Practice Area Type: Truck Accidents

If you or a loved one suffered an injury in a truck accident caused by negligence, you may be eligible to seek compensation for damages. These can be complex, time-consuming cases that are difficult to prove, where it can be a wise decision to consider seeking legal representation to help ensure that your interests are being protected.

The experienced truck accident lawyers at TSR Injury Law are prepared to review your claim in a free consultation. We have the resources to fully investigate and build a strong argument for a truck accident case. We also have a proven track record of recovering over $1 billion in compensation for personal injury victims in Minnesota. Partner Rich Ruohonen obtained $1.7 million for a pedestrian who was struck by a semi-truck. He was selected for Super Lawyers each year from 2003 to 2018.

Contact TSR Injury Law for a free, confidential consultation. You are not obligated to let us represent you. We operate on a contingency fee basis – we do not get paid unless we recover compensation for your claim.

Schedule a free consultation with a Saint Paul truck accident attorney. Call (612) TSR-TIME or fill out a free online form.

Am I Eligible for Compensation?

Determining whether you may have a case can be very difficult without the help of a licensed lawyer. The attorneys at TSR Injury Law have many years of combined experience building cases to prove negligence.

There are four elements of negligence our attorneys must be able to prove to pursue a claim for your damages:

• The truck driver/liable party owed you a duty of care – The party you are filing a claim against had a duty to take reasonable steps to help prevent a truck accident.
• The duty of care was breached – The duty of care for the situation was not upheld through inaction or careless actions.
• The breach of duty caused your injuries – There must be a causal connection between your injuries and the breached duty. The injuries you suffered would not have occurred if the other driver upheld their duty of care.
• Damages were suffered – The other driver’s breach of duty caused damages such as pain and suffering, medical expenses and lost income.

Who Can Be Held Accountable for a Truck Accident Injury?

There are many individuals/entities that could hold liability for a truck accident, which is one of the reasons these cases can be much more complicated than car accident cases.

The attorneys at our firm have extensive knowledge of liability for truck accident cases. We are prepared to thoroughly investigate accidents to determine how they occurred and how they could have been prevented if the driver or other parties acted differently.

One or more of the parties below could be liable for your accident:

• The truck driver – Many truck accidents are caused by negligence of the driver. He or she could have disobeyed traffic laws by speeding, tailgating or driving while distracted, drowsy or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• The driver’s employer – There are many situations where the company that employs the driver could be held liable for an accident. Trucking companies may fail to properly train their drivers, test them for drug and alcohol abuse or push them to break federal regulations on the amount of hours behind the wheel to meet unreasonable deadlines.
• The truck owner – Truck owners may try to cut down on costs by not properly maintaining or inspecting the vehicle to ensure it is safe for use. Some truck owners choose to hire a third-party maintenance company to maintain their vehicles, and they may be held liable if a maintenance issue caused the accident.
• The manufacturer – If a truck accident was caused by a poorly-designed or defective part, the manufacturer could be held liable.
• The cargo-loading company – Trucking companies may load their own trucks or hire a third-party cargo-loading company to do the job. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has numerous cargo securement requirements that must be adhered to for the safe transport of goods. If the cargo in a large truck is not properly secured, overloaded or unbalanced, it could put the truck at a much higher risk of getting into an accident.

Unsure if you may have a case? Call TSR Injury Law to schedule a free consultation. There is no obligation to take legal action. (612) TSR-TIME

How Much Compensation Could be Available?

Our firm has been evaluating the costs associated with personal injury claims for countless clients over more than two decades. We have obtained more than $1 billion for the clients we have represented.

The damages that may be available for your accident claim will be based on many factors, such as the severity of your injuries and how long they may impact your physical health.

Damages suffered in a truck accident case are usually broken down into two types, economic and non-economic damages:

Economic Damages

These are the financial costs of an injury accident, which may include:

• Past, current and future medical expenses (stays at the hospital, prescriptions, doctor appointments, physical therapy, etc.)
• Lost income, both now and in the future
• Property damage

Non-Economic Damages

These are the physical and emotional effects of an injury, including:

• Physical pain
• Mental/emotional anguish
• Lost companionship
• Lost enjoyment of life

Our St. Paul truck accident attorneys know how to calculate the potential value of a truck crash case, including possible future expenses and non-economic damages that have no defined economic value.

