Board-Certified Minnesota Truck Accident Lawyers with Proven Results The Impact of Truck Accidents In Minnesota Truck accidents are quite common in Minnesota, and they can have devastating consequences. Take a look at these 2020 statistics from the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety on truck crashes in the state: 3,786 crashes involving trucks occurred in Minnesota in 2020. 58 people died as a result of these truck crashes. 1,033 people were injured in these truck crashes. Only 6 out of 50 people killed in accidents involving a tractor-trailer and a smaller vehicle in Minnesota in 2020 were in the semi-truck. The vast majority of all crashes and injuries involving big rigs in Minnesota involved other vehicles. Types of Truck Accidents That Occur in Minnesota Because of the massive size of large trucks, they tend to be involved in a handful of unique accident types. These are some of the most common types of truck accidents that occur in Minnesota: Jackknife accidents: These accidents occur when the trailer portion of a big rig swings around toward the cab, often resulting in an out-of-control truck. This can occur as the result of faulty breaks or poor road conditions. Rollover truck accidents: These accidents occur when large commercial vehicles overturn, either rolling onto their side or completely flipping over. Underride truck accidents: These accidents occur when a car collides with the underside of a big rig, usually on the side or the rear of the truck. These can be very dangerous crashes. Override truck accidents: These accidents involve a big rig running over a smaller vehicle, often ending up on top of the vehicle. Squeeze-play truck accidents: These accidents occur when a big rig veers left before turning right, “squeezing” smaller vehicles that try to merge on the right side of the truck and leaving them nowhere to escape. Cargo spill truck accidents: These accidents occur when a cargo truck spills its load into the roadway, creating a hazard for other drivers. Runaway truck accidents: These accidents occur when a big rig traveling downhill loses control of the vehicle or loses the function of its brakes. What Causes Minnesota Truck Accidents? There can be many different causes of truck accidents. Oftentimes, truck accidents are caused by negligence on the part of the truck driver or trucking company. Driver Error Truck accidents involving a big rig and another smaller vehicle often result because of driver error. Both semi-truck operators and other drivers can make errors that result in a truck-auto accident. In some cases, a vehicle that is not involved in a crash could make a dangerous error that causes a truck accident. Improper Truck Maintenance Properly maintaining a big rig is a requirement in all states, including Minnesota. Sometimes, accidents occur because a truck driver or the trucking company has failed to properly maintain the big rig. Issues like faulty brakes can occur as the result of improper maintenance. Manufacturer Error Sometimes, vehicles do not perform as they should, leading to accidents. In these cases, manufacturer error may be determined to be the root cause of an accident. Manufacturer error can be on the behalf of a semi-truck manufacturer, or an automaker that makes a passenger vehicle involved in a truck accident. Cargo Loading Errors When truck accidents occur that involve cargo spills, or even rollovers due to improperly balanced cargo, cargo loading errors might be the cause. Sometimes, it is the responsibility of a trucking company to load cargo. Other times, it is the truck driver themselves who will be responsible for any cargo loading errors. Dangerous Driving Conditions Sometimes truck accidents occur because the road conditions are dangerous. Wintery conditions, improperly maintained roadways, or dangerously misleading or missing signage can all be causes of car accidents involving big rigs. What Kinds of Injuries Occur in Truck Crashes? Accidents involving big rigs and smaller vehicles can result in a range of minor to serious injuries, and even catastrophic injuries and fatalities in more severe cases. All of the following injuries can occur as the result of truck accidents: Organ damage Traumatic brain injuries and other head injuries Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis Dismemberment Internal bleeding Disfigurement Cuts and lacerations Bone fractures Fatality Our Featured Case Results Personal Injury Property Loss and Damage Claims Construction Negligence Labor Law Product Liability Medical Malpractice Car Accident 1 $47.4M Personal Injury Jury Verdict The formal finding of fact made by a jury on matters or questions submitted to the jury by a judge. 2 $42M Motor Vehicle Accident Jury Verdict The formal finding of fact made by a jury on matters or questions submitted to the jury by a judge. 3 $9.55M Firearm Injury Jury Verdict The formal finding of fact made by a jury on matters or questions submitted to the jury by a judge. 4 $5.25M Hospital Negligence Settlement A resolution between disputing parties about a legal case, typically reached before court action begins. 5 $4M Personal Injury Settlement A resolution between disputing parties about a legal case, typically reached before court action begins. 1 $4.2M Property Damage Liability Settlement A resolution between disputing parties about a legal case, typically reached before court action begins. 2 $2.5M Property Damage Liability Settlement A resolution between disputing parties about a legal case, typically reached before court action begins. 3 $1.5M Industrial Explosion Settlement A resolution between disputing parties about a legal case, typically reached before court action begins. 4 $1.1M Property Damage Liability Settlement A resolution between disputing parties about a legal case, typically reached before court action begins. 