Snowplows keep Minnesota roads safer during winter storms, but these massive vehicles can also cause devastating crashes and severe, life-altering injuries. If a snowplow hits your vehicle, trying to assess who’s to blame and responsible for your damages is confusing, especially if you are simultaneously dealing with medical treatments and recovering from your injuries.
At TSR Injury Law, we fully understand the unique challenges you face after a snowplow crash in Minnesota. We help injured drivers navigate complex insurance claims every day, and we are prepared to help you understand your legal options in this situation – including who should pay for your damages.
When we manage your case, our knowledgeable car crash attorneys in Minnesota will fully investigate the circumstances leading up to the incident that injured you and fight for the full compensation you need and deserve.
Call our trusted Minnesota law firm today for a free case review. (612) TSR-TIME.
Who Is to Blame for a Car Crash Involving a Snowplow in Minnesota?
Determining fault after a snowplow crash depends on who owns and operates the snowplow. Several different parties may be responsible for your injuries and vehicle damage. Understanding who owns the snowplow helps you identify the right party to pursue for compensation.
Potential liable parties include:
- Private Snowplow Company: Some municipalities hire private contractors to handle snow removal on certain roads and highways.
- Minnesota Department of Transportation: MnDOT operates snowplows on state highways and interstate roads throughout Minnesota.
- Individual Snowplow Operator: The driver may be personally liable if they acted recklessly or drove under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Property Owner: Private property owners who hire snowplow services for parking lots and private roads may share responsibility for crashes.
- City or County Government: Minnesota cities and counties operate most snowplows that clear public roads during winter storms.
We examine every aspect of your crash with a Minnesota snowplow to identify all responsible parties. This process ensures you are seeking compensation from the correct source and maximizing your potential recovery.
Does My No-Fault Car Insurance Provide Compensation and Benefits If I Am Hit by a Snowplow?
Yes. As with other types of traffic incidents, your Minnesota no-fault insurance provides immediate benefits after any crash. This insurance applies no matter who is determined to be at fault, even if your crash was caused by a snowplow hitting your vehicle. Your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage pays for your initial medical costs and a portion of your lost wages regardless. This immediate coverage helps you get the treatment you need quickly and without waiting for the investigation to conclude.
No-fault insurance has limits that may not cover all your damages. But if your injuries meet certain thresholds set by the state, you may be able to step outside of the no-fault system and file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. We would be honored to help you understand your legal options, including whether you may be eligible to seek additional compensation for your damages.
Do I Sue the Snowplow Operator, The Snowplow Company, or the City for Damages?
It depends on several factors, including who employed the snowplow driver and how the crash occurred. Minnesota law treats claims against government entities differently than claims against private companies. We can investigate the ownership and employment relationship to determine the correct defendant for your case.
Holding Individual Operators Accountable
Snowplow drivers can be personally liable for crashes caused by reckless behavior. Examples include driving under the influence, excessive speeding, or intentional misconduct. We investigate the crash and evaluate whether pursuing the individual driver makes sense alongside other potential defendants.
Filing Claims Against Private Snowplow Companies
Private companies don’t have the same legal protections as government entities. You can pursue compensation through standard personal injury claims if a private contractor’s snowplow hit you. These cases often involve both the company and their insurance carrier.
Suing a City or County in Minnesota
Government entities have special protections under Minnesota law called sovereign immunity. This legal doctrine limits when and how you can sue a city or county for damages. However, exceptions exist, such as if a government employee is reckless or negligent while performing their duties.
You must follow strict requirements when filing claims against Minnesota government entities. A 180-day notice often applies, but there are various nuances and exceptions. Speak to a lawyer to determine what deadline may apply to your situation. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your claim regardless of how strong your case may be.
Pursuing Multiple Parties for Maximum Recovery
Some snowplow crashes may involve multiple responsible parties. A private company may share liability with a government entity if both parties contributed to the crash. At TSR Injury Law, our highly qualified legal team thoroughly examines all contributing factors and identifies all liable parties to ensure you receive full compensation for your injuries and losses.
Common Causes of Crashes Involving Snowplows in Minnesota
Snowplow crashes occur for reasons that are far different from typical vehicle collisions. These large vehicles operate under dangerous conditions and have unique characteristics that increase crash risk. These are some of the common causes where a snowplow operator acted negligently and the end result was a crash.
