Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers Representing Minnesota

Truck collisions may result in some of the most serious motor vehicle accidents. Semi-trucks, buses, delivery trucks, and other large vehicles may cause much more damage and serious injuries in a crash due to their greater size and weight. If you are injured in this type of accident, you may face significant physical and financial burdens.

At Berens & Miller, P.A., we are experienced in navigating the complexities of commercial vehicle accidents and assisting parties that are injured as a result.

What Is A Commercial Vehicle?

Commercial vehicles generally include any vehicle used for transporting commercial goods. The most common types of these vehicles include 18-wheeler tractor trailers but also include smaller delivery trucks, tanker trucks and large freight trucks. Commercial truck drivers must have a commercial driver’s license and follow specific rules and regulations, which is why commercial vehicle accidents can be more serious and complex.

Commercial truck drivers often work for a trucking company, which can also be held responsible for an accident if the company’s negligence contributed to the occurrence of an accident.

Common Causes of Commercial Vehicle Accidents

There are often multiple factors that can lead to a truck accident. This is why filing a truck accident claim is more complex because there may be more than one driver or party responsible for the collision. In many cases, the accident may be the fault of driver error, but in other cases, the trucking company may also be responsible for improper practices that could have contributed to the accident.

Some of the most common causes of a commercial vehicle accident are as follows:

• The truck driver was fatigued, distracted, drinking, or otherwise impaired.
• The truck cargo was poorly loaded.
• The trucking company failed to provide adequate driver training.
• The trucking company pushed the driver to ignore regulations to meet deadlines.
• The trucking company failed to perform routine vehicle maintenance.

Any of these factors may lead or contribute to a serious truck accident. Determining the underlying cause of a crash may require thorough investigation in the more complex circumstances, which is why it is crucial to consult with a skilled attorney who knows how to handle this type of case. We can help you discover what caused the accident and your injuries and hold the negligent party or parties accountable.

The Common Types of Trucking Accidents

Truck accidents may occur in many different ways, including:

• Rollover accidents, which may occur when the truck turns too sharp and quickly and rolls over onto its side or roof.Overloaded or improperly loaded trucks may sway dangerously on the road and cause a truck to tip over during a turn which may cause a serious collision.
• Jackknife accidents occur when the trailer of a truck swings wide from the main tractor, causing a jackknife motion. A jackknife can happen due to improper turns or braking. The swinging trailer may collide into other vehicles and cause an accident.
• Underride accidents occur when a smaller vehicle gets caught beneath the carriage of the truck. These are some of the most dangerous accidents, as the height of a truck often cuts off the top of the car when the smaller vehicle slides underneath the truck.
• Head-on accidents often happen due to reckless driver behavior such as speeding or distracted driving. The truck driver may collide head-first into another car and cause a serious crash. Serious accidents can happen at stop signs or traffic lights if the driver is not paying proper attention.

It is important to exercise caution when driving near trucks But even the most careful driver can become involved in a serious truck accident due to the truck driver’s negligence or recklessness. If you’re injured in such an accident, you may be entitled to compensation. We can help you through this process.

What Should You Do After a Minnesota Truck Accident?

If you were involved in a truck accident, it is crucial to know what steps to take to best protect yourself. Truck accidents are often catastrophic, and sometimes, the best thing you can do is to wait for others to help you immediately after the accident. However, if you are able to move to safety, then you should remember these following steps:

• If you are able to do so, you must call the police to report the accident. The police can send for an ambulance and will create a police report that you can later use to pursue a claim.
• You should get the contact and insurance information of the truck driver and contact information from any eyewitnesses to the accident.
• Take photos of the scene. Photos of the accident scene, the truck, and the damages to your vehicle can help you prove your claim.
• Seek emergency room treatment if required.
• As soon as you’re able, you must seek medical attention to take care of any injuries you might have sustained in the crash. Some injuries may not be apparent right away and a doctor can help determine if you have hidden injuries that should be taken care of.
• Consult with an experienced attorney who can help you prepare a strong claim to obtain the compensation to cover the cost of your injury and other damages.

Truck accidents may cause severe injuries, so it is important to  follow these steps if you are able to do so safely. We would be happy to assist you with your claim.

Pursuing a Minnesota Truck Accident Claim

If you or a loved one have been injured by a negligent truck driver, you should seek compensation. Filing a personal injury claim can help you hold the truck driver and/or the trucking company responsible for their part in the accident. A claim can help you recover compensation for:

• Medical bills
• Property damage
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering

If your accident caused a catastrophic injury that is permanent or life-changing, you may be able to seek further compensation, such as lost income if you are  unable to return to work or have decreased earning capacity because you must change your job. Compensation can also cover ongoing medical treatment, such as physical therapy and rehabilitation, to help with your recovery and obtain adaptive devices such as wheelchairs or crutches.

Truck accidents must be taken seriously because they may have a serious impact on your everyday life. You may be out of work much longer than you expect and, depending on the severity of your injury, you may no longer be able to perform daily tasks with ease.

We understand how difficult this situation is and strive to ease your burden so you can focus on healing. While you rest, we will investigate your accident, collect evidence, and build a solid case. We are skilled negotiators and trial attorneys who will assist you in obtaining the compensation you deserve.

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?

In Minnesota, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. It is crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to begin the process of seeking compensation. Gathering evidence and building a strong case takes time. Starting sooner rather than later can help ensure that we have all the information need to handle your case.

We Are Here to Help

If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident, you can take action to hold the negligent parties accountable. Our firm has the skill and knowledge necessary to fight for your right to compensation.

Call us today at 612-688-6516 to schedule a consultation or email us online at your convenience.