Detroit Lakes Truck Accident Attorney

Fighting For Truck Accident Victims in Minnesota

Across the highways of Minnesota, countless commercial trucks are hauling everything from retail products and heavy equipment to crude oil for use in a refinery. Due to the consistent demand for truck-based transportation in the state, the odds of encountering an exhausted and overworked trucker are high – and the chances of a truck accident are also inherently increased. If you get hit by a commercial truck, big rig, semi-truck, tractor-trailer, or any other kind of large commercial vehicle, then you should come to Maring Williams Law Office right away for legal help.

We are a local law firm in Detroit Lakes that genuinely cares about the people in our communities. Our goal is not to increase our reputation by making your case about us. No, we are here to support you through such a difficult time by keeping you and your best interests in center focus at all times. Even if you decide you want to let another law firm take the lead on your truck accident case, we would still be happy to hear from you and provide some of our insight during a free initial consultation. At our law firm, caring about our clients always comes first.

Call (218) 228-6332 to see how our Detroit Lakes truck accident attorneys can help with your claim.

Common Reasons Truck Accidents Happen

Do you know what caused your truck accident? Perhaps it is more important to ask if you can prove what caused it. Our truck accident attorneys have decades of collective experience working on highly complex injury cases brought against stubborn insurance companies and defendants. When it comes to finding the cause of your truck accident and using that information to pinpoint liability, you can trust in our team to handle things.

What are some of the more common causes of truck accidents?

• Exhaustion: Truck drivers often spend 11 hours behind the wheel each day, with some spending even longer than that due to loopholes in Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. It is not uncommon for a trucker to feel fatigued while completing a route, which will inherently increase their chances of causing a crash. Additionally, inadequate rest breaks contribute significantly to their overall exhaustion and slow reaction times.
• Speeding: When faced with excessively long shifts, some truck drivers may be tempted to exceed posted speed limits for commercial vehicles. Speeding is always dangerous, but it is substantially more dangerous for larger, heavier vehicles that build more momentum at higher speeds, requiring greater distances to come to a stop safely. Speeding not only endangers the truck driver but also makes it more difficult for surrounding vehicles to predict and react to their movements.
• Unbalanced Cargo: The freight that is hauled by a tractor-trailer can actually contribute to a truck accident if it is loaded incorrectly. For example, when a trailer is top-heavy due to incorrectly stacked cargo inside of it, the entire vehicle can tip onto its side when making a sharp turn or as a gust of wind hits it. Properly balanced cargo ensures stability and prevents dangerous shifts during transit.
• Vehicle Defects: The average commercial truck can drive hundreds of thousands of miles in a year of service. All of that time spent on the road significantly wears down the parts and components of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a dangerous defect. Truckers and trucking companies have a responsibility to routinely repair and tune up their trucks. Regular maintenance checks are crucial to identifying potential mechanical failures before they lead to accidents.

How Insurance Works for Truck Accidents

When you are hit by a negligent driver in a car accident, you will rarely deal with that driver in particular as your case progresses. Instead, you will interact with and demand compensation from the auto insurance company that sold a policy to that driver. The same is true with trucking accidents.

In most cases, the truck driver answers for only so much liability and damages in a truck accident. Typically, a major insurance company that sells policies to commercial trucking companies answers your demand for compensation. 

There are pros and cons to dealing with a truck insurance company:

• Pros: An insurance policy purchased by a trucking company is likely to have higher policy caps than a policy purchased by an individual trucker. To this end, you are more likely to receive a maximized and fair amount of compensation for your damages if your claim is successful. 
• Cons: Your case will face a greater legal challenge when dealing with a defense team that represents the insurance company. It is common practice for truck insurance companies to keep defense attorneys on staff, who spend every day of their careers challenging claims in and out of court. To take them on, you will want legal representation of equal measure. 