1 $3.9M Construction Negligence Settlement A resolution between disputing parties about a legal case, typically reached before court action begins. 2 $2.4M Construction Negligence Settlement A resolution between disputing parties about a legal case, typically reached before court action begins. 3 $2.3M Contractor Negligence Settlement A resolution between disputing parties about a legal case, typically reached before court action begins. 4 $1.5M Construction Negligence Settlement A resolution between disputing parties about a legal case, typically reached before court action begins. 5 $1.2M Construction Negligence Settlement A resolution between disputing parties about a legal case, typically reached before court action begins. 1 $6.8M Race Discrimination Settlement A resolution between disputing parties about a legal case, typically reached before court action begins. 2 $4.2M Whistleblower Liability Settlement A resolution between disputing parties about a legal case, typically reached before court action begins. 3 $4.0M Sexual Harassment Settlement A resolution between disputing parties about a legal case, typically reached before court action begins. 4 $3.2M Nationality Discrimination Settlement A resolution between disputing parties about a legal case, typically reached before court action begins. 5 $2,0M Sexual Harassment Settlement A resolution between disputing parties about a legal case, typically reached before court action begins. 1 $5.3M Pharmaceutical Negligence Settlement A resolution between disputing parties about a legal case, typically reached before court action begins. 2 $3.2M Product Liability Settlement A resolution between disputing parties about a legal case, typically reached before court action begins. 3 $1.3M Drug Company Liability Settlement A resolution between disputing parties about a legal case, typically reached before court action begins. 4 $1.2M Product Liability Settlement A resolution between disputing parties about a legal case, typically reached before court action begins. 1 $6.0M Medical Malpractice Settlement A resolution between disputing parties about a legal case, typically reached before court action begins. 2 $5M Orthopedic Malpractice Jury Verdict The formal finding of fact made by a jury on matters or questions submitted to the jury by a judge. 3 $3M Gastroenterology Malpractice Jury Verdict The formal finding of fact made by a jury on matters or questions submitted to the jury by a judge. 4 $2.25M Urology Malpractice Jury Verdict The formal finding of fact made by a jury on matters or questions submitted to the jury by a judge. 5 $1.7M Anesthesiology Malpractice Jury Verdict The formal finding of fact made by a jury on matters or questions submitted to the jury by a judge. 1 $42M Motor Vehicle Accident Jury Verdict The formal finding of fact made by a jury on matters or questions submitted to the jury by a judge. 2 $15M Motorcycle Accident Jury Verdict The formal finding of fact made by a jury on matters or questions submitted to the jury by a judge. 3 $6.1M Motorcycle Accident Jury Verdict The formal finding of fact made by a jury on matters or questions submitted to the jury by a judge. 4 $2.3M Car Accident Jury Verdict The formal finding of fact made by a jury on matters or questions submitted to the jury by a judge. 5 $1.8M Truck Accident Jury Verdict The formal finding of fact made by a jury on matters or questions submitted to the jury by a judge. Find out if you have a case we could help you win Speak To a Specialist Who Is at Fault In Minnesota Commercial Truck Accidents? When discussing truck accident claims and payments for damages related to such accidents, two common terms you will hear are ‘fault’ and ‘liability’. It is important to understand the difference between fault and liability to understand how truck accident victims are compensated. Fault refers to what party is responsible for causing the accident to occur. This could be a truck driver, another driver on the road, or even the state for improperly maintaining a roadway. Liability refers to the party that is responsible for paying out any damages to victims of truck accidents. In Minnesota, there is something called a ‘no-fault’ law, which allows people to seek compensation for damages from their own insurance companies. However, because damages are often so high in truck accidents, they may exceed insurance coverage limits, leaving people to seek help from a personal injury attorney in order to get fair compensation. Determining the Liable Party in A Semi-Truck Accident The first step in a truck accident claim is to determine the liable party who will be responsible for paying damages to the victim. Personal injury lawyers can help determine liability so you can seek damages if you have been the victim of a truck accident. The most likely parties to be held liable in a semi-truck accident are listed below. Truck Driver Truck drivers are usually only the liable party in an accident if they are operating independently as a contractor or if they own their own business. Just because a truck driver is at fault for an accident does not necessarily mean they are the liable party for payment of damages. Trucking Company The trucking company is quite often the liable party in truck accidents. Trucking companies are usually responsible for training their drivers, maintaining equipment, and loading the trailers. They assume financial liability in many cases involving big rig accidents. Insurance Company Trucking companies often have their own insurance that will cover some or all of the cost of damages related to an incident. Insurance coverage is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and if a trucking company is liable for damages, they