Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Find answers to common truck accident questions below. Can’t locate what you’re looking for here? Ask us a question.
I was in a truck accident. What now?
I can’t afford a lawyer. What should I do?
What can cause a truck accident?
Is a truck accident different from other vehicle accidents?
Do I really need a lawyer? Can’t I settle directly with the trucking company?
How long should I wait after my accident to contact a lawyer?
Who is eligible to sue for a truck accident injury or death?
Who can be sued for a truck accident?
My accident happened while I was in another state. Should I hire a lawyer from that state, or find one close to home?
Will my lawyer need to conduct an accident investigation?
Can Federal truck regulations help my case?
I was in a truck accident. What now?
In order to build a strong case, you need representation from a law firm experienced in handling truck accidents, such as The Minnesota Truck Accident Law Firm. Call (651) 209-7575 or email us to schedule a no-cost case evaluation.
I can’t afford a lawyer. What should I do?
If The Minnesota Truck Accident Law Firm agrees to represent you, you won’t pay our firm anything unless we win your case. And the initial consultation, during which we determine if you have a case, is absolutely free. In other words, there’s no fee unless we recover money for you. If no money is recovered, you owe us nothing.
Fair enough? Set up your free consultation today.
What can cause a truck accident?
Dozens of factors can contribute to a trucking accident, including:
- Driver fatigue due to overwork
- Aggressive driving such as speeding, tailgating and dangerous lane changes
- Failure to inspect tires, brakes and lights
- Cell phone use
- Tractor trailer underride
- Driver drug & alcohol use
- Mechanical failure & jackknifing
- Defective components
- Overloaded cargo & spills
- And more
Is a truck accident different from other vehicle accidents?
Yes. Aside from the standard rules of the road, commercial semi truck drivers and trucking companies must obey an extra set of Federal regulations. These include special licensing and training requirements, and a strict operational code. If a trucking company fails to comply with any these regulations, you can use these violations to strengthen your case.
Do I really need a lawyer? Can’t I settle directly with the trucking company?
The trucking company would be happy to settle directly with you—for much less money than you may be entitled to. Remember, these people are interested in winning the case for the trucking company, and don’t have your best interest or well-being in mind. By discussing your accident with them, or signing their documents, you may end up hurting your case.
It’s important to seek legal representation for yourself. You’ll have someone on your side collecting evidence on your behalf, discovering if Federal truck regulations were violated, and fighting for fair compensation.
How long should I wait after my accident to contact a lawyer?
Don’t wait. The trucking company involved in your accident began building their case the day the accident happened. It’s important to hire a lawyer to start working on your side of the case immediately.
Federal regulations demand that certain evidence be maintained, but only for a certain amount of time. For instance, the truck driver’s log, which may reveal violations such as overwork or failure to properly inspect the vehicle, may be destroyed after six months. If your attorney doesn’t request to preserve these important documents in time, critical evidence may be lost.
Who is eligible to sue for a truck accident injury or death?
If you’ve been injured or have a relative who has been killed in a truck accident, you can sue, provided some other person or company is to blame. Both adults and children can sue (minors can sue through parents or guardians). Even truck drivers may choose to sue if another individual or company was at fault for the accident. Contact The Minnesota Truck Accident Law Firm to learn if you’re eligible to claim damages.
Who can be sued for a truck accident?
Any individual or company at fault for the truck accident can be sued. This includes the truck driver, trucking company, truck owner and shipping company. Any other person or entity that contributed to the accident can also be held liable, such as the vehicle or tire manufacturer, or a negligent property owner. During your free consultation , The Minnesota Truck Accident Law Firm can help you determine who may be at fault.
My accident happened while I was in another state. Should I hire a lawyer from that state, or find one close to home?
According to Federal law, your case can be filed in the state where you live, where the trucking company is incorporated or operates, or where the accident happened. No matter where you’d like to file, The Minnesota Truck Accident Law Firm can handle your case. Our firm associates with counsel nationwide.
Will my lawyer need to conduct an accident investigation?
Yes. Large trucking companies conduct their own investigation immediately after an accident, collecting evidence that will cast them in a favorable light. You need a lawyer to perform an investigation on your behalf, to gather the information the trucking company would rather overlook. This valuable evidence may include proof of driver misconduct, faulty machinery, and any other indication of people or entities at fault.
Can Federal truck regulations help my case?
Yes. The trucking industry is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration of the Department of Transportation. This Administration maintains a strict set of trucking rules designed to improve truck safety and reduce accidents. States also create their own rules and restrictions for safe truck operation.
If the violation of any of these rules results in an accident, the truck driver or company responsible may be at fault. While this doesn’t guarantee a settlement or verdict in your favor, it certainly helps.