Accidents involving larger trucks often result in catastrophic injuries and significant property damage for those involved. At Hall Law P.A., we believe that everyone deserves the right to compensation if their injuries were caused by the actions of a truck driver or trucking company. Our St. Paul truck accident attorney is ready to take your case and help you secure the compensation you are entitled to. We will take on the insurance carriers so you don’t have to.
Why Choose Hall Law P.A. for a Truck Accident Claim?
- History of Success. At Hall Law P.A., we have more than 40 years of experience handling complex injury and truck accident claims, and we understand what it takes to recover the compensation our clients need.
- Top-Results. We have consistently recovered top-level settlements and jury verdicts on behalf of clients throughout Minnesota.
- Resources. Our team has the resources needed to go head-to-head with major trucking companies and insurance carriers in our pursuit of justice and compensation for clients.
Truck Accident Injury Severity
The reality is that larger commercial vehicles have the advantage on the roadway, and those inside traditional passenger vehicles often sustain significant injuries as a result of the incident. These vehicles can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds when fully loaded with cargo, which creates an almost unstoppable force in the event a collision occurs.
Some of the most common injuries that truck accident victims sustain include the following:
- Severe lacerations or puncture wounds
- Broken or dislocated bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries or facial trauma
- Amputations or crush injuries
- Internal bleeding or internal organ damage
- Significant scarring and disfigurement
- Permanent disability
In addition to these physical injuries, truck accident victims are more likely to suffer from significant emotional and psychological pain and suffering, including symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Who Could be Held Liable for a St. Paul Truck Accident?
Data from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety indicates that there were 3,786 total truck crashes reported during the latest year of data available. Out of these incidents, there were 1,033 total injuries and 58 total fatalities.
There may be various parties who could be held liable as a result of these incidents, which becomes particularly important if it is necessary to step outside of the no-fault insurance system in Minnesota. Some of the possible liable parties include:
- The driver of the commercial truck
- The trucking company or carrier
- Companies responsible for loading the cargo on the vehicle
- Maintenance companies responsible for the upkeep of the vehicle
- Vehicle or vehicle parts manufacturers
One role of a truck accident lawyer in St. Paul will be to examine the facts of the case and uncover evidence proving liability. Some common factors that lead to truck driver responsibility include fatigued driving, operating while impaired by alcohol or drugs, distracted driving, failing to follow basic traffic laws, speeding, etc.
Trucking companies can be held responsible for the actions of the truck driver, and they can also be held responsible due to their own negligence. This can include failing to adequately inspect the trucks on a regular basis, failing to maintain the vehicles, not properly training the driver, and following inappropriate hiring practices.
Types of Compensation Available for Truck Crash Victims
Minnesota is one of the few states that operate under a no-fault insurance system. This means that all drivers are required to carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage as part of their policy, and drivers will turn to their own insurance coverage to recover compensation, regardless of who caused the incident. This also applies to truck accident claims.
The no-fault insurance coverage will typically pay for up to $20,000 worth of medical expenses and $20,000 of lost wages, as well as $10,000 worth of household replacement services. However, there are ways to step outside of the no-fault insurance system if certain injury thresholds are met. These thresholds include:
- The truck crash victim sustains at least $4,000 worth of medical bills as a result of the incident, and/or
- The truck crash victim suffers from at least 60 days of disability, permanent disfigurement, or permanent injury as a result of the incident.
In the event one or both of these thresholds are met, this would allow the individual to file a third-party claim against the at-fault driver. This opens up the ability to recover additional coverage for medical bills and lost wages, as well as the possibility of recovering non-economic losses, such as physical and emotional pain and suffering damages that are not available under the no-fault insurance system.
The no-fault insurance system only applies to injuries caused by a truck accident. Individuals will be able to file a claim against the at-fault truck driver or trucking company to recover property damage compensation.
Is There a Time Limit for Filing These Claims?
There are various statutes of limitations involved with personal injury and vehicle accident claims in Minnesota. These time frames can get incredibly confusing, which is why we encourage individuals to reach out to an experienced truck accident attorney in St. Paul as soon as possible. A lawyer will be able to examine the facts of your case and help you understand whether or not you are approaching any applicable deadlines. Additionally, your lawyer will file your claim properly and on time on your behalf so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
Call a St. Paul Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you or somebody you care about has been injured in an accident involving a larger commercial truck in the St. Paul area, the team at Hall Law P.A. is ready to help. We have extensive experience handling complex personal injury and truck accident claims throughout Minnesota, and we have the resources necessary to handle every aspect of your case. Let us help you secure the compensation you rightfully deserve. When you need a St. Paul truck accident attorney, please reach out to us for a free consultation of your case by completing our contact form or calling us at (800) 292-1979.