Time Limits for Filing a Truck Accident Claim

According to Minnesota’s statute of limitations, most personal injury claims need to be filed within two years after the date you discovered your injury. However, sometimes this deadline may be shortened or extended, depending on the details of your case. For example, if your claim happens to be against a government entity, you may only have 180 days to provide notice to the party you are filing a claim against. If you were a minor at the time of the accident, you have up to two years after your 18th birthday to file your claim.

If you fail to file your claim before the deadline passes, your claim could be rejected, and you may lose the opportunity to seek compensation.

The sooner you contact our firm, the more time we have to determine the deadline that may apply. If you have a case and hire our firm, we are ready to handle all legal filings and other aspects of the case.

Questions about your case? Call TSR Injury Law at (612) TSR-TIME.

Why Hire a Lawyer?

There are many benefits to hiring a lawyer to manage your truck accident claim. Although each case is unique and settlement amounts vary, accident victims who decide to hire a lawyer often recover more compensation than those who try to manage the process alone.

If you have a valid case and decide to let us represent you, our Saint Paul truck accident lawyers can handle the entire legal process so you can concentrate on recovery. We have an experienced legal team ready to thoroughly investigate the scene of the accident, collect evidence, interview witnesses, examine medical records, calculate your damages, negotiate with insurance companies and other aspects of the process.

There are numerous insurance policies that may apply to a trucking accident, from general liability to bobtail, cargo and umbrella insurance. Our attorneys have many years of combined experience reviewing insurance policies to determine what may be covered and how much compensation may be available.

Since most truck accident cases are settled before going to trial, many law firms do not take the extra steps needed to prepare for court. Insurance companies know who these law firms are, and they often try to convince these firms to accept an early or lowball settlement offer.

However, at TSR Injury Law, we are prepared to go to trial when necessary. Our goal is to recover the compensation victims need to help them move forward with their lives.

Our attorneys are well-versed in the trucking laws and requirements enforced by the FMCSA. We know how to obtain log books and other records to find possible violations of these rules.

What to Do After a Truck Accident

While your attorney can handle building a case, there are some things you can do right after the accident that may help your attorney link your injury to the accident and establish that accident’s cause.

Contact the Police

The police can investigate and file a report on the accident. The report could be a vital piece of evidence for your claim, particularly if the report cites the driver of the truck for a traffic violation.

Collect Evidence

Sometimes this is not possible because the victim’s injuries are so severe, he or she needs to wait for medical attention. However, if someone else is with you, or if your injuries allow, try to gather evidence. This could include:

Talk to Witnesses

If possible, try to talk to any witnesses and ask them what they saw. If you think they can help verify your case, ask them for their contact information so you can contact them again if you decide to file a claim. You can also record a video of their statement, if they grant you the permission to do so.

Seek Medical Attention

It is important for your health and for the strength of your claim to seek medical attention immediately after your truck accident. It may take a few days for injury symptoms to develop, such as for a sprained neck, internal bleeding or even some traumatic brain injuries. If there is a significant gap between when you sought treatment and the accident, the insurance companies may try to say your injury was caused by something other than the accident.

Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters

It is common for trucking companies to get their insurance adjusters to inspect the accident immediately. However, be careful not to provide too much information if they contact you.

Adjusters are trained to try to get victims to diminish their injuries or unknowingly make statements that damage their credibility. They may ask the same question multiple times, act sympathetic or use other tactics to attempt to get information to use against you.

You should only provide basic information about the accident, such as where and when it happened. You are not obligated to answer their questions or provide a recorded statement. You can refer the insurance company to your attorney to defend your best interests.

Contact a Licensed Attorney

After undergoing a medical examination, we suggest contacting a licensed Saint Paul truck accident attorney from TSR Injury Law. We offer a free case review and there is no obligation to let us represent you. We are ready to determine if you may be eligible to pursue compensation, which can be very important after a significant injury.

Call TSR Injury Law at (612) TSR-TIME so we can determine if you may be eligible for compensation.

Serious Injuries Caused by Truck Accidents

If your injury created medical bills and other damages, you may have the basis for a legal claim. Some injuries that may give a victim grounds to file a claim include:

Our lawyers know that some injuries may take more time to heal and may require future medical treatment. When we calculate the value of an injury claim, we take all of this into account. We want you to have the financial ability to obtain the treatment you need to help you make the best recovery possible, given your injuries.

