Caledonia Truck Accident Lawyer

Speak with a Caledonia Truck Accident Lawyer about your compensation options

Truck Accident Attorney in Caledonia, MN

Minnesota is home to many truck drivers who are responsible for transporting goods all around the state and country. When you have a profession like this, there are some safety concerns, and accidents may happen. If you or a loved one has been in a truck accident, you may be eligible for financial compensation. A Caledonia truck accident lawyer can help you pursue a claim.

Work With Craig Steger

Craig Steger has over 20 years of experience as a personal injury and wrongful death lawyer, focusing on truck accidents, farming accidents, and accidents involving other kinds of heavy machinery. With licensing in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa, we are determined to advocate for you and be your representative at the Houston County Courthouse. If you have been in a trucking accident, hiring Craig Steger is the way to go.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

There are many causes of truck accidents. This can include:

  • Distracted driving
  • Driver fatigue
  • Speeding
  • Incorrect cargo loading
  • Truck blind spots/no-zones

According to Minnesota law, truck accidents must be reported to Minnesota’s Driver and Vehicle Services department within 10 days of an accident taking place. You can file a report by filling out a motor vehicle accident report form. You are required to report an accident if the following takes place:

  • There was at least $1,000 in property damage
  • Someone was injured
  • Someone was killed

In 2023, 5,375 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes throughout the country, which is a 43% increase over the past 10 years. That same year, 114,552 large trucks were involved in a crash that caused an injury. 

People who are killed in truck crashes are occupants of another vehicle 70% of the time, truck occupants 17.6% of the time, and non-occupants 12.3% of the time. For injuries, 70.1% are occupants of another vehicle, 27.2% are truck occupants, and 2.7% are non-occupants. In Minnesota, 4,568 crashes involved large trucks in 2023. Of these, there were 62 fatalities and 1,230 injuries. Many truck crashes were caused by weather conditions. There is more of a risk for truck accidents if the roads are slippery or icy following rain or snow.

Your Road to

Recovery Starts Here

Filing a Truck Accident Claim in Caledonia

You must file a claim for a truck accident within six years of the accident taking place. When determining who is allowed to receive damages for an accident, Minnesota follows a modified comparative fault law. This law states that someone is allowed to recover damages for an accident if they are 50% or less at fault in Caledonia.

Fault is determined by negligence. Negligence is defined as the failure to act with care toward someone due to your actions or lack of action. Strong evidence can help with determining negligence, including photos and witness testimonies. When establishing negligence, the following four elements must be proven in court:

  • The responsible party owed a duty of care
  • There was a breach of duty
  • The breach of duty caused the injury
  • The injured party suffered damages

A lawyer can help you prove negligence in court. If you are found to be less than 51% at fault for the truck accident, you will be able to recover damages. However, the damages can potentially be reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault.

What You Can Ask for in Damages

Following a truck accident, you can pursue financial damages for many kinds of losses, including economic and non-economic losses. Economic losses encompass any property damages, medical bills, and lost wages. Non-economic losses can include any pain and suffering or emotional damage you experienced as a result of the accident and your injuries.

Why Should I Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer in Caledonia?

If you are seeking to file a claim for your truck accident, it can be very helpful to hire a truck accident lawyer. With extensive knowledge of local laws and many years of experience in court, a truck accident lawyer can be a big help in navigating the complicated claims process for such a case. Your lawyer can help you determine the extent of the damages you sustained and gather evidence to support your claim.

FAQs

How Much are Most Truck Accident Settlements in Caledonia?

Truck accident settlements depend on the severity of the accident and any damages sustained. It is hard to determine a specific amount for settlements because every case is different. You are eligible for more in a settlement if you have a serious injury or multiple injuries, you suffer the death of a loved one, or you sustain significant property damage. You are also eligible to receive more if you have lost a lot of income due to medical bills or lost wages.

How Do You Choose the Right Truck Accident Lawyer?

You should choose a truck accident lawyer who has extensive knowledge of the law and has successfully handled cases similar to yours. Hiring an attorney with these qualities can be very helpful in your case. A truck accident lawyer can defend your claim in court and answer any questions you may have regarding your case.

What Is the 51% Rule in Minnesota Personal Injury Cases?

The 51% rule in Minnesota personal injury cases establishes that you can’t recover compensation if the court finds that you are more than 50% at fault for the accident. If a person is found 50% or less at fault, any recovery they secure will be reduced by their percentage of fault. For instance, if you were awarded $100,000 in damages but were found 20% at fault, you would recover $80,000.

What Is a Reasonable Amount to Ask for Pain and Suffering?

A reasonable amount to ask for pain and suffering depends on how much you suffered following an accident. If you endured a lot of pain and suffering due to your injuries, the amount you ask for should reflect it. A lawyer can help you calculate a reasonable and fair amount based on your degree of harm.

Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer in Caledonia

Getting into a trucking accident could completely change your life. Whether you were injured or your vehicle sustained damage, it is important to have someone on your side who can advocate for you. Craig Steger can help you recover the damages you need after a truck accident. For a free consultation, give our office a call or visit us in La Crosse. Don’t wait, hire a truck accident lawyer today.

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