Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Saint Paul, MN

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Saint Paul, Minnesota?

  651-291-1111 is the non-emergency hotline of Saint Paul.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Saint Paul, Minnesota?

  Motor vehicle accident reports can be obtained at the 1st floor customer service window of Saint Paul Police Department, located at 367 Grove Street Saint Paul, MN 55101. To request a digital copy, please visit https://saintpaulmn.mycusthelp.com/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(qmd33fa0afu5pdslscpypu3a))/supporthome.aspx.

• Who is liable for a truck accident in Saint Paul?

  Most Saint Paul truck accidents occur because of negligent drivers who are operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, driving while distracted, or disobeying traffic laws, like speeding. Multiple parties may also be at fault in truck accidents in Saint Paul, including the truck owner for improper inspection or maintenance, the truck manufacturer for a defective truck part, the driver's employer for inadequate employee training, and the cargo-loading business for failing to follow the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's cargo securement regulations.

• Are truck accident victims in Saint Paul entitled to file a claim against the driver's employer?

  Yes, Saint Paul truck accident victims have the right to pursue a case against the driver's employer, as long as the driver's actions are within the scope and course of their employment. These situations include scenarios when the accident happened while the driver was carrying out their duty, when the action was taken to advance the interests of the company, when the trucker had permission to take part in the activity, and when the employee should have been able to predict the actions.

• What factors affect the value of a truck crash claim in Saint Paul?

  Present and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, and sustained injuries are some of the factors that need to be considered when assigning a proper value for a truck accident claim in Saint Paul. The plaintiff's long-term care and loss of income are also damages that are taken into account that may affect a Saint Paul truck accident case.

• What are some of the injuries that can result in the death of a truck collision victim in Saint Paul?

  The majority of fatal truck accident victims in Saint Paul suffer traumatic brain injuries that may result in several complications, including coma and brain death. Another physical harm is a spinal cord injury, which is typically caused by the weight and force of being crushed by or thrown from a moving vehicle, and could result in paralysis and death. Internal wounds, like organ damage and internal bleeding, are also common reasons for death in trucking accidents in Saint Paul.

• Can truck collision victims in Saint Paul seek compensation for pain and suffering?

  Yes, Saint Paul truck collision victims have the right to recover from pain and suffering or other non-economic damages, but there are thresholds they need to meet under the Minnesota law section 65B.51. These include a 60-day disability, permanent disfigurement, death, permanent injury, and medical bills over $4,000, not including diagnostic X-ray.

• What does a truck accident attorney do?

  A truck accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents. These lawyers help their clients navigate the legally complex terrain of truck accident law by gathering evidence, sending demand letters, negotiating with insurance companies, and preparing the case for trial.In most cases, they are personal injury lawyers who specialize in this particular type of claim.

• Who can be sued in a truck accident case?

  Truck accident liability is a notoriously complex area. In car accidents, liability is typically shared by one or more drivers, but that’s not always the case with truck collisions. These are just a few of the parties that may be responsible for truck accidents and subsequent injuries:

  • Equipment owners, including leasing companies
  • Truck drivers who are reckless, intoxicated, or make mistakes
  • Trucking companies accountable for hiring and keeping records
  • Maintenance providers who are negligent or fail to perform routine tasks
  • Loading personnel in accidents caused by shifting loads
  • Third-party drivers, especially in multi-vehicle collisions
  • Equipment manufacturers that sell defective parts

• What do I need to know about truck accident cases in court?

  In truck accident cases, as in all personal injury cases, the burden of proof rests on the plaintiff or party filing the lawsuit. To prevail in court, the plaintiff must prove four things:

  • The plaintiff must show that the defendant owed him or her a duty of care, such as having a legal responsibility to hire qualified drivers and maintain safe equipment.
  • In negligence claims, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached this duty.
  • The plaintiff must show that they suffered damages or experienced harm.
  • Finally, the plaintiff must prove that these losses were a direct result of the defendant’s breach.

  
  

• What are the common causes of truck accidents?

  Driver error is the single most common cause of motor vehicle accidents, but a variety of factors come into play on busy highways and secondary roads. Other potential causes of truck accidents include the following:

  • Inadequate or improper driver training
  • Severe weather, including rain, sleet, ice, and fog
  • Dangerous roadways, potholes, and construction zones
  • Improper loading, excess weight, and shifting cargo
  • Reckless driving involving intoxication or distractions
  • Faulty equipment, such as failing brakes

  
  

• Can I sue if I was hit by a truck owned by a big company?

  Yes, all trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and maintaining safe equipment. However, a lengthy investigation may be required to document the scene, establish contributing factors, and hold the company responsible. Personal injury attorneys generally focus on the following points during the investigation:

  • Checking the truck driver’s record
  • Securing phone records to prove distracted driving
  • Photographing skid marks and road conditions
  • Verifying the truck’s weight and maintenance history
  • Establishing the driver’s physical and mental health
  • Reviewing logbooks to identify times of service violations
  • Checking for previous violations to establish a pattern of misconduct

  
  

• How many semi truck accidents are there per year?

  In the U.S., it's estimated that there are 500,000 large truck accidents per year with an average of nearly 1,400 per day, according to data collected from police reports. Of those 500,000 accidents, approximately 4,000 result in a death. The majority of semi truck accidents are caused by mechanical defects and driver fatigue.

• Can I sue for being hit by a semi truck?

  If you have been injured in an accident with a semi truck that is not your fault, you are entitled to compensation for the damages to your vehicle as well as for your medical bills, time missed from work, and other damages suffered. You can sue if the person or company refuses to offer fair compensation.

• What should I do after a truck accident?

  The most important thing to do after a serious accident is to seek medical attention. You should also collect witness information, photographs of the accident scene, a copy of the police report, and contact information from the driver of the truck. Gather all of your paperwork related to the accident, including copies of your medical bills. Avoid posting about the accident on social media or speaking to the driver's insurance company before seeking legal advice, because anything you say can be used against you and affect your compensation.

• How long does an 18-wheeler lawsuit take?

  Most lawsuits are settled without going to court, so reaching a settlement can happen at any point that both parties agree on fair compensation. However, in most states, once an agreement has been reached, it cannot be changed, so it's a good idea to wait long enough to ensure that there are no additional injuries before settling.

• Do semi truck accidents go to trial?

  Litigation for semi truck accidents is similar to auto accidents, but it's usually more complicated because any number of parties may ultimately be responsible for the accident, including the company that handles the truck's maintenance or repairs. If attempts at negotiating a settlement with the responsible party are unsuccessful, the lawsuit may proceed to trial. In some cases, more than one party is responsible and one of the parties may fight the lawsuit and claim no responsibility. For these reasons, it's important to seek legal help from an attorney with experience in litigating semi truck accidents.