- Limited Visibility From Snow Spray: Snowplows create clouds of snow that block the driver’s view and make it hard for other drivers to see the plow.
- Wide Turning Radius: These massive vehicles need extra space to turn and often swing into adjacent lanes without warning.
- Plow Blades Extending Beyond the Vehicle: The plow blade can strike vehicles in neighboring lanes even when the snowplow body stays in its lane.
- Backing Up Without Proper Precautions: Snowplow operators sometimes reverse without checking for traffic or using adequate warning signals.
- Excessive Speed for Conditions: Driving too fast for icy or snow-covered roads reduces the operator’s ability to stop or avoid collisions.
- Failure to Yield Right of Way: Some snowplow drivers assume other vehicles will always move out of their path and fail to yield when required.
- Distracted Driving: Operating complex plow controls while driving can distract operators from watching the road and surrounding traffic.
- Inexperienced Operators: Drivers without proper training or experience may misjudge distances, handle the equipment poorly, or make dangerous decisions during storms.
- Poor Maintenance of Equipment: Broken lights, faulty brakes, or malfunctioning plow controls can cause crashes when equipment fails during operation.
Does Vicarious Liability Apply to a Crash Caused by a Negligent Snowplow Driver in Minnesota?
Yes, vicarious liability may apply when a snowplow driver causes a crash while working. This legal principle holds employers responsible for their employees’ negligent actions during work hours. We understand when vicarious liability may apply to your situation and are prepared to help you identify who should pay for your damages in Minnesota.
When Employers Are Responsible for Driver Actions
Employers must answer for crashes their employees cause while performing job duties. A city, county, or private company cannot escape liability by blaming only the driver. This rule applies whether the snowplow operator made a simple mistake or acted carelessly.
The Scope of Employment Requirement
Vicarious liability only applies when the driver was acting within their job responsibilities. A snowplow operator removing snow from assigned routes clearly falls within their employment scope. However, liability becomes complicated if the driver was using the vehicle for personal reasons.
Independent Contractors vs. Employees
Minnesota law treats independent contractors differently than employees for liability purposes. Some snowplow operators work as independent contractors rather than direct employees. We investigate the employment relationship to determine if vicarious liability applies to your case.
Why This Matters for Your Compensation
Pursuing the employer rather than just the driver often leads to better compensation. Companies and government entities typically have larger insurance policies and more resources than individual drivers. We identify all liable parties to maximize your recovery after a snowplow crash in Minnesota.
Why You Need Legal Help to Manage Your Car vs Snowplow Injury Case
Insurance companies often deny or undervalue snowplow crash claims. They may argue the driver acted properly given the weather conditions or that you share fault for the collision. We gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case that proves negligence occurred.
Our legal team at TSR Injury Law knows how to overcome the unique obstacles in snowplow crash cases. We have deep knowledge of Minnesota traffic laws, government liability rules, and insurance claim procedures. Let our experience help you avoid the costly mistakes that could reduce or eliminate your compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crashes Involving Snowplows
Is Minnesota a no-fault state for car crashes involving a snowplow?
Yes, Minnesota is a no-fault state for all car crashes including those involving snowplows. Your Personal Injury Protection coverage pays your initial medical bills and lost wages regardless of fault. However, you may also be able to pursue additional compensation outside the no-fault system if your injuries are serious or permanent.
What should I do if a snowplow hits my car in Minnesota?
Move to a safe location if possible and call 911 immediately. Do not try to exit the vehicle to take photos as you could be putting yourself in harm’s way. If you are able to do so, take photos of the crash scene from inside your vehicle.
Seek medical attention even if you feel fine because some injuries delay appearing for hours or even days later. Report the crash to your insurance company and contact TSR Injury Law before giving any recorded statements. We protect your rights and guide you through every step of the claims process.
Were You Hit by a Snowplow in Minnesota? Call TSR Injury Law for Legal Help Today
At TSR Injury Law, we are ready to work tirelessly to investigate your case, identify all responsible parties, and handle negotiations with insurance companies and government entities. Our team knows how to build compelling injury cases that overcome any disputes, complexities, and obstacles that may arise.
Don’t let time run out on your claim. Minnesota law imposes deadlines for filing claims, and if you miss those deadlines, you will likely be barred from recovering any compensation for your injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn what legal options may apply to your snowplow crash case.
Let us protect your rights. Call Our Minnesota car crash lawyers today. (612) TSR-TIME