Call Our Saint Paul Truck Accident Lawyers Today

At TSR Injury Law, we understand that this may be a difficult time for you and your loved ones. Truck accident victims often need long-term medical treatment and may miss a significant amount of time from work.

Our trusted attorneys manage the entire legal process for truck accident victims so they can focus on their treatment. Our lawyers have been defending the rights of personal injury victims and their families in Minnesota since 1998 and have recovered $300 million in injury compensation.

If you have a case and hire one of our attorneys, you will not be charged any upfront fees. We only receive payment if we win fair compensation for your case.

Contact a St. Paul truck accident lawyer at TSR Injury Law by calling (612) TSR-TIME or you can fill out our Free Case Evaluation form and someone will get in contact with you shortly.

When semi-trucks or commercial vehicles collide with smaller passenger vehicles, the results can be catastrophic. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a truck accident, it may be in your best interest to review the incident with a licensed attorney.

Having an experienced legal team on your side can have a significant impact on the outcome of a lawsuit and our Minneapolis truck accident attorneys have a proven track record handling truck accident cases including a $1.7 million recovery for a pedestrian hit by a semi-truck and a $1.5 million verdict for a pedestrian that was struck by a garbage truck.

TSR Injury Law co-founder and managing partner Steven Terry has been included in Super Lawyers and is on the Minnesota Association for Justice Board of Governors. Partner Nate Bjerke is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates forum.

Schedule a free consultation to learn more about how we may be able to help you. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means that there are no upfront fees for our services and we only get paid at the end of the legal process if you have obtained compensation.

Free Consultation. Phone (612) TSR-TIME or locally at (612) 444-6330.

Can I File a Claim for Compensation?

Truck accident cases can be complex for a variety of reasons. As there are often many many factors involved, it is important to discuss your incident with an attorney who can help to determine if you have a valid case. Our Minneapolis truck accident attorneys have in-depth knowledge of the Minnesota laws that affect these cases and how to establish negligence caused a victim to suffer damages.

We are prepared to review claims involving various types of large trucks and commercial vehicles, such as:

… and help to determine if there are sufficient grounds to file a lawsuit. If so, we can discuss the options that may be available.

Who can be Held Liable for a Commercial Truck Accident?

Identifying the parties may be responsible for a crash can be an overwhelming task for victims as there may be more than one party involved. Besides the driver, other parties responsible for the truck, trailer or cargo could share liability for the accident that caused your injuries.

Here are some of the parties that you may be able to pursue compensation from after a commercial truck crash:

• Truck driver – Many truck accidents result from driver error. The driver of the truck in your accident may have been speeding, failing to yield the right-of-way, driving while distracted by the radio or a cellphone, tailgating another vehicle, failing to check blind spots, or engaging in some other type of reckless behavior. Some drivers drink or use drugs to cope with life on the road. Drivers could also be drowsy because they were violating regulations on the number of hours they spend behind the wheel. A growing problem with truck drivers is lack of experience, which can potentially increase the chance of a crash.
• Truck driver’s employer – The employer may also be held liable for the actions of the driver. An example of this may be due to the employer failing to properly train the driver or hiring a driver without the proper qualifications.
• Company that owned or leased the truck or trailer – If there are maintenance issues or other defects that result in an accident, these companies may bear some fault for damages that occurred.
• Cargo-loading company – If the cargo contributed to the crash, by falling out of the truck, causing a rollover, or in some other way, the company responsible for loading it could be liable for damages from the crash. Overloading cargo or not securing it properly can make the truck much more difficult for the driver to handle.
• Truck or trailer manufacturer – Various parts on the truck or trailer could malfunction or break down and contribute to a crash.

As there are many factors that contribute to truck accidents, these type of cases can be both complex and challenging. Those involved in the trucking industry and their insurance companies will attempt to deny responsibility for an accident or potentially offer a settlement amount that may be much less than a case is worth.

The licensed Minneapolis truck accident lawyers at our firm are prepared to review your situation and determine your legal options during a free consultation.

Call today (612) TSR-TIME.

How Much Could my Claim be Worth?

There are many questions our attorneys may consider to determine what a claim may be worth:

We are prepared to pursue maximum compensation for damages, if you are eligible to pursue compensation. These damages could include:

It is difficult for our Minneapolis truck accident lawyers to determine the potential value of your claim until we meet with you and have a chance to review the details of your specific incident. However, we understand the challenges truck crash victims face, including emotional, physical and financial and how important compensation can be following an accident.