will have to pay any expenses their insurance does not cover. How Do Truck Accident Injury Claims Work? To file a truck accident personal injury claim, the first step is to locate a law firm with experienced attorneys. Most experienced lawyers offer free consultations, meaning they will review your case and determine whether filing a claim with legal representation is the right choice. If you continue with your claim, your lawyer will assist you in gathering all related documents and evidence so you can make the strongest possible case. They will then file a personal injury claim on your behalf with the party who is liable for the accident and for paying any damages. Personal injury claims including vehicle accidents usually settle out of court, meaning a settlement is agreed upon by you, your lawyers, and the liable party. If a settlement cannot be reached and the case goes to court, your lawyer’s years of experience will be invaluable as they help you make a strong case to give you the best chance at collecting any damages. How Will Negligence Affect Your Truck Accident Case? Negligence refers to instances where a party violates a duty of care, meaning they do something that puts others in danger that they know or should know not to do. In order for a truck accident claim to be successful in holding parties liable, negligence must be present. A lawyer must be able to show that negligence led to the accident, which in turn led to injuries and damages. Negligence in truck accidents can look like anything from a truck driver driving under the influence, to a failure to use a turn signal or even a failure to properly maintain the vehicle. Types of Damages in Truck Accident Personal Injury Cases Accidents involving semi-trucks and motor vehicles can result in major injuries and property damage. If you or a loved one has been in a semi-truck accident, you need to know what type of damages you might be eligible for. Medical expenses: Any accumulated medical bills as well as any projected medical costs in the future related to injuries sustained in the crash. Lost wages: If you are or have been unable to work due to the accident, you could be paid for any lost wages. Wrongful death: If a loved one or family member died in a truck accident, you might receive damages for wrongful death. Pain and suffering: Pain and suffering refers to any ill effects and physical or emotional harm caused by the accident or resulting injuries. A Minnesota truck accident attorney can help you to determine the appropriate compensation amount for your pain and suffering. Benefits of Working with A Truck Accident Lawyer for Your Case Though you are not technically required to hire a lawyer for a personal injury case, doing so increases your chances of being fairly and fully compensated for any damages you have experienced as a result of your accident. Lawyers handle all communication related to your case, so your only point of contact will be your attorney. They will assess your case with ease and determine whether negligence was present and whether it is worth pursuing a personal injury claim. Your attorney will fight to ensure that you are compensated for all damages related to your accident. If the case ends up going to court, your attorney will present your claim in the strongest manner and make it clear to the court why you should be compensated for the accident. What to Do After a Truck Accident in Minnesota If you’ve been in a truck accident anywhere in Minnesota, you need to know what steps to take. Whether your accident occurs in Minneapolis, St. Paul, St. Cloud, or anywhere else in the state, follow these steps: Do not refuse medical care. If you have any injuries, make sure to have them treated properly by a medical professional. This is not only the best thing to do for your health and safety, it may also be important if you file a personal injury claim later on. File a police report. Filing a police report is always a good idea after a car accident. The report is an official statement of what occurred during the accident and may be important for use in a personal injury claim. Connect with a lawyer. If you believe negligence may have been at play during your accident, contact a lawyer to assess whether filing a claim is the right thing to do. List of Top-Rated Minnesota Truck Accident Lawyers Near You If you have been in a truck accident in Minnesota, you should reach out to an experienced attorney for a free case evaluation. Florin|Roebig law firm offers free consultations for people in Minnesota who have been in a truck accident and are seeking legal advice. Florin|Roebig is one of the top law firms in Minnesota, with multiple selections to the “Best Lawyers in America” list by “Best Lawyers” The Florin|Roebig team includes several experienced personal injury attorneys, including: Wil H. Florin, B.C.S. Tommy D. Roebig, B.C.S. Chase P. Florin, B.C.S. John J. Hart Parker Y. Florin, LL.M. Taylor D. Roebig Nollys R. Solarte, O.C. Lawrence J. Najem, O.C. Andrew M. Leone, O.C. Florin|Roebig has won over $1 billion in settlements from personal injury cases just like yours. We provide our clients with the highest quality of representation to give them the best chance at receiving a fair settlement. Reach out for Help From a Truck Accident Attorney Today Florin|Roebig is one of the nation’s top personal injury law firms. We pride ourselves on providing our clients with the most competent representation. After a truck accident in Minnesota, it can be difficult to know exactly what steps to take. Florin|Roebig offers free case evaluations to help you get organized and determine the next steps, without any financial commitment. To learn more about our services or to schedule your free case evaluation, contact the offices of Florin|Roebig today.
