Truck accidents are extremely dangerous for all involved. They can cause catastrophic injuries that last a victim’s lifetime. Call an experienced St. Cloud truck accident lawyer at Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys. Call (320) 255-1000 for a free consultation.
Our accident attorneys have been helping motor vehicle crash victims recover for more than 30 years, but also have helped victims involved in brain injuries, St. Cloud boating accidents, wrongful death claims, St. Cloud bicycle incidents, and more. Our team will help you put the pieces back together after a serious collision.
Why Do Truck Accidents Occur in St. Cloud and Who Is Liable?
It is critical for trucking companies to take their responsibilities seriously in terms of roadway safety. Otherwise, preventable accidents can occur. A trucking company must adequately train its drivers and maintain its fleet vehicles. If a trucking company breaches any of its duties of care, it could cause a preventable truck accident. A trucking company can also be held vicariously responsible, or liable, for the mistakes of its truck drivers and other staff members.
Common causes of truck accidents include:
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Distracted driving
- Alcohol and drug use
- Truck driver fatigue
- Defective truck parts
- Lack of proper truck maintenance
- Improper passing
- Poor driver training
- Dangerous cargo loading
If a mistake by the trucking company, a truck driver or one of its employees caused your accident, the truck company may be responsible for your losses. If a truck part with a defect, such as bad brakes, caused the accident, you will have a case against the product manufacturer. Another possible liable party is the City of St. Cloud for a defective roadway, such as a pothole that causes a truck tire blowout. An experienced attorney can help you in determining liability for your truck accident.
What are Common Truck Accident Injuries?
Truck accidents are especially frightening, as they are more likely to result in catastrophic injuries and deaths than standard vehicle-to-vehicle collisions. The average big rig can weigh more than 80,000 pounds, meaning a passenger vehicle is no match at about 4,000 pounds.
Common injuries from a truck accident can include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Permanent disabilities
- Multiple broken bones
- Crush injuries and limb amputations
- Severe lacerations
- Third-degree burns
- Internal organ damage
- Emotional injuries
What Damages Can Be Recovered After a Truck Accident?
If you or a loved one has a major injury from a truck accident in St. Cloud, Minnesota, the law may entitle you to damages. Damages describe financial awards for the losses connected to the truck accident. You may be eligible to recover damages for losses such as past and future medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, vehicle repairs, and more. The value of your truck accident claim is something we can discuss with you in more detail at Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys
What Are Common Causes of Truck Accidents?
Truck accidents can occur as a result of a number of different causes. Big rig operators are frequently under great deals of stress and drive under demanding deadlines. Some of the most common causes of semi-truck accidents include:
- Distracted driving – Distracted driving is a problem that contributes to truck accidents, auto accidents and motorcycle accidents. Operating a motor vehicle tends to be the most dangerous activity that the majority of people engage in. However, drivers frequently operate a vehicle and become distracted looking at a phone. While it may seem harmless – just glancing at a phone for three seconds
- Driver fatigue – Operating a big-rig truck can be a very stressful job. Frequently truck drivers are required to meet very strict deadlines. As a result of these demanding deadlines, truck drivers may operate their vehicles in tired states, and in some cases, fall asleep behind the wheel. The loss of concentration, focus or falling asleep behind the wheel can result in catastrophic accidents.
- Impaired driving – Truck drivers that were involved in accidents frequently tested positive for alcohol or a controlled substance. The most common substances in fatal truck accidents were cannabinoids and ethanol (alcohol) found in 13% of drivers. Amphetamine and methamphetamine were found in 7% of drivers blood specimens after fatal accidents.
- Speeding – Speeding can be caused by the stress of the trucking industry and deadlines. Speeding from passenger vehicles can also lead to dangerous driving scenarios. If a truck passes your vehicle in the left lane, give them ample run to do so. Do not attempt dangerous driving maneuvers around a truck as these commercial vehicles have very large blind spots.
- Improper maintenance – Trucking companies are required to meet federal guidelines to help ensure safer roads. However, some companies and drivers do not perform the proper maintenance required by law. Failure to maintain brakes and tires can lead to dangerous driving conditions, runaway trucks and accidents.
- Weather & Poor Driving Conditions – Rain, snow, fog and low light conditions can impact the visibility and surface conditions of a road. These poor driving conditions contribute to less reaction time and longer brake times. These driving conditions are more dangerous than clear conditions and contribute to accidents.
How Much Time Do I Have To File a Truck Accident Claim in Minnesota?
The time limit to file a truck accident claim, legally known as the statute of limitations, will restrict your ability to file a claim. Failure to file a truck accident injury claim within this time limit can seriously impact any damages able to be recovered. To ensure that you do not miss the statute of limitations, contact an experienced truck accident attorney as soon as possible to discuss the specifics surrounding your injury case.
Why You Need an Attorney
From investigating fault for your truck accident to preserving evidence such as the truck’s black box, your lawyer will take care of important tasks for you so you can heal in peace. The black box is a piece of equipment most commercial trucks have that automatically records data such as the truck’s speed and the driver’s braking habits leading up to a crash. In addition to preserving the black box, your lawyer can speak to eyewitnesses and hire truck accident experts to help with your case. The services your lawyer performs for you can make a big difference to the outcome of your case.
Contact our St. Cloud Truck Accident Attorneys | Free Consultations
If you or someone you love was seriously injured in a truck accident, contact the St. Cloud truck accident attorneys at Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys to schedule a free consultation. Our attorneys will meet with you in person or discuss your case over the phone. We can answer your questions and help you take the first step toward recovery after a bad accident. We can give you the legal representation you need for physical, financial and emotional recovery. Begin by calling (800) 292-1979 for your free consultation.
