A Committed Team For Truck Accident Injury Claims

Truck accidents often cause catastrophic injuries due to the heavy loads and high speeds at which trucks regularly travel. If you have suffered serious injuries due to your involvement in a semi-truck accident, it is important that you are represented by experienced attorneys who have a reputation for success in obtaining maximum compensation for injuries.

At the Law Office of Jeffrey A. Jones, P.A., our experienced attorneys understand the complicated nature of establishing liability in serious tractor-trailer accidents. We are prepared to handle any semi-truck injury claim involving catastrophic injuries and wrongful death.

How Truck Accidents Differ From Other Vehicle Crashes

Truck accidents are distinct from other motor vehicle accidents due to the sheer size of the vehicles and the complexity of injury claims.

Since they involve large commercial vehicles like semis and 18-wheelers, the impact force in a collision is considerable. The magnitude of these crashes means that the resulting damage and injuries are typically much more severe compared to car accidents.

Another difference involves determining liability. In truck accidents, this process is more intricate because it can involve multiple parties. It can be challenging for the average accident victim to identify the at-fault party.

However, an experienced attorney knows what to look for in determining fault. Minnesota follows a comparative negligence rule, which means that each party’s degree of fault will affect the compensation awarded.

Truck drivers and companies are also subject to federal and state regulations, including hours-of-service rules and mandatory maintenance checks. Violations can significantly impact the outcome of a claim.

For example, if a truck driver exceeds allowable driving hours, whether alone or under employer pressure, and a resulting accident injures someone, either party, or both, may be legally liable.

What Are Common Ways That Truck Accidents Occur?

Most of the time, truck accidents come down to nothing more complicated than simple human error. Some of the ways that negligence can manifest include:

• Driver fatigue: Even though federal regulations limit the number of hours a trucker can drive, these limits may be ignored. Long hours on the road can impair a driver’s reaction times and cause poor decision-making.
• Speeding: Tight delivery schedules are nothing new in trucking and online commerce and driver shortages have made them even worse. When truckers push their speed, the chances that they will be unable to brake in time or lose control of their vehicle increase.
• Distracted driving: Distractions are everywhere, and drivers who sneak a peek at their smartphones, adjust the radio, interact with their GPS devices or eat behind the wheel are all diverting their attention from the road – and those momentary lapses in concentration can have severe consequences.
• Impaired driving: Substance abuse, whether it involves alcohol, drugs or even prescription medications can lead to unsafe operations of big rigs.
• Mechanical failures: All it takes is a set of worn-out brakes, a blown tire or some other faulty part on a truck to create a serious or deadly chain reaction, and regular or proper maintenance is not a given.
• Aggressive driving: Drivers who get frustrated with traffic delays or other motorists sometimes engage in tailgating, abrupt lane changing, blocking, failure to yield or even road rage.
• Blind spots: Trucks have large blind spots, and motorists who aren’t aware of the problem may accidentally put themselves in dangerous positions, especially if a truck driver is not paying attention.
• Improper loading: Overloaded trucks or cargo that isn’t evenly distributed or properly secured can affect the way a truck handles, causing rollovers or other problems.

At the Law Office of Jeffrey A. Jones, P.A., our lawyers work hard to determine exactly what contributed to any given truck accident so that we can identify all the culpable parties. A thorough approach can open the doors to additional compensation for victims like you and maximize your financial recovery.

The Most Frequent Types Of Injuries Sustained In Truck Accidents

When a passenger vehicle collides with a large truck, the consequences can be devastating. Our attorneys have extensive experience representing clients who have suffered severe injuries in these accidents. Some of the most common serious injuries we see in truck accident cases include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): The forceful impact of a truck accident can cause the brain to collide with the skull, resulting in concussions, contusions or more severe forms of TBI. These injuries can lead to long-term cognitive impairment, personality changes and other neurological issues.
• Spinal cord injuries: The tremendous force involved in truck crashes often leads to spinal cord damage. These injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, significantly impacting a person’s quality of life and ability to work.
• Fractures and orthopedic injuries: Multiple bone fractures, particularly in the legs, arms, ribs and pelvis, are common in truck accidents. These injuries may require extensive surgeries and prolonged rehabilitation.
• Internal organ damage: The impact of a truck collision can cause severe internal injuries, including damage to the liver, spleen, kidneys or lungs. These injuries may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening if left untreated.
• Burn injuries: When truck accidents involve fire or chemical spills, victims may suffer severe burns. These injuries can lead to permanent disfigurement, chronic pain and psychological trauma.
• Amputations: In some cases, the severity of the impact or subsequent complications may necessitate the amputation of limbs, dramatically altering a person’s life.

Our lawyers understand the complexities of these injuries and their long-term implications. We work diligently to ensure that your compensation claim takes into account not only your immediate medical needs but also future care requirements, lost wages and the impact on your quality of life.

If you or a loved one has suffered any of these serious injuries in a truck accident, we encourage you to contact our firm. Our attorneys will provide compassionate guidance and aggressive representation to help you pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

Possible Damages For Seriously Injured Truck Accident Victims

Those injured in a serious truck accident can seek damages in Minnesota to compensate for their injuries and other losses. These damages are designed to cover the economic and non-economic impact of the accident.