Have Some Questions? Call (612) TSR-TIME.

What Can an Attorney Do to Help Me With My Claim?

The insurance companies, trucking companies, cargo companies and any other entities that share liability for the crash will all be trying to avoid responsibility for the accident. They may attempt to convince accident victims into accepting much less compensation than they may be eligible to receive.

Trying to protect your claim on your own is often challenging for injury victims – recovering and having the stress of trying to pay your bills while being unable to work can be a daunting task. Having an attorney at your side focused on your best interests with a history of obtaining results in a truck accident case can be invaluable during this difficult time.

You can call our firm today to learn more about how we pursue full compensation for truck accident victims. When investigating, our attorneys collect more than just police reports and witness statements.

For example, we may request the truck driver’s logbook. Truck drivers are required by law to keep a detailed logbook of their on-duty hours and hours driven. There are also records of maintenance performed on the truck that may provide evidence of missed repairs or other problems with the truck. These additional documents can be very useful in determining who may share liability in your accident.

Truck accident victims who work with a lawyer often recover more compensation than those who do not.

How Much Time Do I Have to File a Claim?

Regardless of what kind of commercial vehicle hit you, we encourage you to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. There is a limited amount of time to pursue compensation for your injury and evidence can be quickly lost or destroyed.

Insurance companies often have deadlines for filing claims, but there are also deadlines for filing lawsuits in Minnesota. Generally, personal injury lawsuits must be filed within just two years of the date of the accident (Minnesota statute of limitations).

Each situation is unique, so your claim may fall under one of the many exceptions to this two-year deadline. For example, claims filed by minors must be filed within two years of their 20th birthday. This is why it is so important to review the situation with a licensed attorney with a long history of pursuing personal injury compensation.

The sooner you contact a lawyer, the sooner he or she can determine whether you have a case and what your legal options may be, moving forward.

Reach us by completing a Free Evaluation form. You can also call us at (612) TSR-TIME.

Insurance Coverage That May Be Available for Truck Crash Victims

You may be eligible to pursue insurance compensation for your truck accident damages. Liable parties often have hundreds of thousands of dollars in insurance coverage, which your Minneapolis truck accident lawyer may be able to draw from.

Minnesota law in accordance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has specific insurance requirements for commercial truck drivers. The type and amount of coverage needed is determined by the type of cargo being carried and where it is being carried to.

For instance, if the truck driver is transporting cargo within the state, he or she must obtain an intrastate-only USDOT Number and maintain a minimum amount of liability insurance as follows:

What About Driving Across State Lines?

For truck drivers transporting cargo out-of-state, insurance requirements become more extensive. They are required to meet the above liability coverage and be in compliance with all FMCSA liability limits. These limits are generally between $750,000 to $1,000,000.

Insurance Coverage for Interstate Truckers

Interstate truckers or those who cross state lines are typically required to carry a minimum of $100,000 in cargo insurance. This type of insurance helps cover goods in a trailer. The amount can also change based on the type of cargo being hauled.

If a truck is financed, physical damage insurance may be required. This type of insurance helps cover the tractor or trailer from accidents while on the road.

Bobtail insurance may be required if the driver drives a truck under someone else’s trucking authority without a trailer. Generally, the motor carrier’s or trucker’s liability insurance only protects the driver while he or she is under dispatch or hauling a trailer and not for other driving scenarios. However, this type of insurance can help cover the driver if he or she was involved in an accident under the following conditions:

• After delivering cargo and on the way to pick up more cargo
• On your way to pick up the first round of cargo
• On the way home from a delivery

While bobtail insurance does not cover any physical damage done to a truck, it does help pay for costs associated with liability, such as legal fees, medical bills and settlement expenses.

You do not have to sift through insurance policies to find out what coverage applies to your accident. Our attorneys can do that on your behalf, if you hire our firm.

At TSR Injury Law, you do not have to worry about any upfront legal fees. Our Minneapolis truck accident attorneys do not get paid for our services unless you do so from a settlement or verdict. It costs nothing to let us discuss your legal options.

Reach us by phone at (612) TSR-TIME.

Trucking Industry Regulations That May Apply to Your Claim

The trucking industry has federal and state regulations from the FMCSA and the Minnesota Department of Transportation. They have numerous regulations that trucking companies, owners, and drivers must follow to ensure the safety of truck drivers and the other vehicles on the road.

