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Minnesota Truck Accident Lawyers

We represent people injured in commercial truck accidents throughout Minnesota

If you’ve been injured in a crash with a semi-truck or other commercial vehicle, you’re likely facing a long road to recovery. You may be dealing with painful injuries, time lost from work, high medical bills, and stress. On top of that, the trucking company and its insurance team may already be trying to protect themselves, leaving you confused and overwhelmed. At Bradshaw & Bryant, we understand the devastation of commercial truck accidents. That’s why we fight for the rights of people injured in truck crashes across Minnesota. Our experienced team knows how to hold trucking companies and their insurers accountable, so you can focus on healing and moving forward with your life.

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How can we help you?

Why are truck accidents different from car accidents?

All traffic accidents are serious, but truck accidents are often much more dangerous than collisions between passenger cars. This is because commercial trucks, like 18-wheelers, delivery trucks, and tankers, can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. The sheer size and weight of these vehicles make any crash potentially deadly.

When a truck collides with a smaller vehicle, it’s usually the people in the car who suffer the worst injuries. Common injuries in truck accidents include:

Because these injuries are often so severe, truck accident victims typically face higher medical costs, longer recovery times, and greater emotional trauma. That’s why having the right legal team is so important.

How often do truck accidents happen in Minnesota?

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety reports 4,797 commercial truck accidents in 2022. These resulted in 65 fatalities, with 1,284 people injured. They further note that “In two-vehicle collisions, heavier vehicles have the clear safety advantage. Only 8 of the 55 people killed in truck-involved multiple vehicle crashes were in trucks. Of the 1,054 people injured in multi-vehicle collisions, only 141 (11%) were truck occupants.”

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What causes truck accidents in Minnesota?

Truck drivers and trucking companies must follow strict safety rules. But not everyone follows the law. And, when drivers or companies cut corners, people can get hurt or even killed. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include the following:

  • Truck drivers often work long hours. Despite federal rules limiting how long they can drive, some may break the rules or feel pressured by employers to meet tight deadlines. Drowsy driving is dangerous and can lead to deadly crashes.
  • Large trucks need more time to stop. When a truck is speeding, it’s harder for the driver to react safely.
  • Texting, using a GPS, eating behind the wheel, or otherwise engaging in distracted driving can take a truck driver’s attention off the road.
  • Trucks need regular maintenance checks for brakes, tires, lights, and other critical parts. A mechanical failure can cause a serious accident.
  • If overloaded or imbalanced cargo shifts or if the truck is carrying too much weight, it can cause the driver to lose control.
  • Drugs and alcohol are illegal for all drivers, but for commercial drivers, the rules are even stricter.
  • Operating a big rig isn’t easy. Drivers need proper training, and companies must make sure that they hire qualified and safe individuals.

Who is liable for my Minnesota truck accident?

Truck accident cases are often more complicated than regular car crashes because multiple parties are often involved. In Minnesota, one or more of the following can be held liable:

  • The truck driver, if they were speeding, distracted, intoxicated, or otherwise negligent.
  • The trucking company, if the company failed to train the driver, forced them to drive long hours, or didn’t maintain the vehicle.
  • The cargo loading company, if improperly loaded cargo caused or contributed to the crash.
  • Truck or parts manufacturers, if defective equipment played a part in the accident.
  • Maintenance companies, if a repair shop failed to properly service the truck.

This is why it’s so important to have an attorney who knows how to investigate truck accidents. At Bradshaw & Bryant, we work with accident reconstruction experts, review black box data, and look at trucking logs to find out what really happened.

What should I do after a truck accident in Minnesota?

Being involved in a truck accident can be chaotic and traumatic. If you or a loved one is injured in a crash, here are a few steps you can take to protect yourself.

  • Call 911 right away. Emergency help is needed for serious injuries. The police report will also be important for your case later on.
  • Get medical attention. Even if you feel okay, some injuries may show up later. Always get checked out by a medical professional.
  • Take photos if you can. Pictures of the scene, damage, and injuries can help your case.
  • Careful communicating with the trucking company or their insurer. Avoid giving recorded statements or signing anything from the trucking company or their insurer without speaking to your lawyer first.
  • Call a Minnesota truck accident lawyer at Bradshaw & Bryant. The sooner you get legal help, the better. We can start protecting your rights immediately.
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What is the value of my Minnesota truck accident case?

If the truck driver or trucking company was at fault for your accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation for things like:

  • Medical bills (current and future)
  • Lost wages or loss of earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Property damage
  • Permanent disability
  • Wrongful death damages, if you lost a loved one

At Bradshaw & Bryant, we look at how the accident has affected every area of your life. Then, we fight for full and proper compensation.

How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Minnesota?

Under Minnesota law, the deadline (also called the statute of limitations ) for most personal injury claims, including truck accidents, is six years from the date of the crash. If the accident resulted in death, the statute of limitations for a wrongful death claim is three years from the date of the death and no more than six years from the act that caused the death.

However, it’s best to act quickly. Evidence can disappear, witnesses can forget what they saw, and trucking companies may destroy records if not told to preserve them. If you call us early, we can take the right steps to secure the proof you need.

Why choose Bradshaw & Bryant for my Minnesota truck accident case?

We know you have a lot of choices when it comes to legal help, but here’s why so many Minnesotans turn to Bradshaw & Bryant after a truck accident:

  • We’ve handled all kinds of serious truck accident cases across Minnesota, from rural highways to busy city streets. We know trucking laws and how to take on big insurance companies.
  • We don’t treat you like a case number. We listen, answer your questions, and keep you informed every step of the way throughout the legal process.
  • We work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you don’t pay anything unless we recover money for you.
  • Our track record speaks for itself. We’ve helped countless clients secure the compensation they need and deserve after a devastating truck crash.

Do you have a Minnesota truck accident lawyer near me?

Bradshaw & Bryant proudly serves clients throughout the state from our offices located at 1505 Division St, Waite Park, MN 56387, and 701 Xenia Ave. S., Golden Valley, MN 55416. We also offer virtual consultations or travel to meet with seriously injured clients if needed. If you’re in Minnesota and injured, reach out to us.

Let’s talk. Reach out to our experienced Minnesota truck accident attorneys today

If you or someone you love has been hurt in a truck crash, don’t try to face it alone. The trucking company will have a team of lawyers—you should have a team too. Contact Bradshaw & Bryant today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We can review your case, explain your options, and let you know how we can help. We’re proud to serve people across Minnesota, and we’re ready to stand up for you. Call us now or fill out our contact form to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.