If you or a loved one have been involved in a truck accident in Rochester, MN, it’s important to understand the factors that determine liability in these cases. Truck accidents often result in serious injuries and damages, and determining who is responsible for these consequences is crucial. While the truck driver may seem like the obvious answer, there are instances where the trucking company, or the trailer company, may also be held liable for the accident. Often truck accident cases involve heavy investigation, including obtaining their GPS tracking information, their inside and outside camera footage, and downloading their black box, which shows their speed, braking and turning in an accident.
At Knutson + Casey, we understand the complexities of truck accident liability and are here to help you navigate through the legal process, and start an immediate investigation using our Knutson Casey investigators. If you were injured in a truck accident, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation, and let us get started with the investigation. Our team of experienced attorneys and investigators are here to help you prepare and file an insurance claim, and hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions.
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Determining who is at fault in a truck accident involves determining the parties that acted negligently. In simple terms, negligence means someone did not take the care they should have, or are required to exercise under the law, and that this led to the accident. For a trucking company or any party to be liable, it must be shown that their negligence caused the injuries or damages due to a variety of reasons, including not following failure to train drivers or supervise them, violations of safety regulations, improper loading, and inadequate training of drivers. With truck accidents, there are several parties that may be liable:
Understanding these potential defendants is crucial for victims seeking compensation for their injuries and losses. Each case is unique, so identifying the negligent party involves a thorough investigation.
A trucking company in Rochester, MN, might be directly responsible for an accident under many circumstances. For one, if the company did not do a thorough job in hiring their drivers, like skipping background checks or hiring someone with a known history of reckless driving, they could be held liable. Another situation is when they fail to provide proper training for their drivers on safe driving practices or handling the specific types of trucks and cargos they will be operating and transporting.
Additionally, if a trucking company ignores or violates safety regulations, such as allowing drivers to exceed the legal hours of operation without proper rest or not maintaining their fleet of trucks to meet safety standards, they could be directly responsible for any accidents that occur as a result. Essentially, any failure on the part of the trucking company to ensure that both their drivers and vehicles are safe and compliant with regulations may make them directly liable for accidents and the damages caused.
If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being involved in a truck accident, the first and most crucial step is to seek medical attention, even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured. Injuries from such accidents may sometimes be hidden or delayed in showing symptoms, so it’s essential to get checked out by a healthcare professional right away. This will not only ensure your well-being but also provide documentation that may be vital if you decide to pursue legal action.
After you’ve taken care of your health, the next important step is to contact a lawyer experienced in truck accident cases. An attorney may offer guidance on how to proceed, help gather evidence, and represent your interests in dealings with insurance companies or in court if necessary. Having legal support early in the process may make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a truck accident in Rochester, MN, don’t go through it alone. Our team at Knutson + Casey is ready to stand by your side and navigate the legal process with you. Whether you’re in Mankato or Minneapolis, we have the experience and dedication to pursue the compensation you deserve.
For those in Mankato, reach out to us at (507) 344-8888. If you’re in Minneapolis, give us a call at (763) 259-3642. Alternatively, you may easily fill out our contact form to get started. Let us help you start on the path to recovery by fighting for your rights and securing the justice you seek.