Vehicle Size and Weight Limits

On state roadways, the overall width of a commercial vehicle cannot exceed more than eight feet and six inches. This does not include an additional three inches for rear side view mirrors. The standard height of a truck must be no more than 13 feet and six inches. When it comes to length limits, a semi-trailer or two-vehicle combination cannot exceed more than 53 feet. This includes no more than 75 inches for a truck-trailer with a semi-trailer as well as a two-vehicle combination other than a tractor-trailer and semi-trailer.

A truck’s maximum gross weight in Minnesota is 80,000 pounds. The legal weight of a vehicle or vehicle combination is determined by several factors, including the number of axles and type of roadway being used.

On all paved roads, the weight limits are:

• Up to 20,000 pounds for a single axle truck
• Up to 34,000 pounds for a tandem axle truck
• Up to 80,000 pounds for a vehicle combination with five or more axles

On all unpaved roads, the weight limits are:

• Up to 18,000 pounds for a single axle truck
• Up to 34,000 pounds for a tandem axle truck
• Up to 80,000 pounds for a vehicle combination with five or more axles

Hours of Service Rules

To protect against driver fatigue, which can dramatically increase the risk of an accident, truck drivers are restricted to a certain number of hours behind the wheel. These restrictions are laid out in the hours of service rules.

These rules say property-carrying drivers cannot drive:

• More than 11 hours after being off duty for 10 consecutive hours
• More than 14 hours after coming on duty following 10 consecutive hours off duty
• At all after being on duty for 60 to 70 hours over a period of seven or eight consecutive days

The FMSCA requires all truck drivers to record their hours in a logbook. This is something our Minneapolis truck accident lawyers often review after an accident to determine if rules were broken.

Drug and Alcohol Testing

Truck drivers must be tested before they are allowed to operate a commercial truck. There may also be random drug tests and rules require drug testing after certain kinds of accidents.

Trucking regulations are difficult to understand and apply to the specifics of a case. That is why many accident victims rely on an experienced Minneapolis truck accident attorney to deal with them. Our firm knows how to determine when regulations may have been violated and how to obtain evidence that may help us establish violations.

What If The Other Vehicle Was In a “No-Go Zone”?

On most large trucks, there are several areas that are considered “no-zones”, and driving in or near these areas of a truck can be extremely risky. The most dangerous no-zones areas on a truck include:

• Side no-zones: These are the most well-known and perhaps the most dangerous of all of the truck’s blind spots. These are located along either side of the truck, and usually extend from right behind the cab to the back end of the trailer. In order to avoid accidents in these no-zone areas, you should always make sure that you can see the truck driver’s face in their side mirrors. If you cannot see the driver, the driver cannot see you.
• Rear no-zone: Since most large trucks are hauling trailers, they cannot use rear-view mirrors to check for vehicles behind them. As such, when traveling behind a large truck you should remain far enough back that the driver can see you in their side mirrors.
• Front no-zone: Most trucks have an elevated cab, meaning that the driver is seated much higher than other vehicles. If you are driving a smaller passenger vehicle or motorcycle, there is a chance that a truck driver might not see you if you are located too close to the front of the truck.

Depending on the circumstances of the incident, you may still be eligible to file a claim.

Contact a Minneapolis Truck Accident Lawyer

A truck accident can be a life-changing event for all parties involved and the Minneapolis truck accident lawyers at TSR Injury Law understand the hardships victims face after a serious accident. Contacting a lawyer is an important step when trying to recover from a serious collision.

With $300,000,000 recovered for our clients, our legal team offers a free, no-obligation consultation to help determine if you have a case. Our office is located just minutes away from the Motor Vehicle/Deputy Registrar Office and we do not charge any upfront fees if we take on your case. We only get paid when you win.

Call us today at (612) TSR-TIME, locally at (612) 444-6330 or fill out our Free Case Evaluation form.

Commercial truck accidents often result in serious injuries that require a long recovery and create life-altering financial, physical and emotional damages. If you were injured in a commercial truck accident, you should strongly consider contacting an experienced truck accident attorney to discuss whether you may be eligible for compensation.

