Minnesota Truck Accident Law Firm
The Minnesota Truck Accident Law Firm, founded in 2003, is a private firm headquartered near St. Paul, Minnesota. Through a hands-on, highly personal approach, we have recovered millions for clients nationwide. You’ll always work directly with one of our experienced attorneys, from the first day of representation until the day your case is resolved. Unlike larger, impersonal firms, we never hand off your claim to a paralegal.
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Peter Kestner
Phone:
651-209-7575
Toll Free: 800-732-3070
E-Mail:
info@crawfordkestner.com
Peter Kestner has extensive experience with truck accident cases, both as a
private attorney and representative for trucking companies. Before forming
his own law firm,
Peter served for 10 years as a claims adjuster and litigation
manager with one of the largest tractor trailer insurers in the U.S.
Through an additional insurer, he managed catastrophic claims nationwide for
several notable trucking companies.
In 2001, Peter began representing individuals injured by negligent trucking companies. Peter is sits on the National Advisory Board of the Association of Interstate Trucking Lawyers of America. He has been a frequent speaker on trucking topics to the Minnesota Association of Justice and has published articles on trucking topics.
His intimate knowledge of the truck industry, and the Federal regulations that govern it, and knowledge of the inner workings of trucking insurance companies give his current practice a unique edge—and his clients a distinct advantage in these cases.
Peter has a diverse practice that includes truck and car accidents, personal injury, wrongful death, as well as business and corporate law.
In 2008, Peter was named a Rising Star by Minnesota Law & Politics Magazine for his outstanding work in personal injury law. This prestigious award is given to the top 2.5% up-and-coming attorneys in the state, following nominations from some of the nation’s most accomplished lawyers.
Peter is an active member of the following: American Association for Justice, Interstate Trucking Litigation Group, 2008 Rising Star Recipient, Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association, and State and local bar associations.
Peter earned his B.S. from Skidmore College in 1989 and his J.D. from William Mitchell College of Law in 2001.
Peter earned his B.S. from Skidmore College in 1989, and his J.D. from William Mitchell College of Law in 2001. He is an active member of the American Association for Justice, Interstate Trucking Litigation Group, Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association, and state and local bar associations. He also holds a professional designation in insurance (CPCU).
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Gregory N. McEwen
Toll Free: 800-732-3070
E-Mail: gmcewen@mcewenlaw.com
Practice Areas:
- Serious Injury or Death
- Product Liability
- Insurance Claims Practices
- Business Litigation.
Gregory N. McEwen has the distinction of being both voted by his
peers as one of the Super Lawyers in Minnesota in 2004, 2006 and
2007 and as one of twelve “Rising Stars” by the Minnesota Lawyer
Newspaper in 2002.
Mr. McEwens' peers have recognized him because of the results he has
consistently obtained for his clients over the years. One of the
most successful trial attorneys in the country, since opening a
private practice in 1997, he has recovered over ninety million
dollars for people he represents throughout the United States. Mr.
McEwen has obtained more than 20 verdicts and settlements in excess
of one million dollars.
Mr. McEwen has focused his career on complex, high stakes
litigation. Whether he is representing catastrophically injured
individuals against product manufacturers, insurers and others, or
businesses whose owners or shareholders have been harmed, his
dedication to clients is legendary.
Gregory is a member of the Million Dollar Roundtable, a member of
the American Inns of Court, a member of the Board of Directors of
the Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association, and a member the
Association of Trial Lawyers of America; Attorneys Information
Exchange Group; and the Minnesota State Bar Association
He has appeared on public radio, television, and numerous times in newspapers , including a case that was highlighted in the New York Times.
Selected Results
When a propane explosion in a Richland, Iowa home killed seven people and injured eight, Greg McEwen obtained a $20 million settlement after the eight survivors sued the homeowners and various companies in the supply and distribution chain responsible for the propane and the pipeline on the homeowners’ land. The case reportedly is the largest personal injury settlement in Iowa history.
