences. Not only will these expenses quickly exhaust the limits of your own insurance policy but insurance companies routinely undervalue injury and wrongful death claims.Our Minneapolis truck accident lawyers have decades of experience as well as access to well-respected medical, life-care and economic experts. With these experts help, our lawyers will calculate the full value of losses resulting from the truck wreck. They will then present a compelling argument to insurance adjustors or a jury seeking full monetary compensation for your injuries.
You Deserve Just Compensation
Regardless of the circumstances of your trucking accident ? whether you were hit by a dump truck, a delivery truck, a tractor trailer, a construction vehicle backing into a roadway, or the sleep-deprived driver of a big rig ? you deserve to know what happened and to receive fair compensation from those responsible for your injury or loss.
Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyers.
If you would like one of our personal injury attorneys to review your truck accident claim, contact our Minneapolis law office to arrange a free consultation and case evaluation. In most cases fees are charged as a percentage of any settlement or judgment awarded our clients. If we fail to win your case, you will not be obligated to pay any legal fees.
“I’ve been in a car accident, what do i do now?”
A car crash can be a stressful event. Knowing what to do before and after an automobile accident can reduce that anxiety and help you on the road to a full recovery.
Before the accident.
Having a simple emergency kit in your car can prepare you if an accident occurs. First, you should have your current automobile insurance information with you in the vehicle. In addition, you should have available a first aid kit, a working flashlight, flares or warning lights for nighttime accidents and a pen and paper for you to take notes. You may wish to stash a copy of this article in your glove box.
At the scene.
Move your car out of traffic and stop. Sometimes a second collision can be as bad or worse than the first, so get out of moving traffic lanes.
Check yourself and your passengers for any injuries. If you are able, render first aid to anyone else involved in the accident. Do not move anyone unless you are absolutely sure that you can do so safely.
Call 911 and tell them your location and about any injuries at the scene.
Don’t apologize, admit your fault or argue with the other driver. That can be all be sorted out later.
Exchange insurance information. Obtain the name and policy number of the other drivers, and in addition, obtain their name, current address, telephone numbers and driver’s license However, do not allow your driver’s license to be photographed by another driver. That could lead to identify theft down the road.
Document the cars involved and any damage. If possible, take photographs of the license plate and any damage to any vehicle.
Obtain a copy of any police or crash report available at the scene.
If your car is being towed, obtain your personal affects from inside the vehicle and verify the location where your car will be stored.
When you get home.
Take care of yourself. Often, Iburproferan, ice, and rest are the best course of action.
Contact your medical doctor or chiropractor. If you do not have a medical doctor or chiropractor, ask family and friends who they recommend.
Talk to a lawyer. Get first hand advice to your legal rights and responsibilities.
Contact your insurance company. Start with your local agent or the claims center of your insurance company. Have your documentation present to answer their questions.
The Truck Accident Lawyers at The Trucking Lawyers are knowledgeable about Minnesota car crashes and accidents and the Minnesota No Fault Insurance Act. We would be happy to assist you in any way we can.
Auto accident basics
But what if you were injured in the car accident? You should be sure to seek medical treatment. Every auto insurance policy in Minnesota is required to have No-Fault Insurance. This is sometimes also called basic economic loss benefits, or personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. These benefits are designed to cover medical, wage loss, and replacement services costs after an accident. Minnesota law requires a minimum of $20,000 in medical expenses benefits and $20,000 for wage loss/replacement services benefits. Some insurance policies may have more coverage with what is called “stacking.”
If you are involved in an auto accident, you undoubtedly will have a lot of questions about your insurance coverage. If you have comprehensive or collision coverage, that should take care of the repairs or damage to your vehicle. If someone else was responsible for causing the accident, that driver’s insurance should cover the damage to your car.
Generally the No-Fault Insurance that covers you for a claim is the insurance under which you are a named insured or resident relative. But there can be some complexity to determining which insurance policy applies to a claim, so be sure to contact an experienced auto accident attorney early in the process to assist you.
In addition to a claim for benefits under your No-Fault Insurance, you may also have a claim against the person responsible for causing the accident for medical expenses and general damages not covered by your own No-Fault Insurance. Contact us for a free evaluation of whether you have a case.
MN Truck Accident Lawyers Assisting Minnesota Victims
People are relatively defenseless against an oncoming semi truck or tractor trailer. These large commercial vehicles usually cause extreme damage when they strike a car. Such accidents can also cause a victim to suffer catastrophic injuries or even a wrongful death. These types of cases can quickly become complicated as they may involve multiple defendants as well as violations of various Minnesota regulations. It is important that you retain an attorney with experience in handling these matters and who has the resources necessary to deal with large defendants. Our MN truck accident lawyers are ready to assist you. We pride ourselves on providing the highest level of service. We have recovered more than $125 million on behalf of our clients. We also serve other areas of Minnesota.
Truck Accident Lawyers assisting MN victims of commercial trucking accidents
Commercial trucking accidents often involve multiple defendants. The truck may be owned by a person or business other than the driver. It is necessary for a victim to hire an attorney who can determine who the defendants are and how each party played a role in the accident. If liability is established, a victim will be entitled to compensation for past and future medical expenses, past and future lost wages, and pain and suffering. Punitive damages may also be appropriate. Under Minnesota’s comparative fault laws, a plaintiff will be able to recover compensation for damages even if they are determined to be partly at fault for the accident. Compensation may be awarded as long as the plaintiff is no more than 50 percent responsible for the accident.
The first step for an attorney in a trucking accident case is to identify each of the defendants. These parties can include the driver, the owner of the truck, and the entity that hired the trucking company. Once the responsible parties have been identified the plaintiff’s attorney will contact the various insurance carriers and begin to deal with them directly. If a settlement cannot be reached, it will be necessary to file a lawsuit against all of the defendants. Discovery, the process by which information is gained in a lawsuit, will be used to find proof of each defendant’s respective liability. The case will conclude at a trial where the jurors will hear evidence and issue their verdict. These types of cases are highly complex and selecting an experienced lawyer is crucial.
Our office will use public records and other available data to identify each of the possible defendants in your case. We will send a demand for payment to the various insurance carriers once your damages can be reasonably calculated. We do not hesitate to file a lawsuit if necessary. Our discovery will focus on how each party contributed to the accident. Examples of negligence can include the owner failing to adequately train and supervise the driver or hiring someone who had a poor driving and employment history. Such facts may allow the owner to be sued for negligent supervision and/or negligent hiring. If necessary, we will take your case to trial. Our firm will be in regular contact with you throughout this process. We will promptly respond to your phone calls and emails, and make sure we answer your questions. This is our promise to each of our clients. Contact us today.
MN lawyers with the resources necessary to handle trucking accident cases
Trucking accident cases can require a personal injury lawyer to incur several costs. These include the cost for expert witnesses. When you retain counsel it is important that you hire a firm with the financial resources to negotiate with or sue large corporate defendants. If you hire a firm without the right experience and resources, your case may not be fully developed. We have recovered more than $125 million on behalf of our clients and are not afraid to sue large corporations. This is true whether you are in MN, surrounding communities, or elsewhere. Read more on https://www.sussmanlaw.com/
Contact Details
The Trucking Lawyers
5854 Blackshire Path #1
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076
(855) 396-3926
https://www.thetruckinglawyers.com
pkestner@mcewenlaw.com
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