Trucking Accidents

St. Paul Truck Accident Lawyer

Numerous state and federal statutes and regulations govern commercial trucking in Minnesota and throughout the country. Trucks, also known as commercial vehicles (CMVs), in 2019 were involved in 5369 traffic crashes in Minnesota according to the Department of Public Safety. This was 746 more than the previous year. 56 people were killed in these truck crashes. In addition, there were 1,431 people injured in truck-related crashes. Given the size advantage of the trucks that are on the road, the majority of the people killed or injured in truck-related collisions are occupying smaller involved vehicles. Only 5 of the 50 people killed in 2019 in multi-vehicle truck-related crashes occupied the involved trucks.

The causes of truck-related collisions are numerous but can include such things as driver fatigue, excessive speed, failure to yield the right of way, failure to maintain a proper lookout, driving without regard to weather conditions, and improperly maintained or loaded trucks.

Oftentimes evidence supporting negligence claims arising from truck crashes can be obtained from the on-board computer systems in the trucks themselves, and from the driver’s time logs, and truck maintenance records. However, securing this evidence typically requires prompt action by the injured party’s attorney.

Also, if one is injured in a crash caused by the negligence of a truck driver/trucking company, typically no-fault insurance benefits will be available to the injured party. However, to the extent that one’s no-fault insurer pays benefits, the insurer will later have a separate claim back against the truck driver’s insurer for the amount of benefits it has paid. Minnesota Statute 65B.53, Subd. 1. An injured person who is attempting to settle a liability claim against an at-fault truck driver/trucking company must be careful in signing any release documents so as to not impair the no-fault insurer’s separate claim rights, or inadvertently assume the obligation to pay the no-fault insurer.

CONTACT RICHARD O’DEA – A ST. PAUL PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY

Do not hesitate to call the O’Dea Law Firm/Richard O’Dea for an evaluation of your rights if you have been injured in an accident involving a commercial motor vehicle.

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