$9.6 Million verdict for two victims of an anhydrous ammonia tank explosion. One Plaintiff suffered severe chemical burns and another died when an anhydrous ammonia tank ruptured, spilling 1,500 gallons of the chemical, and then exploded. It was found that there was a failure to warn users about the necessity for periodic inspections and testing of anhydrous ammonia tanks and about the dangers of the chemical. See in news
Greg McEwen earned an $8.3 million settlement by representing a husband and wife who had complained about a gas smell in their house, but were assured that nothing was wrong. Days before the explosion which killed the husband and burned more than 50 percent of the wife’s body, the plaintiffs’ gas detectors were set off. One of the defendants told the plaintiffs to unplug the detectors because they were too sensitive. The settlement was reached through arbitration.
Greg McEwen earned a $4.9 million settlement by representing a middle-aged woman who was injured when the weight loss drug she was using was recalled.
When Greg McEwen’s clients’ home exploded, Greg was able to prove that the defendants did not warn them about a defective propane warning system, and he was able to obtain a $3 million settlement.
In several other propane matters involving home explosions and the respective defendants’ failure to warn the plaintiffs about a defective propane warning system, Greg McEwen obtained $1.8 million, $1.7 million, and $1.45 million for his respective clients.
When a plaintiff suffered burns on 29% of his body, including second and third-degree burns on his face due to a retailer and other defendants’ failure to warn of the defective nature of a propane warning agent, Greg McEwen obtained $1.25 million settlement for the plaintiff.
A Ford Explorer swerved to avoid a deer, causing the vehicle to roll over. The passenger sustained a spinal injury, rendering him paraplegic. The $1.125 million settlement Greg McEwen obtained provided for the young man’s future care, rehabilitation and security. This is the first lawsuit in Minnesota involving the alleged tendency of Ford Explorers to roll over.
Greg McEwen was able to obtain a $1.049 million recovery for a middle-aged woman due to a recalled drug used for weight loss.
A $1 million settlement was recovered by Gregory McEwen for a 78-year old woman due to a recalled drug.
Education
- Valparaiso University School of Law, J.D., with honors (1996)
- Concordia College, B.A.
- Luther Seminar, M.Div.
Publications
- Preparation of the LP Gas, Fire, or Expolsion Case from Investigation Through Trial, National Association of
- Subrogation Professionals – Subrogator - 2005
Professional Associations
- Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association
- Board of Governors (2004-2006)
- The Association of Trial Lawyers of America (1997 to Present)
- Minnesota Bar Association
Professional Recognition
- Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- Mpls St. Paul Magazine “Top Lawyers,” 2004 and 2006
- Minnesota Law & Politics, Minnesota’s Top Personal Injury Attorneys 2004 and 2006
Bar Admissions
All Minnesota Courts, Pro hac vice Admission includes: US District Courts of Iowa, Idaho , North Dakota,and Nebraska. Pro hac Admission in state courts of : Mississippi, North Dakota, and Iowa
Professional Presentations
- Oops They Did It Again! Overcoming Common Defense
Strategies and Tactics
Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association (January 14, 2005)
- Premises Liability – Explosions
(November 13, 2002)
- Fire!
Back to the Basics, Minnesota Institute of Legal Education (February 12, 2002)
Media
Greg McEwen has made several media appearances including appearances on:
- KARE TV (Minneapolis/St. Paul)
- KSTP TV (Minneapolis/St. Paul)
- WCCO TV (Minneapolis St. Paul)
- Minnesota Lawyer
- New York Times
- Pioneer Press (St. Paul)
- Star Tribune (Minneapolis)
- Forum (Fargo, ND)
- Herald (Grand Forks, ND)
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Melissa Crawford Kestner served as an associate at Thompson Coe Cousins & Irons in the Mass Tort and Product Liability Group. At this firm, she was on the national discovery team for a major corporation involved in mass tort litigation on several products. She also clerked for Minnesota District Court Judge, Gary Pagliacetti.
In 1998, Melissa graduated with a B.S. from Black Hills State University, Dean’s List. She earned her J.D. from William Mitchell in 2001 with cum laude honors. Melissa is a member of the Minnesota State Bar Association, the American Association for Justice, and Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association.