Owatonna Truck Accident Lawyer

Collisions with semi trucks and other large trucks pose a serious threat to peoples’ safety. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 11 people die every day in trucking accidents in the United States, and these figures are only expected to rise. Commercial trucks are large, powerful vehicles that can weight 80,000 pounds, and cause massive amounts of damage to other vehicles and the people inside them.

When truck accidents occur, it can be challenging to figure out what to do next. Determining who is responsible for a truck accident can be more complex than one might assume. In addition, the truck may have many types of insurance coverage including liability, umbrellas, and trailer insurance.  Legal assistance from a truck accident attorney can help you find out who is at fault, what insurance coverage exists, and then fight for fair and reasonable compensation from the liable insurance companies and policies.

Common Types of Truck Accidents in Owatonna, MN

Truck accidents can occur for numerous reasons. Common causes of truck accidents include tailgating, unsafe road conditions, reckless driving, improper turning, and blind spots. The road can be unpredictable. There are many more possible ways for a truck accident to occur: 

• Sleeping Drivers:  Semi Truck drivers drive long distances and are susceptible to falling asleep at the wheel.
• Jackknifing: A jackknife occurs when the trailer of a large semi-truck or big rig forces the towing vehicle in front to move to one side or all the way around, causing it to face backward and resembles a pocketknife.
• Wide turn accidents: A wide turn occurs when a driver and their vehicle swings left while making a right turn. When drivers are unaware of rear traffic or their surroundings on the right side, they may trap other vehicles or pedestrians.
• Underride accidents: When a truck comes to a sudden stop, smaller cars following from behind can become trapped beneath the truck’s trailer, resulting in deadly trucking accidents.
• Improperly loaded cargo accidents: Improperly loaded cargo can fall out and endanger surrounding vehicles. This can often cause multi-car accidents.
• Rear-end trucking accidents: Due to the truck’s weight, rear-end trucking accidents can lead to extensive property damage, serious injuries, and even death.

What Legal Action Can I Take After a Truck Accident?

If you’ve been hurt in a collision involving an 18-wheeler, a delivery truck, or another large vehicle, you’re probably wondering what you should do next. You’ve likely incurred medical bills and lost wages due to your injuries, so it’s understandable to have questions about what course of action you can take to get justice and compensation. 

You can seek additional damages beyond what your insurance company offers by filing a personal injury claim against the parties at fault and their insurance, for the accident. It’s highly recommended to reach out to a qualified truck accident lawyer to guide you through this process.

Who Is Liable for a Commercial Truck Accident?

To win your case, you’ll need to prove that your damages are the result of another party’s negligence. Because accidents involving commercial trucks often involve multiple parties, they are far more complicated than those involving only passenger cars. The accident could be the fault of the driver, the vehicle’s manufacturer, the trailer they are pulling, or another car involved. As well, truck accidents frequently involve the trucking company’s insurance and legal teams.

Truck drivers and trucking firms are strictly regulated by the FMCSA and Minnesota state agencies. Truck drivers must be adequately trained and must adhere to a designated number of service hours to prevent fatalities. Drivers must not drive while intoxicated, fatigued, or distracted by electronic devices.

Trucking companies are ultimately liable for the behavior of their drivers. They are in charge of ensuring their drivers are adequately trained and that each vehicle is regularly inspected and maintained. Defective vehicles or vehicle parts can also contribute to truck crashes.

Most people hurt in an accident with a large truck lack the resources or experience needed to pursue maximum compensation for their claim. As a result, they may require legal assistance to help them deal with the aftermath. We don’t take negligence lightly at Knutson + Casey. Our attorneys have aided thousands of clients with a wide range of legal issues, and we have experience handling truck accident claims across Southern Minnesota.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Truck Accident Attorney in Owatonna, MN

With so many factors at play, it can be challenging to pursue fair and just compensation for a commercial truck accident. The legal team at Knutson + Casey has the knowledge and resources necessary to handle trucking accident cases. Knutson + Casey has experienced lawyers that have been helping clients since 1992. We have the power and resources of a big firm with small firm friendliness and support. 

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a truck accident, protect your peace of mind by getting help from the best truck accident attorney in Southern Minnesota. At Knutson + Casey, we can answer your questions and give you the best legal assistance available. Call our office today at (507) 344-8888 or submit our online contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.