Truck Accident Attorney in Anoka, Minnesota

Accidents involving large trucks, tractor-trailers, semi-trucks, 18-wheeler trucks and other automobiles or road users are often devastating. Due to their heavy weights and sizes, victims of truck accidents may suffer severe or catastrophic injuries, temporary or permanent incapacitation, or sometimes death. If you or someone close to you were involved in a truck accident caused by someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to pursue fair financial compensation. 

At the Law Offices of Robert N. Edwards, I'm poised and ready to support and represent clients in their truck accident claims. As an experienced Minnesota personal injury attorney, I know how to fight vigorously for your legal rights, hold the negligent party responsible, and help you pursue the financial justice you're entitled to. 

My firm, the Law Offices of Robert N. Edwards, proudly represents clients across Anoka, Minnesota, and the surrounding areas throughout Anoka County and Sherburne County. Contact my office today to schedule a consultation and share your story. 

Minnesota Laws Affecting Truck Accidents

According to Minnesota law, a driver involved in a traffic accident that involved injury or death to a person or property damage of more than $1,000 must complete the Minnesota Motor Vehicle Crash Report form. In addition, the driver must stop to render reasonable assistance to individuals injured in the truck accident, such as transporting the accident victims to the hospital.

The following covers some laws and regulations addressing truck drivers and trucking in Minnesota: 

• All truck drivers must have a current, valid driver's license, copy of the vehicle's registration, proof of vehicle insurance, a record of duty status, vehicle insurance, U.S. DOT number, and other vital documents. 

• The truck must have proper vehicle identification, annual inspection, properly secured load, fire extinguisher, warning triangles, and extra fuses. 

• Drivers of passenger carrier trucks are only allowed 10 hours of driving time after eight consecutive hours off-duty. 

• Drivers of property carrier trucks are not permitted to drive after more than 11 cumulative hours following 10 consecutive hours off-duty. 

• Regular vehicle inspection, repair, and maintenance are required for trucks, and the truck driver must keep an accurate record. 

Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitation for personal injury claims in Minnesota is generally two years, but for victims of car collisions, truck accidents, and other auto accidents, the deadline for filing is six years. This means that you have six years to file a civil action, starting from the date the truck accident or injury occurred. 

Assessing Liability in a Truck Accident

However, a number of different individuals or entities may be held responsible for a truck accident, depending on the surrounding circumstances and events which led to the incident. These include: 

• the truck driver 

• the trucking company 

• the truck manufacturers 

• maintenance personnel or company 

• parts and equipment manufacturers 

• the cargo loaders – the persons who loaded or shipped the cargo 

• the loading company – the company that makes sure that containers or equipment are well-balanced, fastened, and properly secured 

• government agencies who failed to properly maintain or repair the road 

An experienced Minnesota truck accident lawyer can review every detail of your unique circumstance, determine the liable party or parties, and help file your accident claims. 

Filing a Personal Injury Claim

Minnesota is a "no-fault" state for auto accidents. This means that the accident victim will turn to their own insurance policy (Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage) to recover benefits for medical expenses, lost income, and other out-of-pocket costs, regardless of the at-fault party. The PIP insurance will cover the policyholder, their children and spouse, relatives living in their home, and passengers in the vehicle. 

Stepping Outside the "No Fault" System in Minnesota

However, you may be able to step outside the Minnesota no-fault system and file a third-party claim or lawsuit against the at-fault truck driver if your injuries meet a specific threshold. These include: 

• You suffered at least $4,000 in reasonable medical expenses due to the accident. 

• You suffered a permanent injury, 60 days of disability, or permanent disfigurement due to the accident. 

To navigate your case in the most effective way, be sure to work with a trusted truck accident lawyer in your area. 

Filing a Wrongful Death Claim

However, if the truck accident or resulting injuries caused the victim's death, their surviving loved ones may be eligible to pursue a wrongful death claim. Under Minnesota laws, a surviving spouse or any ‘next of kin’ of the decedent will appoint a trustee to file a wrongful death claim, recover damages, and distribute to beneficiaries. 

How Legal Counsel Can Help

Being involved in a negligent truck accident or losing a family member can be overwhelming and can affect you physically, financially, and emotionally. Regardless, you don't have to go through the financial liability and pain all alone. Therefore, you need to retain a skilled personal injury attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and help you pursue your rightful compensation. 

Here at my firm, I have devoted my career to handling personal injury cases and advocating for the best interests of truck accident victims and their loved ones. Using my in-depth legal understanding, I can guide you through the complex procedures involved in filing truck accident claims and seeking damages. Above all, I will fight zealously for your legal rights and help you hold the liable parties accountable for your injuries, damages, and losses.