• Medical expenses: Costs for emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, ongoing treatments, rehabilitation and medications
• Lost wages: Compensation for income lost due to diminished or lost work ability
• Pain and suffering: Financial recovery for enduring physical pain and emotional anguish
• Property damage: Covers repair or replacement of damaged vehicle and personal property
• Loss of consortium: Compensation for loss of companionship and support for family members
• Punitive damages: Awarded for gross negligence or deliberate disregard for the safety of others

Legal assistance from a Minnesota truck accident attorney can significantly strengthen your chances of obtaining fair compensation. On your behalf, they can handle your truck accident claim and help you hold all responsible parties accountable.

How Much Time Do You Have To File A Minnesota Truck Accident Lawsuit?

The statute of limitations for filing a truck accident lawsuit is six years from the accident date in Minnesota. This time frame is crucial because if you fail to file within this period, you could lose your right to seek compensation for injuries, property damage and other incurred losses.

However, some circumstances might alter this time frame. For example, if the truck accident resulted in a wrongful death, the statute of limitations is shortened to three years from the date of the victim’s death.

Also, claims against a government entity must be filed within a shorter period, usually within 180 days of the accident. It is advisable to consult with our truck accident attorney as soon as possible to help ensure your case is filed within the required time frame.

Missing the deadline can result in your case being dismissed without consideration, leaving you with no legal recourse.

How No-Fault Coverage Affects Minnesota Truck Accident Claims

As a driver in Minnesota, you have an obligation to carry no-fault personal injury protection (PIP) coverage on your personal car insurance policy in addition to liability coverage.

That coverage is your first line of defense after a motor vehicle collision, including a truck accident. Minnesota statutes require a minimum of $40,000 in no-fault PIP coverage. You may have invested in more than the minimum amount of coverage available. You can rely on your policy to cover your initial medical expenses and possibly also some of your lost wages. Typically, half of the no-fault PIP coverage applies to direct medical expenses, while the remainder can cover nonmedical losses related to injuries.

However, truck collision injuries can be catastrophic. Brain injuries, amputations and spinal cord injuries are all relatively common. The medical and income consequences of these severe injuries can go far beyond the no-fault coverage of your policy.

At that point, you have the option of seeking compensation from the commercial vehicle policy covering the semi. Typically, large commercial vehicles must comply with federal insurance requirements to carry at least $750,000 in liability coverage insurance, but even that may prove inadequate given the extent of the damages possible in a wreck.

Provided that you have thousands of dollars in medical expenses, missed at least 60 days of work due to your injuries, sustained permanent injuries or incurred permanent disfigurement due to the collision, you could have grounds for a lawsuit. If a member of your family died in a commercial truck collision, that also provides you with grounds to pursue fault-based compensation instead of solely relying on your no-fault coverage.

When Can Law Office of Jeffrey A. Jones, P.A. Help?

Negotiating an insurance claim becomes more difficult as the amount in question increases. The combination of major losses and complex legal issues can easily prove overwhelming. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice your health due to stress or give up on your right to compensation to prioritize your recovery.

At Law Office of Jeffrey A. Jones, P.A., we can handle the insurance company headaches, so you can focus on healing. You can rely on us when you sustain major injuries or lose a loved one in a truck wreck. We can help quantify your losses and take legal action when your losses require more than insurance can provide. We have big-firm resources but give our clients small-firm attention, and we are passionate about victims’ rights.

Next Steps After A Serious Truck Accident

If you have been in a serious truck accident in Minnesota, your immediate priority should be to seek medical attention, even if you do not initially feel injured. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries, might not be immediately apparent.

Then:

• Document everything related to the accident: It includes taking photographs of the accident scene, your injuries and any damage to your vehicle. If possible, collect contact information from witnesses and get a copy of the police report.
• Do not discuss the accident with the other party’s insurance company before consulting with an attorney. Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim or push for a quick settlement that does not fully cover your losses.
• Consult with a truck accident attorney to understand your claim, including determining liability, dealing with insurance companies and filing your lawsuit within the statute of limitations.

If you or anyone you know has suffered injuries after a truck accident, our attorneys can skillfully represent you in or out of court.

Dedicated Representation You Can Count On

Negligent drivers, unscrupulous driving companies and their insurers, negligent manufacturers and even government entities responsible for road maintenance will point fingers at each other, making the recovery of full compensation seem impossible.

Our lawyers work with an extensive network of experts and specialists – including investigators, reconstruction experts and other specialists – to establish the liability of each involved party, including:

• Negligent drivers
• Loading crew
• Driving companies
• Manufacturers of auto parts
• Government entities

No matter which parties are liable and to what degree, we have the necessary financial resources and knowledge to fight for the maximum compensation available for your losses.

Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents In Minnesota

Here are answers to some of the common questions victims of truck accidents in Minnesota have about their legal rights and claim processes.

Our Truck Accident Lawyers Are Here To Fight For You

Were you seriously injured in a tractor-trailer crash in Hennepin County or anywhere in Minnesota? Our attorneys will skillfully, compassionately and aggressively represent clients through negotiation, mediation and at trial. Our goal is to help you move forward after being severely injured.

Contact our law office online or by telephone at 612-234-2992 today for a free consultation at our Golden Valley office to discuss your truck accident injury claim with an experienced attorney.