Local Terrain & Trucking Routes in Detroit Lakes

Detroit Lakes features a unique blend of rural and small-town environments, which impacts how truck accidents are managed and mitigated. The area is intertwined with highways like Highway 10 and Highway 59, which are frequented by heavy commercial trucks. The presence of these highways means that residents and local authorities need to be cautious about road safety and accident prevention. Notably, these routes often intersect with popular tourist paths, bringing an increased mix of local and out-of-town drivers. Understanding this mix can help understand the causes of particular accidents and develop prevention strategies.

In addition to highways, the landscape surrounding Detroit Lakes is characterized by rolling hills and waterways that also affect driving conditions. Seasonal changes, such as heavy snowfall in winter, add another layer of complexity to trucking safety in the area. These conditions can lead to a higher risk of visibility issues, road ice, and delayed stopping times, all contributing to the likelihood of truck-related accidents. Recognizing these local conditions is vital for effective navigation and risk management for truck drivers.

Legal Considerations Specific to Minnesota Truck Accidents

Understanding the local legal climate is crucial for dealing with truck accidents in Minnesota effectively. Minnesota follows a 'comparative negligence' rule, which means that a party can still recover damages even if they were partially at fault for the accident. However, their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault. This is important for victims who may hesitate to seek legal advice due to feeling partially responsible. Accident victims should consult a knowledgeable attorney to fully understand how these laws apply to their particular circumstances, as they can be complex and require an experienced interpretation from a truck accident lawyer.

Furthermore, Minnesota also has specific statutes of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a truck accident. Victims typically have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline can result in losing your right to pursue a claim. These time constraints emphasize the importance of prompt action following an accident. Engaging with a truck accident attorney as soon as possible can help ensure that all legal timelines are adequately addressed, allowing victims to focus on recovery. In contrast, their legal matters are properly managed.

Truck Accident FAQ

Three quick questions you might have after being in a truck accident are:

• Is there evidence I should give my lawyer to help my claim? 
  Anything you recorded at the scene of your truck accident can be useful to your attorney. Photographs, testimonies, and copies of first responder reports, in particular, can paint a better picture of what happened. Your medical records from initial and follow-up medical appointments are also helpful in understanding the extent of your injuries and damages. 
• What damages can I recover? 
  In a trucking accident case filed in Minnesota, you can demand a variety of damages, as long as they are all related to your accident and the injuries it caused. Most cases will list medical bills, lost wages, and physical and emotional pain and trauma as the main types of damages. 
• How long will my case take to conclude? 
  There is no set timeline for truck accident cases that will tell you with absolute certainty how long your case will take to reach a finishing point. When it is clear that a truck driver caused your accident, the trucking company may offer a settlement to avoid litigation. In a best-case scenario, the offer could be finalized in several months to a year. If your case is hotly contested, then it might end up in litigation, where the court procedures slow things down. When this happens, you can expect your case to take at least a year or a bit longer. 
• Should I communicate with the truck's insurance company directly?
  It is generally advised that you do not communicate directly with the truck's insurance company without consulting your lawyer first. Insurance adjusters often aim to minimize payouts and may use your statements against you to reduce your compensation. Your attorney can aid you in drafting a well-considered statement and in negotiating the terms to secure a fair compensation. Legal representation helps ensure your rights and interests are protected throughout this complex process.
• What steps should I take immediately following a truck accident?
  Following a truck accident, your immediate priorities should be securing your safety and health. If possible, move to a safer location and call 911 to report the accident. Accept medical evaluation, even if injuries are not immediately apparent, as symptoms can manifest later. Gathering evidence is also crucial; take photos, note vehicle positions, and collect contact information from witnesses if you are able. Finally, reach out to a qualified attorney from Maring Williams Law Office to discuss your legal options with a truck accident attorney near me and start building your case effectively.

Contact Our Truck Accident Attorney in Detroit Lakes Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, don’t wait to get the legal support you need. Our Detroit Lakes truck accident attorney is here to fight for your legal rights and pursue the compensation you rightfully deserve. We understand how overwhelming these claims can be, and we’re committed to providing compassionate, effective representation every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you move forward.

Do you have more pressing questions about truck accident cases? Our Detroit Lakes truck accident lawyers have more answers. Please call us at (218) 228-6332 if you need our assistance with a case of your own.