The trusted attorneys  at TSR Injury Law have a proven record of helping accident victims recover fair compensation for their injuries, including a $1.7 million settlement recovered by attorney Rich Ruohonen on behalf of a pedestrian who was hit by a semi-truck. Rich was selected for the annual Super Lawyers list by Minnesota Law & Politics magazine each year from 2003 to 2019.

We encourage you to schedule an appointment for a free initial consultation with one of our Bloomington truck accident attorneys to discuss your legal options. There is no obligation to take legal action if we determine you have a case. We work on contingency – we do not get paid unless we are successful in recovering damages for you.

Call our Bloomington legal team today at (612) TSR-TIME. We are here to answer your questions.

How Much is My Case Worth?

Our firm has more than 20 years of experience evaluating accident claims to determine what they may be worth and the damages that may be available.

Some of the damages that could be available include:

• Medical expenses – Truck accidents are often severe, causing life-changing injuries that may require surgery or long hospital stays. Even if your injuries are not permanently life-altering, you may still have costs to travel to and from doctor’s appointments, physical therapy, pay for medical treatments, prescriptions or other medical interventions.
• Lost wages – If your injuries keep you from working after the accident, medical expenses can add up very quickly. Being without your income, even temporarily, can have a devastating effect on your finances and ability to provide for your loved ones.
• Property damage – This covers damage to your vehicle or other property loss.
• Pain and suffering – This refers to the physical pain and mental suffering that can occur after a truck accident injury. Mental suffering could include things like anxiety, depression, loss of sleep and other psychological issues.
• Loss of consortium – Sometimes accident injuries hurt the victim’s relationship with his or her spouse.

Contact us at (612) TSR-TIME to discuss your legal options and the potential value of your claim.

How Much Time Do I Have to File a Claim?

Minnesota accident victims usually have just two years from the date of their accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you do not file before those two years pass, you may lose the right to file a lawsuit.

There are exceptions to this general deadline though, depending on the details of a particular case. If the victim was under the age of 18 at the time of the crash, the deadline is two years from his or her 18th birthday. There is also a much shorter deadline for cases against a government entity.

Our lawyers can review your situation in a free consultation and determine how much time you may have. The sooner you contact us, the more time we will have to help you.

Why Liability for a Truck Accident is Complicated

Statistics show that commercial truck accidents are often related to truck driver negligence, such as drowsy or impaired driving, aggressive driving or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. However, there can be other liable parties:

• Trucking companies – They could be held liable for the negligence of the driver, if he or she was an employee of the company. Trucking companies could also be held liable for breaking state or federal commercial trucking regulations.
• Owner of the commercial vehicle – These vehicles are often rented or leased to other companies. If the vehicle had a defect that contributed to the accident, the owner of the truck may bear some liability.
• Company responsible for loading the truck – If the cargo moves when it is being transported, or was incorrectly declared before being transported, or there were other problems, the company that loaded the cargo may be at fault in the accident.
• Party responsible for vehicle maintenance – Commercial trucks have a lot of moving parts that need regular maintenance. If a step gets missed or a mechanical issue is not fixed, it can lead to a dangerous accident.
• Tire manufacturer – If a tire blew out because of a design or manufacturing defect, the manufacturer may hold some liability for the crash.
• Truck manufacturer – Flaws in the design or manufacture of a truck could increase the risk of a crash.

If you have a case and hire our firm, we can sort through the liability issues that may be involved.

How Can an Attorney Assist Me After a Truck Accident?

Each case is unique and there are no guarantees, but those who hire an experienced attorney with a history of results often recover more compensation than those who do not.

There are many steps involved in investigating, from visiting the scene and reviewing medical records to preserving evidence. Accident victims are often physically unable to handle all of this and are unsure about where to begin. They also lack the financial resources to launch a comprehensive investigation.

Insurance companies are also working against you. They will be looking for any way to avoid responsibility and pay out the least possible amount of compensation.

Our Bloomington truck accident lawyers know the tricks insurance companies try to use and how to protect accident victims’ claims. Our attorneys have many years of combined experience building strong cases on behalf of injury victims.

Our firm welcomes the chance to assist you.

Insurance Policies for Commercial Truck Accidents

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has liability insurance requirements for trucking companies and vehicle operators. The minimum limit of insurance is based on the type of cargo.

Some of the insurance policies that may apply to a truck accident case include:

Our qualified attorneys can sort through the insurance issues and determine the coverages that may apply to your accident. If you have a case and your hire our attorneys, we can speak to the insurance companies on your behalf.

