Minnesota Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck Accident Attorney in Minnesota

When you have been involved in a truck accident, it can be overwhelming to handle the insurance claim while also recovering from any injuries you suffered. Being unable to work following a truck accident caused by another person can leave you stressed and unsure about your future. You need a Minnesota truck accident lawyer who can represent your interests and negotiate for a fair settlement.

Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer

When you hire a truck accident lawyer, you want someone with experience in handling large trucking companies and holding them responsible. Craig Steger of Hale Skemp has over 20 years of experience in representing residents of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa who have been involved in a truck accident. Our team is not afraid to stand up to large trucking companies and hold them accountable under the state’s truck accident laws.

Truck Accidents in Minnesota

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Office of Traffic Safety tracks information on vehicle accidents throughout the state. In 2023, there were a total of 4,568 crashes involving a commercial vehicle. Of these crashes:

• 57 resulted in fatalities.
• 62 fatalities occurred.
• 888 resulted in injuries.
• 1,230 injuries occurred.

The leading causes of truck accidents included:

• Striking another moving vehicle
• Rollovers and overturns
• Striking a fixed object
• Striking a parked vehicle
• Certain non-collision factors

Accidents are most likely to occur on clear, dry days, but wet and snowy conditions also contribute to numerous accidents.

Some of the most dangerous roads in Minnesota include:

• U.S. Highway 12
• Interstate 94
• U.S. Highway 169
• Highway 14
• Highway 10

Steps to Take After a Truck Accident

It can be overwhelming to be involved in a truck accident. You might feel lost and unsure of what you should do after the incident. Always safeguard your own safety and that of your passengers before taking any other measures. If you can, you can take certain steps that could make a future personal injury claim easier to file. These include:

• Report the accident. In Minnesota, you are required by law to report accidents that cause significant property damage or injuries. Reporting also generates a police report, which could be helpful if you need to file a claim.
• Exchange information. Provide your personal and insurance information to the other driver, and make sure to get a copy of their information. If multiple vehicles are involved, exchange information with each driver.
• Gather evidence. Take pictures of any damage to all the involved vehicles. Take note of any weather or road conditions that may have had a role in the accident. If there were witnesses, collect their contact information. Save copies of any dashcam footage or other video footage of the accident.
• Schedule a medical exam. Even if you feel fine, see a healthcare provider as soon as you can to document any injuries that may have been caused by the accident. Keep any documents and treatment plans for later use.
• Notify your insurance agent. You should report the accident to your insurance company within a few days, but you are allowed up to six months to report the accident and file a no-fault claim. Reporting early can prevent unnecessary delays.
• Contact a truck accident attorney. If you want to file a claim, it is beneficial to do so while being represented by a Minnesota truck accident attorney who understands the complexities of truck accident cases.
• Be patient. Truck accidents often take longer to settle than other types of vehicle accidents. Avoid discussing your claim or posting about the accident on social media.

FAQs

Is Minnesota a No-Fault Insurance State for Truck Accidents?

Yes, Minnesota is a no-fault insurance state for truck accidents. When you are in an accident, your insurance covers the cost of replacing damaged property and paying medical expenses without the need to assign fault. If your insurance does not fully cover your expenses, or you were seriously injured, you can file a personal injury claim against the other driver for reimbursement.

How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements?

There is no average settlement for a truck accident, but certain factors can influence how much you obtain from a truck accident. Truck accidents that result in a wrongful death typically have high payout amounts. When injuries are serious or cause permanent disability, the settlement should reflect the need for long-term care. For minor injuries or when there is only property damage, the settlement is much smaller.

How Long After an Accident Can You Still File a Claim in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, the statute of limitations to file a personal injury claim after a truck accident is six years from the date of the accident or when a reasonable person would have discovered that they were injured by an accident. However, the longer you wait to file a claim, the more difficult it becomes to find evidence that supports your version of how the accident occurred.

Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident?

After a truck accident, liability is assigned to the person or company responsible for the incident. Liability could fall on the truck driver if they were driving recklessly or carelessly, or it could be the responsibility of the trucking company if they failed to properly maintain the vehicle. Manufacturers could also be held liable if a faulty part or malfunctioning equipment caused the accident.

What Type of Lawyer Do I Need After a Truck Accident?

If you’ve been in a truck accident, you need a personal injury lawyer with experience in truck accident cases. Truck accidents vary from traditional passenger vehicle accidents in several ways. Liability is more complex in a truck accident because multiple possible people or companies could be found liable. There are also specific state and federal regulations that truck drivers must abide by.

Contact Craig Steger, The Trucking Lawyer

As a Class A Commercial Driver’s License holder, Craig Steger understands the complexities of driving a commercial vehicle and the many things that can go wrong. You deserve to have an ally who can negotiate on your behalf and help you file a court claim if necessary. Contact Craig Steger, The Trucking Lawyer, today to schedule your initial consultation about your truck accident case.