What Should I Do After a Truck Accident?

There are a few things you can do, if you will not be putting yourself in danger, to begin building a case:

Call 9-1-1

It is important to get first responders on the scene as soon as possible to see to the injuries of any accident victims.

Gather Evidence

If it is safe to walk around – and you are physically able to do so – take pictures of the damage to your vehicle, the condition of the road, any debris or tire tracks from the accident and the damage to the truck. Sometimes damage to the truck can indicate how an accident occurred and help to prove the driver was liable for the accident.

Get a Statement From Witnesses

It is also a good idea to see if there were any witnesses to your accident and try to speak with them to find out what they saw. If they are willing to give you their information, take down their contact details so your attorney can follow up with them later.

Seek Medical Care

Whether or not you are in pain or see any visible signs of injury, it is important for your health and safety that you seek medical attention after an accident. Some injuries, like a traumatic brain injury, internal bleeding, a sprained neck or even broken bones may not be initially apparent.

Be Wary of Insurance Adjusters on the Scene

Trucking companies will often get their insurance representatives and other company officials on the scene as quickly as they can.

If they come talk to you, limit what you say. Do not say anything that could sound like an admission of fault, such as apologizing or saying that you feel guilty. Do not say that you are not hurt either, because you do not yet know the extent of your injuries. This is all information that an insurance company for the at-fault party could use to reduce or deny your claim for damages.

After receiving medical treatment, we encourage you to not delay contacting TSR Injury Law to discuss your claim.

Fill out our Free Case Evaluation form or call a Bloomington truck accident attorney now at (612) TSR-TIME.

Laws That Regulate the Trucking Industry

There are both federal and state laws that trucking companies and drivers must follow.

Federal law limits the number of hours drivers can be on the road. Drivers are not allowed to drive for more than 11 hours after being off duty for 10 consecutive hours. Additionally, drivers are not permitted to operate a commercial vehicle after driving 60-70 hours over seven or eight consecutive days.

TSR Injury Law’s Bloomington truck accident attorneys have in-depth understanding and knowledge of trucking industry regulations and how to find evidence to prove regulations were broken in an accident.

Phone: (612) TSR-TIME. We can discuss more of the benefits of working with our experienced law firm.

Common Types of Truck Accidents

Some of the most common truck crashes that lead to injury claims include:

• Jackknife accidents – These may happen if the brakes of a truck lock up, sending the vehicle into a skid. The motion causes the trailer to swing out to form a 90-degree angle to the cab.
• Head-on collisions – Head-on collisions are particularly deadly and often happen when a motorist is driving impaired.
• Rollover crashes – A commercial vehicle may go into a rollover if a truck driver was going too fast and lost control of the vehicle.
• Blind-spot accidents – Trucks have huge blind spots, which is why most commercial vehicles have a notice on the truck to warn other motorists.
• Rear-end accidents – A truck may rear-end a vehicle if the driver was traveling too fast or neglected to leave enough distance between his or her vehicle and those in front.
• T-bone accidents – A severe side-impact accident may happen if a truck fails to come to a complete stop, runs a red light or fails to yield right of way.
• Underride crashes –This happens when a smaller vehicle collides with a truck from behind, causing the smaller vehicle to be forced under the trailer during the crash.

Types of Commercial Vehicles

If you were injured in a crash with any of these vehicles, contact our attorneys today for a free consultation:

Injuries That May Require Long-Term Medical Care

Truck accidents often result in injuries that are serious or life-changing:

If you have suffered severe injuries from a truck accident, our attorneys are prepared to help.

Contact a Bloomington Truck Accident Lawyer

Our legal team has been representing accident victims in Bloomington for more than two decades, recovering $300 million in compensation.

We can answer your legal questions in a free consultation and determine if you may be eligible to pursue compensation for the damages you have suffered. When you set up a consultation at TSR Injury Law, there are no out-of-pocket costs for you. The initial consultation is a free and confidential discussion about your claim.

We accept truck accident injury claims on a contingency basis, and we charge no upfront legal fees if we represent you. We are not paid unless our clients receive compensation.

Our office in Minneapolis is located at 7760 France Ave South, just six minutes from M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital. You can also call us or reach us online 24/7.

Free consultation. Phone: (612) TSR-TIME or complete our Free Case Evaluation form online.